As a social media professional and ghost blogger, I’m naturally excited about it and what it can do for people. The relationships it can grow, the business it can create. Social media is interesting, and something I enjoy doing.
So I get a little frustrated when people hit me with “I don’t do social media,” bragging about it, like those morally superior people who sneer, “I don’t watch television.”
Maybe I don’t have a good attitude about it, but I do keep my thoughts to myself, as I explain to people why they’re missing out if they’re not at least one on network. I usually trot out at least one of four major arguments as to why they should be on it.
- It’s where the leaders in your industry are: In fact, this is how they got to become leaders. They found a public forum to espouse their viewpoints, and expressed them to as many people as they could. And if you want to become one of those leaders, you need to be on here. For some people, like Gary Vaynerchuk and Chris Brogan, they have launched their entire career thanks to social media.
- You’ll find information about your industry: Some of the early adopters in any industry have been the trade media. They’re looking for a way to grow readership, maintain their expertise and credibility, and continue to grow and move with the times. I was surprised to see that a publishing group in one of my old careers, Watt Agriculture (poultry and livestock publishing) had gone digital. They publish their magazine online, they blog, and they even have a Ning-based social network.
- Your friends and colleagues are on it: Our work culture has become one of collaboration and cooperation. We no longer operate in silos. If you want to find new projects to work on with business partners, you can find them on social media. I can think of at least three different business opportunities and five different speaking engagements I’ve gotten because of social media.
- Your competitors are already on it: If they’re not, they will be. Your customers are on social media, and they’re talking to whoever is on there. And right now, it’s your competitors. They’re working to be the leaders in your industry, and your customers are listening to them. So while you’re still cold calling and attending that one big trade show every year, your competitors are talking every day through their blogs, Twitter feeds, and on LinkedIn.
Photo: Johnny_Appleseed1774


Do you use Gmail or some other web-based program, or are you still accessing email strictly on your computer, cursing Outlook, and praying for the sweet, sweet release that 
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I’m loving my new HTC Droid on Verizon right now, although I’m worried about my motivation for buying it.
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