The Online + Offline Balance

Our online presence gives us the opportunity to be bigger and better than ourselves. However, it's a dangerous game. One can easily lose sense of what's real and what really matters. 

This blog is my attempt of teaching you to balance your time online and away from screens—the dance between our tangible and virtual selves!

1. Share Charisma

Whether I meet you in person or via your latest post, you should always honor your true self. I say always share charisma—the best parts of your true character. 

Whether online or offline, the two components you’re always going to need to build your brand (and stay happy behind the headshot) are authenticity and strategy.  Share yourself… but authentically and strategically.

There is no one else like you. Never forget you’re your greatest asset. Share charisma—online and offline.

2. Nurture Relationships

With the global rise of the internet, social media and mobile technology, our world has been forever changed. Time and distance don’t really separate us anymore. 

With the instant and scaled communication that social media and email afford us, we can now create and sustain thousands of connections. 

Unfortunately, we're replacing true human connection (face-to-face interactions) with digital shortcuts. 

Check out this short film, The Innovation of Loneliness. 

No matter how far your star rises, do not forsake your true friends for followers. 

It’s impossible to be everything for everyone everywhere. It's important to be something for someone somewhere.  

You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Pick those people. Make time for them. Real relationships have the ability to define your résumé. Opportunities always come from people—not always from social media. 

You know that say "it's not what you know, it's who you know?" It's also who really knows you. The key is to be a real, good human. Nurture relationships—online and offline.

3. Manage Time

When you start to take your brand seriously, it's easy to want to check-in at all times and engage instantly—whether on text, social, email.

The truth is that it's easy to get overwhelmed, immersed or distracted by your phone. That doesn't do well for creating positive offline impressions and relationships. 

When you're offline, be offline. Live in the moment. Just be. Capture one moment and share it later. 

Stay focused on your goals and work towards them daily. Manage your time wisely—online and offline.