What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “Social Media”?
Do you think…
- “It’s only for twenty-somethings ‘selfies’.”
- “Facebook is the only way I keep up with my grandkids!”
- “Instagram…Insta-what?”
- “Tweet, twits, it’s just too much at once!”
Actually internet users over the age of 55 are driving the growth of social networking. (Nielsen Social Media Report)
“The fastest growing segment of social media users is now adults aged 45-55,” says (social media today)
And that means there is a huge opportunity out there for women my age and older who are transitioning from kids to empty nest, creating a 2nd (or 3rd) chapter in their lives and careers, to jump into the social media stream feet first! Heels and panty-hose thankfully optional.
Social networking, including blogs, account for over 25% of Americans time spent online and as you savvily create this new career, or revive an old one that you loved, this is a gold mine of time and attention ready for YOU to use to your advantage.
“77% of buyers are more likely to buy from a company if it’s CEO/leadership uses social media.” (war of words)
People research, discover, read and engage via social media order to make decisions about what to buy, where to eat, and whom to trust. No matter your business or service I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best way to establish expert status in your field is by generating a solid presence online.
I have talked about how to do this on LinkedIn and on Twitter. Really, any platform you choose to focus on will benefit you and your business.
LinkedIn is more heavily trafficked by the 45 and over crowd, even outpacing Facebook. It is where business goes to do business, with the highest percentage of users having college degrees than any other platform.
- It is where you can stake your claim on what you know and why people should listen.
- It is where you can research freely amongst peers to form smart marketing decisions.
- It is where you can find future partnerships for your ventures.
- It is where you can gain the confidence to finally pursue your passion.
Being in transition is a fantastic, albeit scary, place to be. Plant your feet firmly in Social Media and gain strong business footing as you step across the threshold into a new life.
Your business success awaits!
The internet world isn’t just for nerds anymore is it. Everyone is getting on board!
And I love it!
Karen, you have been instrumental in helping me move forward with tweaking my social media presence. I am seeing changes each day on twitter. Can’t thank you enough!! (I’m sharing this post too)
You know how much I love this! xo
Yes! It is good and it also has it’s downsides. Just remember to go hug some one, put your feet on the grass, do some creating and connecting in real kinaesthetic space, as well!!
Very true Deb. Love the reminder.
Oh Karen! I have so appreciated your expertise in social media. I’ve been slow to implement. I would love to say that if anyone is hesitating to hire you for a 1:1 consulting session that they should JUST DO IT. I remember our talk and you were sooo clear and quick about what needed to happen next for me and my new biz. It’s one of the things that has helped me to really dig deeper into who I am and what is next for me. Thank you!
Susan that’s so nice to hear! (you should totally put that on LinkedIn 😉 )
Holy Demographics Surpise, Batman! It’s so refreshing to hear this news re: the 45-55 crowd, Karen. Thank you!
Yup! We’re taking over the world! (OK, maybe the online world)
Oh mannnnnn!!! I guess I better get on over to linked-in and get it together again! Love the stats…. love your posts…. empowering to me… and for that, I thank you deeply. Thank you Karen… love your posts. Oh.. I already said that… well, that’s because I do. They help me…and motivate me…
LOL Elizabeth I’m so glad to be of service.
Love the stats and couldn’t agree more, Linkedin is my daily go to. It is essential to my business, thanks I enjoyed the post.
Great to hear Sarah!
Love this Karen! Wow shocking demo numbers. I would have NEVER guessed that! I do love my Social. I fianlly got active on Twitter around Christmas this past year and hands down my favorite social! Also love Instagram 🙂 Thank you for all your great info and tips – really helps to demystify this whole world 🙂
I love Twitter and Instagram too. Lots of buzz to be generated, lots of cash to be found!
“the fastest growing segment of social media users is now adults aged 45-55.” great news, since this is my demographic and also that of my ideal clients. thank you for all of the tips and hints and tricks that help keep me going in this social media venture, karen.
Great April!
Makes you wonder what we did before it! Now most people have at least 1 personal device to access the internet, if not more..if you know somwone who hasn’t, and is young enough to know better, it is really annoying and bewildering!! Even my mum loves her ipad (for Skype), she is 73 🙂
I have a great-aunt who is almost 90 and she’s on Facebook and skypes also. Her NUMEROUS younger family members love to FB with her!