I recently attended a one day conference. Looking around the room, I realized about half the attendees were my age – mid-fifties. Many of them had their iPads out and were Tweeting using the hashtags the conference provided us to advertise and create buzz about the meeting. Even though this was not a Social Media conference,  it was obvious this was a very well-connected crowd.

However, as a Social Media coach, I encounter many people whose restricting beliefs seriously hinder their progress on social media, which directly impacts their bottom line. In an effort to try to determine why this phenomena happens, I have taken notes about the common reasons I hear, and, as any good blogger would, I refute each one.

1) I’m too old – please, fifty is the new thirty! One is not too old. After all, my generation actually had typing classes in high school, so the familiarity with a keyboard is intimate, to say the least.

2) I’m scared to learn something new – what better way to stay young than to keep the brain sharp. With so many “how to” videos, blogs, websites, and social media forums there really is no legitimate excuse not to move out of one’s comfort zone, knowing there is plenty of support.

3)  I don’t have time – make the time if you want to expose your business to literally millions of people who shop online for most business services and products. I advise my client to buy a timer, set it for 45 minutes and don’t get sucked in to the social media vacuum. Have a schedule, have a plan and follow it to maximize your efforts.

4) It won’t make a difference – now that sounds like lack of motivation to me, mixed with a hefty dose of laziness and a bit of arrogance. Ten years ago, every business starting adding their website in their advertising. Today, most savvy businesses also have their Facebook and Twitter logos proudly displayed, too so their customers can easily connect with them.  Social media and marketing can make or break most companies today.

Burying one’s head in the sand, not having the where-with-all to get with the program and learn what may be a new skill is going to sort out the players from the companies who slink away into the night, unnoticed.  Age is no longer a factor. The baby-boomer generation is more equipped that most generations before us to embrace social media and all it has to offer – with gusto and grace.

If you are reading this blog, you are obviously involved in Social Media – but to what extent? How often and how much time do you spend online to forward your business?

“Don’t fix what’s not broken.” Is this your social media mantra? Do you ever approach your computer with dread? Is Facebook the only social media platform that brings you comfort and sometimes joy? Or, do you stay away from all things social media thinking to yourself, “I’ve got customers, so why should I do anything else?”

Well, it’s time to wake up and small the coffee as they say. I won’t quote all of the statistics about social media and the advantages of using some kind of social networking that focuses on your business. But I will give you my short list on why stepping out of your comfort zone will benefit your bottom line.

1) For the shy person, interacting with others virtually is a great beginning to expanding one’s horizons and relationships. Finding groups online that relate to your niche market and social media coach and mentor, I encourage my clients to set a timer when they are online because it is way too easy to get sucked into the social media vacuum. When you meet someone at a networking meeting or other business event, connect with them online, too. The simplest reason is this – you never know who they know that might want to hook up and so business with you.

Being stuck in the status quo is way more comfortable and stable than reaching out to the unknown. Uncertainty and fear often hold people back from entering what is inevitably here to stay – social media. Take it one step at a time and see what happens to you business. My bet is that you will not be stalled at all and that you will be happy with the results.

Laurie Hurley is a social media coach, mentor, speaker, and cheerleader for small businesses that need a helping hand and some encouragement to enter the world of social networking at a pace that suits them.

Kerrin Shank is a different kind of entrepreneur. However, like many mompreneurs out there, she runs two businesses – that are very different. Her first and most passionate endeavor is her Rodan & Fields skincare business. Not wanting to enter the Corporate world, she has embarked on a career as an Independent Consultant for this company that successfully launched a $6 billion skincare industry with a product called Proactive. When Rodan & Fields decided to go into the direct sales business, Kerrin jumped on board and loves her position as a skin educator and trainer. Her business helps women with all different kinds of skin, and includes four different skin regimes:

You can get in touch with Kerrin the following ways:

cell phone # (631) 335-6576

website – www.skincarebyrfd.com

email – pkshank@live.com

Back in December, 2011 I recorded twelve You Tube videos offering tips and techniques for really standing out in the social stream. The reception was pretty good and giving away free information is definitely a part of my code of business ethics. Now that my business is a bit more established, I am faced with the dilemma of how much is too much? Since I am present on Twitter most days, as well as Facebook and Linked In - I’m getting there with Google + – and my job is a social media mentor and coach, most of my posts are educational in nature, sharing information with my audience.

I currently am conducting a five week tele-series and have two live seminars scheduled, neither are free, but both reasonably priced. So, the conundrum is, what to do when someone asks, “Can you take a look at my Facebook page, I’m having problems?” I am sure many of you who are business coaches or are an entrepreneur in the service industry are often asked for advise. But, where do you draw the line without being stingy or selfish? Here is my response to the aforementioned question and what I did. This interaction happened via a phone call. Perhaps it will come in handy for you.

Sure, I would be happy to take a look at your Facebook business page, what’s the URL? I looked up the URL and could not find it.

Gee, I can’t seem to find it. Are you on the page now? The person thought they were, but they were really clicking on their website link which was on their personal Facebook page.

Well, it looks like you are linking to your website from your personal page. You need to set up a business page for your company. The person said, “great!” How do you do that?

Ok, here is where I needed to think very carefully about my answer. Was I going to be helpful and walk her through step by step or was I going to say “I would be happy to help you, would you like to book an appointment with me? I can tell you my rates and package prices and you can decide what will work for you.” I chose the second response. Silence on the other end of the phone. Then a stuttering answer of I’ll get back to you.

Well, that was OK with me. I believe when one is in business, it is important to draw the line between giveaways and monetizing your business. Truth is, if one does not set parameters and leverage their time, one will not make any money. No guilt, no feelings of selfishness. What would you have done and has this ever happened to you?

Easy Social Media Tips – Part 4

It does matter what you call yourself on the six social media venues, You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and your blog. Here are some suggestions. Are you being consistent? Please share!