How I use Facebook

Facebook has become my favorite social media tool.  It amazes me, especially after watching ‘The Social Network’, that this was developed as a way to connect the college crowd and has grown and evolved into an effective mechanism to aid in political revolutions!

Now I am no where near an expert user, but I know I use it more than a most of my age demographic.  I first started my facebook endeavor to just keep up with my kids.  As they moved on to college and beyond, I wanted to be able to watch what was going on in their lives and in the lives of their friends.  I quickly realized I could connect with my friends who were doing the same things.  I started looking for people, from my current friends and colleagues, to people from my past.  At one point, I got out a junior high year book and just started typing names in to see who was connected.

Now some may say—why are you doing that?  If you weren’t current friends, why do you want to connect now?  My answer?  Lots of reasons.  Here’s just a few awesome reasons that I’ve connected with my facebook pals:

1.  I love to relate to others and I learn from them.  I love to see what’s going on in their lives.

2.  People post great things–funny videos, learning posts, though you need to be careful what you believe!

3.  You can ask your friends questions—and get answers! “Hey, anybody know someone who works at ABC company–I need a contact! or Anybody know a good caricature artist?”  I got answers in less than an hour.  It’s like having all of your friends and connections in one huge room!

4.  I keep up with the Virtual Pub-where you can enjoy some good music memories while drinking your beverage of choice-check out Kirk Brewster (https://www.facebook.com/kirk.brewster)

5.  I get to see pictures of friends and family that I’d never have access to.

6.  I am constantly reassured that my son is alive, since he updates his FB page more than he calls  home.

7.  I love to share good articles that I find around communication, leadership and personal growth.

8.  I can keep up, even just a little, with friends who’ve moved away or relatives in different cities and states, share the grief of losing a loved one and share tribute with others to their life.

9.  I’ve even gotten business from my page.

10.  Wow, I could go on and on.

Still—I’m no expert.

Did I mention that my 77 year old father-in-law has an iphone?  I’m not there yet.