A Boomer’s Journey Into Social Media

Ok, I admit it. I am old. Well not that old, really, but when it comes to social media, I feel old. Reminds me of when my parents used to look at me strange when I begged for the latest thing, like say, a color TV or go-go boots, or listened to Led Zeppelin at 103 decibels … now I am really dating myself.

I work with a bunch of very talented young’uns. And being a full-fledged boomer, I was a bit wary of all this new social media stuff they were talking about. From “friending” others on Facebook, to tweeting on Twitter to being LinkedIn, it all seemed a bit over-exposed to me. After all, why would I need to tell everyone that I just ran five miles or what I think of the new health care proposal, or more importantly, why would anyone care?

I had heard how important it had become in the business world today to be out there. “Transparency” was what they kept saying to me. I raised my eyebrow, still rather skeptical that this can really help a business grow. But I was open to listening.

So I cautiously started a Facebook page. Lo and behold, within days I found people I had not talked to in many years.  It became fun!

Next, I LinkedIn, because others asked me to link with them. Seems like a good resource for networking, so I will keep that moving along.

I am still not 100 percent sure about the Twitter thing, but I set up an account there too! And while I won’t say I am on there a lot, I am starting to do my share of tweeting; I even have some followers! I keep asking why people would follow me; the team assures me they follow you because they do care what you have to say. I’m game. I may even go to the next Tweetup in town to meet all those out there tweeting and following!

All that said, what I have become absolutely convinced of is that it really does work. Networking and relationships is a big part of managing and growing a business. From my perspective, it seems to be a streamlined way to meet and connect with people all over that may have need of your resources–or you of theirs. I am glad I have the young social media whizzes around to guide me down that path. I may go a bit slower than they would like, I may challenge and still be a bit skeptical at times, but I am slowly getting it. Maybe you really can teach an old dog new tricks!  Hey, I am even blogging!