Posted by Beverly on
October 4, 2008
Too Much Social Networking Isn’t Good For You
At last count, I was a member of MySpace, Ryze, FaceBook, Ning, Fabulously40, Inside919, Tagged, Gathers, Black Writers with Purpose, LinkedIn, Eons, Vibrant Nation, Women Etc., and Boomer Diva Nation (Founder/Moderator). Oh, and let’s not forget about the time consuming site known as Twitter.
I want to be connected. I want people to know who I am and what I do and I want to know them. I’ve read plenty of articles that say you have to develop “relationships” BEFORE you jump into the “buy my product” business. While I agree with that, I also believe there comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to say, “The buck stops here!”
Social networking definitely has its advantages. I became a best selling author on Amazon.com because of some wonderful women on the Ryze Network. My media consulting business has also done very well. But somewhere in the course of being connected online, I have lost part of myself. I would rather be on the computer spending idle time than be out in my own community making new contacts and even visiting old friends.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what I suggest:
Practice Time Management: Allocate certain times of the day that you will spend on the computer for social networking and stick to it. It may be hard at first but once you develop a routine, you will find it’ll get easier.
Learn to Walk Away: One of my favorite songs by Kenny Rogers is “The Gambler.” He says, “You gotta know when to hold ‘em—know when to fold ‘em—know when to walk away…”
Out of all of the networks I mentioned above, I’m really only active on three. Sure I contribute from time to time of all of the networks but there is no consistency on the majority of them. I’m sure you know people who only pop onto the site when they want to promote their business or product. That’s a non-no. If your friends on MySpace haven’t seen you in months and then all of a sudden you show up to promote your book, how do you think they will respond?
Do some Research on Social Media: Not every site is necessarily for everybody. Do your homework and find out which sites will serve your best interest. If you’re a baby boomer, why would you want to be connected to women who are all twenty-something? If you’re strictly about business, find like-minded sites, instead of wasting valuable time doing social networking.
Cultivate Real Relationships: I have never understood why some people insist on boasting about having thousands of friends in their “inner circle.” Use part of your networking time to get to know people. Twitter is a one of those places where people will chat about almost anything. Follow their conversation and chime in from time to time. Show others you are more than just your business.
Too much social networking can have you spinning your wheels and failing to meet your overall objectives. But, of course, you must know what that objective is.
Posted by Beverly on
August 7, 2008
Get Connected in Business
Just about anybody you talk to today will tell you they are a part of or know something about Social Media. Facebook, which was once the popular hangout for high school kids, is now gaining popularity among adults. There are even communities within the website to suit your particular interests. You also have MySpace, Ryze, Plaxo, Ecademy, Twitter, LinkedIn, Squidoo, Eons, Ning and the list goes on and on.
As someone who networks heavily online, I am continuing to learn which sites are of most value to me as a woman in business. But I also realize there is nothing that takes the place of face-to-face networking.
Joining business organizations or networking groups allows you to interact with like-minded people who can be invaluable sources of information and support – and increase your business success. For example, many networking groups offer members the chance to present their business to the group, or get specific business advice. Business organizations with Web sites often allow members to list their businesses in their online directories for free, or advertise without cost on their sites.
Besides the support and camaraderie, belonging to business organizations can increase your business’ credibility. Many potential clients or customers view membership in relevant business groups as a sign that you’re an established business and accepted by your industry.
I’m a member of my local Chamber of Commerce and glad to be connected to these fellow businesses:
Always Remembered Mailing Services
Posted by Beverly on
June 12, 2008
Here is Where Baby Boomer Women Rock, Roll & Rule!
Welcome to Boomer Diva Nation! Come on in and browse around. Check out the interesting articles and be sure to let us know you were here by leaving a comment.
Here is where you’ll find some of the most interesting, talented and diverse baby boomer women on the planet. We’re Divas and proud of it! So what is a DIVA? She’s a baby boomer woman who’s Divinely, Inspired, Vivacious and Anointed.
The Divas are all very talented women who come from very diverse backgrounds around the globe. We come from all walks of life and different races and are eager to share our knowledge and resources. We’ve had a few bumps in the road and some detours but we continue to persevere.
Boomer Diva Nation—a nonprofit organization—provides a variety of resources to assist fellow baby boomer women in their endeavors. It’s also a place where women can network. Please come join us!
Charter Members
Linda Alexander, Pam Archer, Angela Betts, Natalie Cole, Cynthia Frazier, Linda Hall, Donna Maria Harris, Kathy Holmes, Gayle Hurd, Karlyn, Betty Lynch, Heidi Richards; Beverly Mahone; Ginger Marks, Carine Nadel, Kathie M. Thomas Kathy Walsh, Debra Shivelely Welch, Gloria Mount, Ora Stearns-Smith and Vicki M. Taylor.
Posted by Beverly on
June 2, 2008
Celebrate Baby Boomer DivaHood on June 20
A celebration of women who are on the move and making a difference will be held on June 20 in honor of the Second Annual Baby Boomer Diva Day.
The virtual celebration will showcase the outstanding contributions of women 40 and beyond, according to author and talk show host, Beverly Mahone, who created the special day last year. She says, “This is a day to celebrate us and what we bring to the table as business women and entrepreneurs!”
The five-hour online event will feature guest speakers, including International Speaker, Author, Inventor and Founder of the WECAI Network, Heidi Richards. “Heidi is one of the best examples of what it means to be a woman on the move and making a difference,” says Mahone. “She has more than 30 years of offline and online business experience under her hat and continues to set the pace for women like me to follow.”
In addition to the speakers, there will also be vendors showcasing their businesses and products. Mahone says there are still a few slots available at $10 each so if any woman is interested in being a part of this wonderful event, they should contact her Assistant, Teresa Morrow at: keybusinesspartners@verizon.net
The Second Annual Baby Boomer Diva Day is in conjunction with the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame and Boomer Diva Nation, both created by Mahone. She says she wanted to recognize baby boomer women who were doing great things with their businesses but not getting noticed. “Hollywood and the media want us to believe a woman has to be young and beautiful to be successful but that’s simply not true, contends Mahone. “By the time we reach 40-years-old, we are in the prime of our lives. We’ve overcome obstacles. We’re more focused and determined to meet the challenges head-on in order to achieve success. Here’s to us!”
