Leap of faith

[KTC]

I have a small company. For the past few years one of our forms of advertising has been social media - Facebook and Instagram. I have struggled with the fact that by being on these platforms I am supporting them and have thought many times about taking the leap and getting off but I have been scared. What if I lose clients? What is people can't find me? What if my competitors take over?
Well, today I've done it - I've taken that leap of faith and am no longer walking alongside what I see as the enemy. Yes I am still scared but I also feel free.
I posted on my IG and FB page today that the accounts will be disabled in 24 hours. I've also sent an email out to our 1800 customers that we are no longer on social media and I will instead be sending out a fortnightly newsletter including free videos, information on events in studio and anything relevant to our community. I have let my community know that as an advocate for all things healthy, we are making the move because of the known negative effects of social media on our mental and emotional wellbeing. My first couple of newsletters will include info on the documentary Childhood 2.0 and some info on health related to screen time.
While part of me is nervous that I am committing business suicide, I am also conscious about creating the World that I want to live in and the future that I want for our children and that definitely does not include social media.
I am sharing this here primarily for support. I feel vulnerable but courageous - strong but unsteady. Most of my friends are also small biz owners and they say I'm crazy but I can not put money ahead of conscience. I can only do what I know is right, even if it is so far from others beliefs or understandings.
I'll update in a couple of weeks whether or not my business sails off the edge of the Earth

 

[Deleted member 4737]

I think what you are doing is awesome. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[herondancer]

I posted on my IG and FB page today that the accounts will be disabled in 24 hours. I've also sent an email out to our 1800 customers that we are no longer on social media and I will instead be sending out a fortnightly newsletter including free videos, information on events in studio and anything relevant to our community. I have let my community know that as an advocate for all things healthy, we are making the move because of the known negative effects of social media on our mental and emotional wellbeing. My first couple of newsletters will include info on the documentary Childhood 2.0 and some info on health related to screen time.

Also best of luck!

You've communicated your reasons to your customers very well, and made sure they know you will still keep them as well informed of your activities as before. Maybe even better. Would you be able to offer some sort of incentive to your customers to help grow your new format, i.e. if they refer someone to your mailing list, both for the new sale and the referrer? Old school strategy, but it works.

I can not put money ahead of conscience. I can only do what I know is right, even if it is so far from others beliefs or understandings.

The very best reason of all.

There was a guy who was running an IT company who looked at studies on what level of income produced the most sense of well-being. His employees' welfare as people was very important to him so he decided to take a personal paycut and start paying everyone this minimum salary, about $70K/yr, even the entry level positions . Everyone thought he was nuts. But productivity and profits went through the roof for him.

CEO slashes salary again to raise employees’ pay to $70K

Just four years ago, a CEO of the credit card processing company Gravity Payments whittled his salary in order to raise his employees’ pay- now, he's doing it again.

www.foxbusiness.com

I realize this is not exactly an analogous situation. My point is he made, and you are making a bold move because it aligns with your sense of values and purpose. How can the Universe not smile on that?

 

[SevenFeathers]

Before the internet, I used to receive newsletters all the time! I loved getting them and reading the "latest" updates on heath, politics, etc. And being able to buy things from a company that either sent the newsletter or advertised there was a great bonus. I wish you much success.

 

[Tuulikki]

While part of me is nervous that I am committing business suicide, I am also conscious about creating the World that I want to live in and the future that I want for our children and that definitely does not include social media.

That is an incredibly brave move and I salute you. I have a small presence on instagram and pinterest but steer clear of the rest. There are so many vicious comments made on social media. Facebook and Twitter can be toxic. People have no filters as they would in other forms of face to face interactions and can cause incredible harm to the vulnerable. I hope the Universe shines on you.

 

[cassandra]

Much success to you and I admire your courage and faith! Perhaps this great leap of faith will inspire and embolden myself and others to follow suit and become more independent, creative and risk-taking. Good luck!

 

[Recto]

Best of luck in this endeavor of facingin the unkown !

I'm sure the strength of heart needed to take such decision will be able to overcome any future hurdles (that and knowledge of course ).
I don't know the nature of your business, yet it may be that the censorship waves intensifying on social media could be a cause of concern as well. Better leave of your own accord with a plan/strategy in mind, rather than being at the mercy of the silicon valley lunatics.

 

[Il Matto]

I have let my community know that as an advocate for all things healthy, we are making the move because of the known negative effects of social media on our mental and emotional wellbeing. My first couple of newsletters will include info on the documentary Childhood 2.0 and some info on health related to screen time.

Kudos on the bold move KTC, and for advocating such a worthwhile message that needs to be heard.
Sincerely, I hope that your feelings of vulnerability and unsteadiness dissipate quickly.

I absolutely agree with herondancer; your reasons for starting on this adventure are the best of all.