I usually think it's me, my phone, my stupid internet.  Normally, when I am having trouble logging into Instagram, I do all the tricks (that I have, of course, found through Google search)--turn Airplane Mode on and off, shut down and open back up, set it on a table (face down--bad phone-- so I don't have to look at it) and walk away hoping it will come to its senses.

But today, nothing was working and another Google search soon told me that my problem was being shared around the world.  We were all having a moment of imposed social silence. Instagram and Facebook were down.  

After apologizing to my internet for calling it "stupid," I took to Twitter which is my favorite social App to use, personally.  I appreciate its short form content, like Haiku poems, and frankly, it keeps me disciplined because I CAN GO ON.  Also, the official Twitter account has some very clever people posting to its platform and I just want to know how to Venmo this person some beer money to show my gratitude for this well-timed tweet: 

hello literally everyone

— Twitter (@Twitter) October 4, 2021

I also jumped into Clubhouse, where the ever-on-it Rowena Yeager was hosting a discussion in her club, The Leadershift Circle, titled: "Facebook & Instagram Shutdown🤨Could you live with out them."  As you'd expect in a room of salon professionals, the talk was about the importance of making genuine connections.   

Which prompted me to put out this tweet....

If you’re a salon pro (stylist/colorist, nail tech, esthetician, salon owner) what are thinking about during this IG & FB shutdown? Does it make you think about how we make connections? About people skills? Your local community? Would love to know your thoughts 💭
Team Modern

— Modern Salon (@ModernSalon) October 4, 2021

And here are some of the responses:

I have all my clients numbers and emails so it’s not a problem .. in fact it’s quite nice .. people will have to be real and not fake .. like it was before social

— KINGSANDQUEENS HAIR (@KandQhair) October 4, 2021

Today was a very prime example of why it’s important to nurture your clients through more than just social media. I was happy I’m still able to stay connected through email and SMS. And have a much needed break from needing to “engage”

— Chadowboxx (@Chadowboxx) October 4, 2021

It’s much more difficult to promote openings in the books to a more widespread group. Like… I can text out to clients, but I could also be snagging several hundred new bookings. Oh well, I went old school and handed out cards in the box color section. Lol.

— taylor clark (@taterwillcutchu) October 4, 2021

I use my @Vagaro account, @Pinterest, @tiktok_us, google business messenger, text, and Of course @Snapchat

— Betsy Witt (@BeautyBWilder) October 4, 2021

@Twitter is slaying right now! But I Think it’s giving us time to just focus and use our time and enjoy the craft and creative. We started by word of mouth and community, text, and email to use our realness to make things come full circle for now :) pic.twitter.com/OQ4TQSm2Wl

— Betsy Witt (@BeautyBWilder) October 4, 2021

I’m of a different generation but I’d be delighted if it was gone forever..have never used either for building clientele and I’m an international educator & booked out way in advance..put simply, hard work, education and dedication are the key to a great clientele and career.

— John morrison (@Jmorrisonhair70) October 4, 2021

Having a website where people can book as well as see your work for me outweighs social media. I worked on set today so thankfully it didn't bother me and it was great to see people chatting versus heads down in their phones! #instagramdown#facebookdown

— Jalia Pettis (@jaliadp) October 5, 2021

Wrapping up (because I CAN GO ON), ultimately, the answers were varied but they all seemed to share a basic theme; that of remembering the basics of customer service, client experience and old-fashioned, old school authentic connection.  

 See you on Twitter!