I always find it a bit humorous to come across someone who doesn’t believe in social media. Let’s face it people—it has transformed how we work, how we live and how we connect with each other. Sure, you can still have your blackberry, address book or what have you. But the truth of the matter is, social media has consolidated everything into the easiest and cheapest form of communication available. All you have to do is hop on the computer, log in to Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn (or your social media outlet of choice) and immediately connect with family, friends and colleagues throughout the world.
While some skeptics have valid concerns (privacy, etc.), the bottom line is, you control what you put out there for others to see and know. You can set limitations to your profile, choose what to post and what not to post, share pictures, links or even choose whether or not to be friends with someone. Why doubt or discredit something without giving it a shot first? Isn’t that what life’s all about anyway? Why throw in the towel before you even started?
Chances are, you’ve heard the idea that social media is only for younger generations. Let me be the first to tell you that this is just simply not true. Although Facebook initially began as a tool for college students to use, it hasn’t been this way for a while now. In fact, according to Facebook, more than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college and the fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older.
Let’s get down to business. While the term “social media” may come across as a fun, “social” concept, there are professional aspects to social media as well. Think about it for a minute. You just started your own lactose-free health food business from your home kitchen and are trying to get it off the ground. Why not use Twitter to make contacts in the same arena? Better yet, why not use Facebook as a place to post recipes, share ideas and get feedback? You could even have a YouTube channel to provide how-to videos for others.
Maybe you just want to get in touch with an old friend, a relative you haven’t heard from in a while or need to find a colleague’s e-mail address in a pinch. A huge variety of people use social media in a huge variety of ways. The possibilities really are endless.
If my grandma can use social media and love it, you probably can too. What’s your take?
- L
