This is why no one "likes" you

Don't take it personally. It's just personal. And what I mean is that not everyone is going to "like" your facebook page. And there can be a number of reasons.

As someone who works with a number of clients in health and wellness, and that extends to therapists, psychologists, and social workers, many realize that despite what seems like everyone sharing a little to much information on social media, there are some things that are best kept private.

While this hasn't stopped anyone from having an online presence, designed for clients to better understand their services, make appointments, or check hours and insurance policies, it has stopped them from reaching out to far.

So what is to far? Perhaps it's a facebook page. Many therapists know that there is a confidentiality issue (as well as legal issues) and that their clients don't want to advertise that they are seeing a therapist. Or that their kids are having difficulties in school or in social situations. Or that they're on a diet. Or in a support group.

It's a fine line that needs to be watched. As someone who understands marketing, I tell my clients it's never a one size fits all. There are so many different channels out there, and ways to connect. Finding the one that works best for you, and your clients, is a matter of knowing that sometimes you don't want to be friends with the people whose care you are under. That it's about the relationship offline that really counts.

the comfort in cliches: and why designers can't stand them

I cringe every time I see it: the photo of two people shaking hands on a corporate brochure. A bad illustration of hands on a massage therapist's business cards. A woman in white on the beach for a feminine hygiene product.

I know you've seen them. They're part of our culture. That's what makes them a cliche. Which, by definition is an idea that's been overused and betrays lack of original thought. See the full definition here.

I have clients ask for them all the time. And I do my best to steer them away. (Download this link on 75 image cliches. You'll probably find many of them very familiar.) I find that most people are torn: They want to be original and stand out, and at the same time, look to what others are doing almost as a form of permission.

But if you're a creative, you cringe. Because our job is to be original. To not follow what everyone else is doing. But it takes guts. And it can be scary. But think of the payoff: What if everyone was looking at you as the leader, instead of being the one that follows.