Facebook Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced today on this blog post that the social networking giant reached the 250 Million Users mark. (Click on the graphic below to enlarge.)

facebook-250m1
Which makes me wonder about all the people I’ve heard over the last few years say, “I’m just too busy for Facebook (or LinkedIn or Twitter or – you fill in the blank).”

I’m sure years ago people had the same response. I’m just too busy for the telephone. Or the Internet. Or email.

So you’re busy. Join the club. So are countless other business professionals who are shifting something in their schedules so they can learn about the tools and implement some of them into their communication strategies for their businesses, their chambers or their ministries.

Social networks are not fads (OK, except Friendster, whose demise is another story). They have fundamentally changed the way people are communicating today. And the bottom line is, you’re either in, or sadly, you’re being left behind.

Four Types of Social Media Users

  1. Are you one of those people who’ve been too busy for social media? I’m thinking now is the time for you to start. Start small, but start, nonetheless. Find one site that works for you and dig in. Here’s a great post by Michael Hyatt – How Much Time Does Twitter Really Take.
  2. Maybe you’re a novice – feeling your way around this online space. Be encouraged! While engaging and connecting comes naturally for some people, it does not come naturally for everyone. You might feel weird or awkward at first, but don’t give up. The good stuff comes when you get past the initial bumps.
  3. Consider yourself an intermediate? That’s probably the most comfortable place of all. To go deeper, assuming that’s what you want (and it’s perfectly fine if you don’t), consider becoming a content generator. Start a blog or a grow a community of your own. (Check out Rich’s blog to hear from a community building expert!)
  4. And finally, maybe you’re a social media wiz. If that’s the case, why not share your expertise with a co-worker, neighbor or relative who’s just starting out on the journey. They’ll be glad you did!

So what about you? How do you see yourself? And what are you doing today to engage others via social media? Tell me about it here.