While at the ANLA Clinic in Louisville a thought occurred to me. The younger generation get's social media and seem's wired to be involved. It's guy's and gals in my age group (go ahead and guess) that may feel a bit overwhelmed. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, You Tube, etc. Which one do I use? Do I need all of them? Is one better than the other? I just don't know what to say? I am not suppose to sell or advertise on there? Why am I doing this? Maybe it would help to think of social media as the modern day version of the village square.We use to meet on Main St., or the village square and talk with our neighbors, and fellow business people. Well, the village square in most communities no longer exists. People hang inside and don't get out to socialize in person much. Yes, it's a shame. There are lot's of things that are gone, and we are poorer for it. It's just they way it is and wishing it wasn't won't do any good.
Social media is the electronic village square. What do I talk about? Whatever you would have said to the butcher, baker, or candlestick maker in the old village square. People want to connect, not be sold a bill of goods. Pick one of the social media platforms and work with it for awhile. Like Twitter? Stick with it for a time, and if you decide to try another platform you will feel more comfortable. You don't have to do all of them at first. You wouldn't go running into the village square and start yelling at the top of your lungs at everyone. Start slow and get known by the other villagers. Ask how their day is going. Ask that bakery when they are making more of those delicious muffins. Mention the stuff your grandkids are doing. Just don't go running through the village square yelling about your "buy 2 get the third free" sale. Nobody like's to be yelled at. By just getting to know people you show you care about the community. They know your the "village nursery person". When the time comes for them to get gardening stuff they will remember you, and the fact that you weren't always trying to sell them something.