Has analysis paralysis got you hiding behind your own ideas?

How often have you had a fantastic idea for your business only to get bogged down in the planning phase? You are so involved in trying to get your head around ALL the moving parts of your plan (as is all too common for us small business owners!) that you get what is called 'analysis paralysis'.

What is this, I hear you asking? Analysis paralysis is when you become so intent on over-thinking or overanalysing a situation or plan that all forward action is halted. You can become so intent on making sure every aspect of your plan is perfect, it can delay a project significantly or even indefinitely.

One of the most commonly found examples of this is when it comes to implementing a social media plan, which is what I'm going to focus on now.

Rather than embracing 'progress not perfection' as our motto, we allow ourselves (and I put my hand up for this one) to get caught up in comparison - with other industry professionals, influencers and local small businesses. It’s all too easy to decide we can’t compete but we must remember that we don’t know what their resources are - do they have an unlimited budget for graphic design, can they outsource their social media planning? So let’s try not to fall into the comparison rabbit hole.

With each social platform constantly evolving, it’s so easy to give in to tech overwhelm - reels, stories, lives…oh my gosh! So often we flinch away from the actual task at hand, which is showing up on socials and staying true to who we really are. Now, I know that last one might sound a little woo-woo but think about it - you are what sets your business apart from the other's in your field. Doesn't it make sense that we use that to our advantage?

I've got 3 tips to help you break free of analysis paralysis. 

1. Have a business level goal


Pick a service or product that your business offers and build your social media plan around that for a set period of time. This allows you to see the tangible results from bookings or sales for a particular product, not just trying to measure likes and comments on a feed post. For example, in April I’ve decided to use my Launch Mode ‘Let’s Get Social’ offer as my business level goal. I’ll be able to measure the results of my social media planning efforts by either the increase or decrease in interest and sales of this particular service.


2. Get your face in your feed


This might be the scariest step to some but as I said above, you are what your sets your business apart. Think of this as another step of getting your customers to know, like and trust you. It's the equivalent of shaking their hands when they walk into your showroom. I know you know your stuff - so it’s time to show it to your customers. It could be as simple as popping into your feed to introduce yourself, answer frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) or spotlighting what’s new in store.

3. Keep it simple


Don't worry about getting too fancy right away - you don't need the perfect background for video, a face full of make up or to know how to use automatic text. Just keep your business level goal in mind to keep you on track and dive in. I understand exactly how easy it is to keep trying for that perfect video (I’m a recovering perfectionist!). To combat this, I now go LIVE instead of pre-recording. I know that whatever is done LIVE is already out there and there is no re-do required. So take a breath and keep that product or service in mind. Staying true to that will help keep you on the right track.

So now that you can identify analysis paralysis and have three tips to help you combat it when it shows up in your business, you are well equipped to taking control of your social media content planning. If you are still feeling a little hesitant or just want that extra planning tool at your disposal, email me at hello@meredithpaige.me . I want to share 6 very specific kinds of posts you can create that guide you towards making that plan, which then gives you a nice batch of content to schedule - and even more importantly, helps you say goodbye to analysis paralysis.