What is all of this hype about social media?   We are surrounded now by varying types of social media and frankly, our world seems almost meaningless to some without social media.  Because of this, I decided to take a class to learn more.  My brain was completely ‘fried’ after the two Saturday’s of three-hours each day, learning about Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, types of social networking.

One thing I did discover though, is that I’m already using social media through my blogs.  What a relief!  So, I’ll keep on doing these to keep me in touch.  Also, I’ve added many ‘friends’ to my Facebook account and I’ve been adding ‘contacts’ to my LinkedIn account as well.  I haven’t started Twitter yet, although I did get an account.  My six years-old Mac computer doesn’t seem to like Twitter much; I get shut out of the internet every time I try to ‘Twit’…Who came up with these names anyway?

I must admit, it is kind of fun to ‘friend’ others and get new ‘contacts’.  I can see how a person can get ‘lost’ in social networking.  This is definitely a ‘time suck’!  As one of my classmates said two weeks ago, “How am I supposed to actually do my business if I’m spending so much time on social networking for my business”?  Social networking, however, isn’t just about your business; it is about building relationships!  If you think about it, that’s what makes the world go around anyway, right?  Relationships!

I think initially, the time commitment is much larger than after you become familiar with each of these accounts, the in’s and out’s of the vocabulary and the actions you can take, adding photos, etc…

There is a lot to learn and do of course.  Social networking is not for a person who’s just purchased a computer for the first time, or even for one who uses the computer just for typing documents or checking emails.  Oh no.  You must spend the time necessary to learn, so you are proficient at your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or however you choose to network online.

I almost forgot to mention now there’s also Pinterest.  What the heck is that?  I just learned that it is good networking for selling products.  One more thing to learn….and I haven’t even gotten on Etsy yet.  “Do you know about Etsy”, or “Are you on Etsy yet”, people keep asking me.  I’m not, but I guess I better hurry and get on there too!

Wow, this can definitely be an overwhelming place to be in our world today.  I have a hard time keeping up with the news.  I don’t even have a cell phone that I use regularly.  Partially, it’s because I live on island without coverage.  When I go to mainland ‘America’ I do carry my pre-paid cell phone and use it.  Boy, am I out of date or what?

A few years ago someone visiting our labyrinth shared with me that coming to our island is like going back in time 50 years.  I guess this is true.  Maybe that’s why I’ve been so resistant to getting on board with social media.  Now that I’m a full-time small business owner, I have to keep up with all of this.

What is a person to do who is trying to live simply in these times?  I think it’s really all about Balance!  Finding a good balance between what you’re passionate about, your relationships with others, how to make a living fulfilling your passion, and staying up to speed with marketing and technology.  Whew, that’s a mouthful and a lot to do.  And I haven’t even mentioned the daily ‘to-do’s that keep us so busy already.

Good luck out there!  I’ll keep ya posted on how things are going for me.  And if you’re reading this, would you ‘Like’ my Whispers of Nature page on my Facebook account?  Thanks!

Socially connecting,

Susie

PS.  Thanks to my friend who suggested I write about this topic!  You know who you are!