I’ve shockingly only just discovered the American version of The Office. I know… shocking right! I have found my soul person in Ron which isn’t exactly a great career match in personality. Nevertheless… there’s a lot to be learnt and applied to your business from Ron.
Running a social business when you’re a die-hard introvert who would rather chop wood in solitude than post on Instagram can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. But don’t worry: if you’re more Ron Swanson than Leslie Knope, you can still thrive in the world of social media and human interaction without compromising your personality (or your disdain for hashtags).
1. Set Your Boundaries (Because Privacy Matters)
Ron Swanson wouldn’t dream of oversharing his life online (or even having a life online, really). And neither should you.
- What You Can Do:
- Share only what’s necessary for your business, not your personal life.
- Use scheduling tools so you can batch-create content and avoid being online constantly.
- Keep it professional but authentic. Share your work, not your lunch.
2. Let the Work Speak for Itself
Ron Swanson’s woodworking is impeccable. He doesn’t need to talk about it because the quality shines through.
- What You Can Do:
- Focus on showcasing your product or service. High-quality photos, videos, and testimonials can do the talking for you.
- Share behind-the-scenes moments of your craft or process without forcing yourself to be “chatty.”
- Lean into storytelling that feels natural. For example, post a quiet photo of your finished project with a simple caption like, “Done.”
3. Automate Like a Pro
Ron would hate wasting time on mundane tasks—and so should you.
- What You Can Do:
- Use automation tools for email marketing, social media posting, and customer inquiries.
- Set up FAQs on your website or social media to reduce repetitive questions.
- Delegate where you can. Hire a virtual assistant or social media manager to handle the parts you loathe.
4. Focus on One or Two Platforms
Ron doesn’t like to spread himself thin. You shouldn’t either.
- What You Can Do:
- Choose the platforms where your audience is most active and stick to those.
- For a business rooted in craftsmanship or products, visual platforms like Instagram or Pinterest are ideal.
- If your business is B2B, stick with LinkedIn or a professional network.
5. Embrace the Power of Simplicity
Ron doesn’t need gimmicks to make his point. His blunt, no-frills style works.
- What You Can Do:
- Use straightforward messaging that aligns with your personality.
- Skip the fluff and trends; focus on delivering value.
- For example: Instead of “10 Reasons Why You Should Buy This,” try “This product works. Here’s how.”
6. Outsource the Human Element
Let’s be honest: Ron would outsource social media interaction to Leslie in a heartbeat.
- What You Can Do:
- Hire a community manager to handle comments and engagement for you.
- Partner with influencers or advocates to spread the word about your business.
- Let someone else take over the spotlight while you stay behind the scenes.
7. Stay True to Your Values
Ron has strong beliefs about meat, woodworking, and government overreach—and he never compromises them.
- What You Can Do:
- Build a brand rooted in authenticity. Your audience will appreciate your no-nonsense approach.
- Use social media as a tool for connection, not an endless popularity contest.
- Stick to your core message and avoid trends that don’t align with your business values.
8. Harness the Power of Humor
Ron’s deadpan humor is one of his greatest strengths. Yours can be too.
- What You Can Do:
- Don’t force bubbly or overly enthusiastic content if it’s not you.
- Use humor that matches your personality, like witty captions or dry commentary.
- Example: “Another day, another successful project. No, you can’t have it.”
9. Build a Loyal Following, Not a Large One
Ron doesn’t need a lot of friends—just the right ones.
- What You Can Do:
- Focus on building a small, dedicated community instead of chasing big numbers.
- Respond to loyal customers personally to show appreciation (even if it’s brief).
- Prioritize relationships over reach.
10. Remember: You’re in Control
Ron Swanson doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to do. You can approach your business the same way.
- What You Can Do:
- Redefine “social” in a way that works for you. It doesn’t mean oversharing or being hyperactive—it means connecting meaningfully.
- Limit your social media time and focus on the parts of your business that bring you joy.
Final Thought: You Can Be Social on Your Terms
Being a social business owner doesn’t mean you have to transform into a Leslie Knope overnight. Lean into your Ron Swanson tendencies—focus on quality, authenticity, and no-nonsense execution. You’ll build a business that’s not only successful but also true to who you are.
Now go forth and dominate… quietly.
