Older generations in my family used to tell me, “You don’t need to know that. That’s grown folks business.” For the Gen-Y and younger that means there is certain information you are privy to and there is some that you are not. It’s this approach of “information with boundaries” that keeps most people from jumping into Social Media. And, frankly, I understand why. Many of the gossip rags now get their insight from celebrity Twitter accounts, employees are getting busted via their Facebook updates (out late drinking; gotta call in sick), and boyfriends discover their cheating girlfriends via Google Latitude. But there is an upside to using Social Media.

Use Twitter for Good

Have you ever heard of Tweetsgiving (@TweetsGiving)? It was an event where groups raised money via Twitter for charities during the Thanksgiving holiday. How about exclusive discounts? Follow your favorite brand and get coupons and discount codes only available via their Twitter feed. Interested in local news? Just subscribe to many of the reporters that have their own Twitter feeds.

Dipping Your Foot in the Pool

Look, I’m not going to beat you over the head with the Social Media stick. I don’t think Social Media is for everyone or every business. But I do believe that you have to try it after some personal research. Open a Twitter account. Follow some known brands and watch what they tweet. Get on Facebook. Lock down your privacy settings and begin discovering long lost friends and co-workers. Take it one step at a time. I understand why you may be hesitant to jump in the pool. After all, the same person that told me to mind my business is the same person that told me, “if your friend jumps over a cliff are you going to follow him there too?”

Editor’s Note: The Social Media blog posts will be back on schedule January 8, 2010. Until then have a safe and happy Holiday.

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