If you’re 30 and you say you are not that into social media (that would never happen) people would probably think you were really cool and hip or even an artist. But if you’re over 50 and you say you’re not into social media, that’s a red flag neon sign that you’re just plain old.
The truth is that the need (not fun, desire, but actual functional NEED) for social media is not necessarily for everyone. Take my husband…please! (Raise your hand if you get that reference). He tells me all the time he doesn’t have time for that stuff and that he sees social media for business as a complete waste of time. And in my husband’s case, for his specific work in global commodities, he is right.
And there’s the kicker—realizing that real-life needs and strategy should be the driver, and that social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) are simply the tools or vehicles to get there.
So for those feeling like ‘I’m not on social media’ (or not yet at a level of comfort to drive business objectives) ‘but I know I need to go in that direction to keep my pipeline of clients flowing,’ here are some ways to phrase it to others so that you still sound in the know, while figuring things out. (Note these tips can also help those like my husband, too—never going there but still can sound relevant when interacting with younger colleagues.)
Reframe your fear of Social Media with ready to use substitute language.
Instead of “aggghhh…I don’t get it,” try “I’m a digital immigrant in the midst of acculturation.”
Instead of “I have a Linked In account but I never look at it,” try “I’m taking a multi-channel approach I’m still reviewing my mix.”
Instead of “isn’t that teenagers telling you what they had for lunch?” try, (Instagram, etc.) is a viable platform but it doesn’t align with my target market.
And if your 14 year old asks…“I’m turnin’ it up and I’m on fleek, bae.” (He didn’t really want details anyway.)
You are now prepared to “fake it until you make it.” Go forth and prosper, or give me a shout out for workshops or one-on-one training to get you on your way.
