Another friend of my mothers was there also. She asked how I could possibly know how to use a computer much less connect. Maybe it is because I live in a small suburban community that I do not see my peers engaged in the dialogue of SM. It is a huge opportunity and I’m glad I am at least a participant.

Generalizations are dangerous – but the trends do indicate common patterns for the majority. I was quite pleased with the stats for the Baby Boomer generation – I love that they are the fastest growing segment on Facebook. I love that we are seeing a 20% increase in one year of their social behavior.

One site I discovered is http://www.fiftyalready.com – an online dating site for those in Europe. I find the URL itself fascinating…

I also think that context is everything and the stats I pulled do not allow for theparagraphs of explanation to come with it. If you check out my post on “Knowing thy customer” I include loads of links, stats and resources for people to cross reference and even dig deeper.

And the slide on Boomers – yeah, it is a bit feisty… but also I find it complimentary. I think BarackObama and his social campaign was a huge success for both the younger generations but largely for the boomers. I think we’re going to see the tables turn – Boomers will likely make up the largest part of the Entrepreneurial boom we are going to see end 09 early 10 – they will likely grab social for their purposes and provide the rest of us with some of the most head turning case studies we’ve seen yet. Oh no! I don’t think we’re talking about any shrinking violets here… I think by mid 2010 – it will be the boomers who will be taking this space by storm.

My intention for the profiling of the segments is to point out the purple elephant in the room – how we did business five years ago is not how we do it today.

We have absolutely become a far more splintered consumer base. We have been swept up into a technology whirlwind and it can be overwhelming for many.

When we understand our audience… when we know them, only then can we bring meaning to them with

I have loads of great resources on consumer demographics… I’d be happy to share if you ever find yourself yearning to peruse. HAH! ]]> http://www.shannonboudjema.com/social-media/social-media-zero-to-educated-in-minutes/#comment-39 robyn Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:18:27 +0000 http://www.shannonboudjema.com/?p=959#comment-39 Shannon, I must admit your slide presentation is so well put together I'm pondering its use everywhere! The generalizations about boomers has me really thinking about that great big generation. Are we summed up so easily? Possibly, but as with any large group, the nuances are more subtle. I'll admit I was a bit offended at the generalization, but as I think of my peers it is sad to admit that most really are that way. I'm one of only a few boomers that knows what a blog is, much less SM. If I used SM as a descriptive, I think they'd think I was talking about a sexual preference.;-) And, there I go talking out loud again. Shannon, I must admit your slide presentation is so well put together I’m pondering its use everywhere!

The generalizations about boomers has me really thinking about that great big generation. Are we summed up so easily? Possibly, but as with any large group, the nuances are more subtle. I’ll admit I was a bit offended at the generalization, but as I think of my peers it is sad to admit that most really are that way. I’m one of only a few boomers that knows what a blog is, much less SM. If I used SM as a descriptive, I think they’d think I was talking about a sexual preference.;-) And, there I go talking out loud again.

I guess we take it one step at a time.