Get in The Race or Eat Dust

I have heard lots of reasons from people around me for why they are not involved with social media for personal or business use. I haven't heard a reason that makes sense yet, especially when it comes to people I know that are in a business where they are constantly advertising and networking for leads and customers. Here are the two most popular I've heard and what I have to say about them.

Reason number one, "I am too busy to start using Facebook or Twitter." Your competition isn't too busy and if you would take the time to look up who your competition is on Facebook you might be surprised to find how many friends (contacts) they have and how many you have in common or how many people are listening to what they have to say everyday following them on Twitter. While you continue to place adds in the paper, your competition is direct marketing telling people what they are doing, what their business is doing, and making friends. They are beginning to capture your audience.

Reason number two, "Those websites are just for college kids." People in the age group of 35-54 are the fastest growing demographic of social media users (Facebook statistics 2009). This is the largest marketed demographic of mainstream business and if that statistic wasn't enough, those "college kids" are beginning to graduate and more will every year. This "college kid" demographic will be the first time home buyers, job seekers, purchasing cars, eating out, spending money faster than any generation to date.. Everyone talks about the wealth shift taking place with the baby boomers. Everyone needs to pay attention to the technology and communication shift of the "college kids".

To say social media is just a trend or a fad would be like saying the same about the Internet or Cell Phones. Social media is bringing the world the most advanced form of connectivity and interactive communication ever seen by man. It has taken people out of their backyards and put them on the front porch again. I have talked more to my extended family in the last two weeks than I have in the last 5 years, thanks to social media websites like Facebook. This is not just for "college kids" and I hope those who have not gotten involved will find the value soon. For those who fear the unknown or don't think they will be able to figure it out.....you'll never know if you never start.