Last night, my Facebook account was suspended due to ‘suspicious activity.’ A quick search revealed that using multiple browsers simultaneously can trigger a lockout—something many small business owners might not realise. This experience highlighted the risks of relying on third-party platforms like Meta for digital presence and communication.
When faced with a digital crisis like this, I turned to mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and visualisation to handle frustration and maintain focus. It’s a reminder of how much of our business operations rely on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. We need to ask ourselves: are we giving too much control to platforms we don’t own?
Maya Angelou once said, “You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”
I’d like to add a fourth: when they get locked out of their Facebook account.
That was me last night. I was fine—until I realised that The Baby Cot Shop’s account was affected too.
For many of us, platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp aren’t just business tools—they’re lifelines. Whether it’s keeping up with school notices, family group chats, or planning playdates, these platforms have become woven into our daily lives.
How I Stayed Calm During a Digital Crisis
The frustration was, and still is real. Losing access to a platform that connects us with family, friends, and clients is no small matter.
But I reminded myself: the mind has a tendency to run wild in situations like this. Instead of letting frustration take over, I am using mindfulness techniques to manage it:
• I am taking deep breaths, visualising the frustration leaving my body as I exhale.
• I avoided dwelling on the ripple effects, like our combined followers of 20k suddenly not being able to reach us without warning.
• I said a prayer and focused on what I could control. I was tempted to skip my exercise, but routines are the guardrails of our lives; I will not compromise. Now, if this had happened last year, the story would have been different 😃
Why Business Owners Must Reassess Digital Reliance
This experience served as a wake-up call. It made me realise how much of our personal and family communication relies on platforms like Meta.
What happens if Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp becomes inaccessible? For many of us, this could mean losing touch with parenting groups, school updates, or even family connections overseas.
This situation reminded me of the importance of:
1. Owning Your Communication Channels: Consider email, direct messages, or alternative ways to keep important contacts organised.
2. Building Offline Resilience: Ensure you have backups for things like schedules, phone contacts, and even school notices.
3. Preparing for Digital Disruptions: Think about how you’d manage if one or more platforms became unavailable, even temporarily.
Until next time, I promise to keep you posted on our digital developments- and if I continue to remain calm 😃