Social Media from Nurse Lulu's Clowning on a Budget

Although I am aware of the usefulness of social media, I have never been a big fan.  I’ve  tried having a personal social media presence several times, but it’s just not something I wanted to spend time on.  When I began my solo clowning at a new hospital, a local news channel was going to do a short piece on my being that hospital’s first resident clown and they requested information about my website and social media.  I realized that some kind of social media presence was probably a necessary thing to have if news of my service was to spread throughout the hospital or if teens asked to “follow” me.

I have since accepted that it is an effective way of communicating with people who are not going to navigate through a boring web page, and I could update it more easily and more frequently.  I use my Instagram account to demonstrate magic tricks, teach simple juggling, announce my posts in the Clown Antics blog, and update followers on my hospital clowning and other artistic projects.  What I avoid doing as much as possible is...almost everything else!

There may be some hint of my likes, family life, opinions or beliefs on my Instagram page, but for the most part, I keep it for my art.  I try not to include people who have not given permission to mention their names or show their faces.  I also try not to include too much detail on personal events or professional organizations that I’m not affiliated with.  I do not use any language or wear clothing that can be offensive or is too political.  I also avoid posing in any way that can be considered unacceptable in a family-friendly environment.

If you are to use social media in a professional capacity, it is good practice to have a separate account to use as a private person if you really want to express your opinions and show personal photos.  Build a good clown reputation; there are enough scary clowns out there already!