Summer Social Media Marketing Break - Or Not

You are on the beach, listening to the soft summer breeze tickle the leaves. Birds chirp while you hear reggae music playing in the distance. You nuzzle your face into a fluffy and most comfortable beach towel, one you picked out especially for this trip.

This is your break, your get-away-from-the-everyday. Time off for you that is well deserved, hard earned, and greatly appreciated. As a business owner, you wear many hats; and, if only for a fleeting moment, your head is now bear.

Reaching up in the hot sun, you scratch your bear head. The sun is so hot, a drop of perspiration trickles down your temple. Extending your lazy arm, you find your drink of choice. It is at that moment where you think, "omg, did I cover all of the bases before I vacay-ted the office?" A momentary tummy twinge of anxiety passes as you go over the checklist in your head. Questioning yourself if you properly filled in the work-gaps while you are away. This is normal.

On your trip, be sure to leave the self-doubt behind; after all, it will not fit in your suitcase! If you experience something worth telling your clients about, make a note of it. Inspiration for great business ideas sometimes comes from the most unlikely sources. Take the opportunity to be down like Twitter. The moments where you are 100% captive to the world around you teaches and reminds you that complete focus is very important to practice. Escape refreshes you and gets you back on track.

Keep in mind that here are quite a few apps that can help you plan ahead. HootSuite and TweetDeck allow you to schedule your social media announcement ahead. If you know your travel itinerary, you can coincide your tweets saying "I am at the beach, getting some sandy inspiration." Remember to be careful. Decide whether or not to tell your fans and followers that you are away. My best practice for this is to save the exciting trip news for a post-tweet. Who knows who is following you, right?

If you are like me, and hold more of an entrepreneurial spirit, you will watch for new ideas and ways to upgrade and improve your business while on vacation. Use this opportunity to be a better owner. Whether you are reading RSS feeds as you sit at your desk at home, or are analyzing if the service at your resort is meeting your expectations, exercising the skill of observation is very important. Ask yourself if you are offering the same level of service as your competition. Regardless of location, compare it with what you offer. You may be surprised with the answer.

Some things that you already pack for a trip that can be used as marketing observation tools are:

1. Notebook/Pen: Use these tools to write down connection information and new business relationship information. Write down spontaneous ideas, thoughts and drawings. Journal some of the events. You can use this in the content of your blog or website if you have one.
2. Cell Phone: Use your phone to take pics of sores you see or locations you map. Anything that appeals to you, snap it. You may see that when you get home, that these images form a pattern. Call some locals and see what they offer in relation to your product/service.
3. Maps: Use your maps to set out a day of exploring the commercial section of your destination and chat with the shop owners while your family & friends shop. You may bring home a tidbit that helps you market better.
4. YOU: Do not forget to ask. Asking will likely get the most direct answer to you questions. Get the locals business cards. Build some valuable contacts. Meet a new supplier. Your resort mates may be exactly the source you have been looking for. Meet people and ask questions. Watch for opportunity.

You are your own business catalyst. Make something happen, create fruitful journey. Let the perspiration become inspiration.

Cyndy Robinson is a Communications Coordinator and Social Media Strategist. She helps businesses realize their marketing potentials at http://www.webdocdev.com. Here you can sign up for "Blerbb!", a monthly business ezine/newsletter and voice your communications too! It has valuable tips for entrepreneurs and business owners.