So many times as business owners creating content to deliver value and generate business, we deliver what we think our audience should be consuming.

One thing I’ve learned how to do over the years is really pay attention to what my audience wants: They speak to you if you’re receptive and listening.

I can’t count the number of times a post performed much better than I anticipated. Or a post that I thought would do well hardly got any traction.

Instead of looking at it as a failed opportunity or a subpar post, I realized it was my audience’s way of telling me what they do and don’t want to see.

That’s exactly why I often encourage entrepreneurs to TEST all aspects of their business, including social media posts. We often have to be like mad scientists running tests, experiments, and recording results.

You have to deliver whatever “it” is to your audience and be ready to evaluate the results. They may not always be what you expect but if you go into the test with an open mind ready to take action, you’ll get the answers you’re looking for.

• Tip: Run your test over the course of a month.
  Post a variety of content on different days at different times. Pay attention to what performs well and drives engagement from your audience and be open to changing what doesn’t.

Not only do I believe in this theory of testing my social media endeavors, I also believe it's what makes me successful.  And here's the better news: it can make you successful too.

And I'm not making a lofty claim here, boo.  I'm actually citing FACTS from a recent Harvard Business Review article I read on a recent trip to San Francisco.

There was SO much helpful information in the article that I actually broke down a few of the favorite topics in a live video you might enjoy…

How Successful People Reach Their Goals

0:00 – Welcome
0:55 – How successful people reach their goals
1:00 – Get specific
1:43 – Seize the moment to act on your goals
2:48 – Focus on getting better rather than being good
3:24 – Focus on what you will do instead of what you won’t do
4:36 – What is your biggest social media pet peeve? Is there anything that people do that you see al the time that makes you go “hmmmm”?
7:19 – Can your social post help MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)
8:39 – I took a break for my brothers wedding and now I just can’t get back into rhythm. Any advice?
10:12 – I think it's great when you share what you've read, or someone you've discovered – I find some of the best stuff from hearing other people!
10:35 – Advice for someone wanting to be an influencer and start a YouTube channel?
14:07 – How do you get out of a creative slump?
15:31 – My question is- what if getting a copywriter means you don't sound like yourself?
17:27 – I would love advice on how you transitioned from one career to another career…how did you balance both?
20:58 – How can I start a photography business? I have very limited funds.
21:54 – What book has impacted you the most this year?
22:18 – What can you say about Facebook messaging marketing bots?
23:48 – What’s your best advice for balance when you don’t have specific time to carve out?

I hope that you’re ready to step into your role as a mad scientist in your business and experiment to get the results you’re working so hard for. You have the whole month ahead of you so there’s no time like the present to take action!