Are you being real on social media?
Plus: Top news of the week — City Council approves first social district — Cotswold Village shopping center sold — Charlotte FC out in first round of playoffs — Charlotte’s food hall scene grows
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Today’s Charlotte Ledger is sponsored by Providence Day School: See the PD Difference during our admission open house on November 5 for grades TK-12. We offer rigorous academics, a strong sense of community, and the tools to help students forge their own paths.
Authenticity is a scary concept, but it’s never too late for a reset
Yes, these fabulous moments happened, as you see showcased in my Instagram feed. But my social media reset starts today, and things are about to get more real, as I pledge to share not just the smiling faces but also the messiness and imperfection that is real life.
by Colleen Brannan
Bless me Meta, for I have sinned.
From the looks of my Instagram feed, my life is one big concert, social or sporting event and vacation.
In reality, I am running a public relations firm with my pants constantly on fire, grieving my mom in the final stage of Alzheimer’s, suffering the deafening silence of an empty nest and helping my kids in college — on different coasts — navigate life. This summer and fall, they both wound up in ambulances for very different reasons. Did I post about that? NOPE.
To say I have not been completely authentic on social media is an understatement, and for good reason: Who wants to hear from Debbie Downer daily?
I have also muted a few people in my social feeds because their posts are either irritating or not at all an accurate reflection of their current situation.
That got me thinking. Are mine?
I haven’t gone as far as using filters to make myself look younger and wrinkle-free. I am guilty, though, of only sharing sunshine and flexing for myself, friends and clients.
That stops today (well some of it), and I’m hoping that if I lead by example, balancing the good with the bad, it might make people pause and examine their own social behavior.
Unfiltered moments — like when people don’t remember video includes audio or the timeless photobomb — are just plain funny. Sharing them, even with strangers, showcases your authentic self. That fosters connections with people who appreciate you for you.
In the social world of staged selfies, perfect sunsets and vacation flexes, authenticity stands out like a misbehaved mutt at the Westminster Dog Show.
People crave content that makes them laugh or nod in agreement, and there’s no denying the humor that can be found in everyday mishaps.
As I ponder my own social reset, here are some of my new guidelines you can feel free to borrow:
📱Embrace messy. Don’t be afraid to share fashion blunders or voice-to-text fails. Being color blind, I once wore the same shoe in two different colors, one with a clearance sticker on the bottom. Wish I had posted that!
My culinary catastrophes could have their own account, but I’m going to master that damn air fryer and share some cooking disasters along the way.
📱Take followers behind the scenes. What happened before the picture-perfect post? Like when we took our dog on a hayride to the top of a mountain to select a Christmas tree and snap a shot for our family holiday card. She ruined the perfect moment with a nervous number 2 emergency.
I go to my fair share of formal events. Instead of saying where I am and who I’m with, what if I thanked Spanx Power Panties for getting me into the dress?
📱Show your vulnerability: My fear of heights is well known to family and friends but never mentioned on social. Rollercoasters and bridges are typically out of the question. I’m the one who holds everyone’s stuff while they ride the aptly named Intimidator at Carowinds.
In the name of getting real on social media, here’s a pic from a recent trip to Palm Springs. All smiles at nearly 9,000 feet, right? Except … you would never know I am terrified of heights and sat in crash position the whole way up (and down).
However, when I am trying to be a joiner or think I’ve overcome it, I should share the discomfort that ensues. Recently, I braved the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, white-knuckling it the whole way up and down. Yet all the pics from 8,516 feet show me smiling. I haven’t posted about that trip yet so I’m using it today on IG as my authenticity test drive.
It’s never too late to change your social ways.
Even if I lose a follower or 10, I plan to be a lot more unfiltered to showcase my life, as beautifully imperfect (A.K.A. hot mess) that it is!
Colleen Brannan owns BRANSTORM PR and says her Halloween column from two years ago, Is Halloween Really A Card Giving Occasion?, is still one of her favorites. Follow her newfound authenticity on social: IG (Colleen_Brannan), Twitter (@colleenbrannan) and LinkedIn or email her at colleen@branstorm.com
Today’s supporting sponsor is Providence Day School: See the PD Difference during our admission open house on November 5 for grades TK-12. We offer rigorous academics, a strong sense of community, and the tools to help students forge their own paths.
This week in Charlotte: Political campaigns shake up; social district approved; YMCA announces new CEO; Duke Energy seeks new home for ‘Quadrille’ artwork
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
CMS enrollment declines slightly: (Ledger, 🔒) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has reported a slight decline in enrollment for the 2023-24 school year, following two years of slight gains after a significant drop during the pandemic in 2020. This year’s dip was less than a half a percentage point.
Federal grants to recruit teachers: (WFAE) The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $24M in grants to support North Carolina schools in recruiting and retaining teachers. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools received $2.8M for its Teacher-Leader Pathways program.
Politics
Redistricting shakes up political campaigns: Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson of Charlotte, who would face a tough re-election, announced he is running for N.C. attorney general against Republican Dan Bishop. Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Walker said he’s dropping out of the race for governor and will instead run for Congress in a newly drawn district northeast of Charlotte.
Tax on food and drinks extended: (Biz Journal, subscriber-only) In a nearly unanimous bipartisan vote, the General Assembly approved an extension of Mecklenburg’s 1% tax on dining out, which was to expire in 2034 but will now extend through 2060.
Local news
City Council approves first social district: (Ledger) The Charlotte City Council approved the city’s first social district in Plaza-Midwood this week, making it among the first social districts in North Carolina to use metal cups, which are reusable and aim to reduce plastic use and littering.
New YMCA CEO: The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has named Suehila (Sue) Glass as its next president and CEO, making her the first female leader in the organization's history, according to a press release.
Parking rates jump at CLT: (CLT) Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is raising drive-up parking rates starting Nov. 6. Daily decks will go from $12 to $20 a day and long-term lots 1 and 2 will rise from $10 to $12.
Business
Former Wells Fargo HQ close to foreclosure: (Biz Journal) One Wells Fargo, the former headquarters tower of Wells Fargo in uptown, is inching closer to foreclosure as the bank's exit leaves more than half the building empty.
Cotswold Village sold: (Ledger 🔒) Cotswold Village has been bought by Asana Partners, a Charlotte-based real estate company, for $110.4M with plans to “enhance” the retail experience and make property improvements.
Big exit for Payzer: (Ledger 🔒) Charlotte-based tech company Payzer, known for its payment software catering to HVAC, plumbing and roofing contractors, is set to be acquired by Portland, Maine-based commerce platform WEX for $250M.
Sports
Charlotte FC out in first round of playoffs: (Charlotte FC) Charlotte FC lost 5-2 to the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night in the opening game of the MLS playoffs. It was Charlotte FC’s first-ever appearance in the playoffs.
The Bahamas of the Carolinas: (Associated Press) This year’s Bahamas Bowl will be played at UNC Charlotte in December because of stadium renovations in Nassau, Bahamas, ESPN said Thursday.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Free to a good home: Duke Energy is seeking a new location for its iconic multimedia light sculpture, “Quadrille,” currently installed on the former Duke Energy building in uptown, and the company is reaching out to the public for assistance in finding a new home for the artwork.
Charlotte airport updates: Charlotte Douglas International Airport is set to complete several major projects, including the installation of the iconic Queen Charlotte statue in the terminal, the opening of an expanded pre-security lobby area called “Queen’s Court,” and the unveiling of a modern new security checkpoint with advanced technology and efficiencies.
Porsche dealership near struggling mall: Mills Automotive Group has obtained a building permit for a new Porsche dealership project on a 17-acre parcel located near Northlake Mall, despite ongoing challenges faced by the mall.
Rap recap: Reviews are in for The Ledger’s parody song “Charlotte at 8 a.m.,” and readers find it “amazing,” “solid” and “comprehensive.” Check the song out here.
A farm designed to ‘change the way the world grows’: Juneberry Ridge, a unique 750-acre farm in Stanly County, is using regenerative farming techniques to grow food and raise animals and has received state funding for expansion plans.
Tim Newman arrested again: Former uptown power player Tim Newman was arrested in Greensboro on charges of being a fugitive from justice, marking his third arrest in two weeks.
🦅 Rea Road rezoning update: The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says the nesting pair of American bald eagles in Piper Glen are unlikely to be harmed by the proposed development off Rea Road.
🎧 New podcast: Chris Berger, vice president of enterprise communications at Atrium Health, discusses Atrium’s response to Covid, the importance of maintaining trust and credibility in an era of misinformation and connecting employees to the company’s mission.
Behind Charlotte's food hall boom: Monarch Market, Charlotte’s fourth food hall, is set to open next week in uptown with 12 fast-casual choices, three bars and a full-service restaurant. Food halls are becoming popular in the city, appealing to young customers who seek fast-casual dining in an inviting atmosphere.
Election notes: Mecklenburg County Elections Director Michael Dickerson predicts a turnout of around 15% for the upcoming elections in Charlotte. A group known as the African American Clergy Coalition has emerged as an organized opposition to the school bonds in Charlotte.
Phyllis Lee Spier, known for her deep faith, dedication to community service and love for teaching, passed away at the age of 88.
A new Red Line would be slower than existing buses: Charlotte’s I-77 express toll lanes and declining commuter bus demand raise doubts about the need and cost-effectiveness of the Red Line commuter train project.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman, BC Creative
Wouldn't social media be more interesting with authenticity! Yea Colleen, I'm going to give it a try,