Today’s post is from web developer Gloria Maher, who has logged more hours at flyte than anyone else except for me. (And since I worked four-day work weeks when my girls were young it might be a toss up.)

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As a Maine Baby Boomer Living and Working in a Generation X / Generation Y world I’ve come to accept that my friends’ eyes glaze over when I discuss my work. The Boomer generation may be more familiar with the small town party line than they are with Twitter (at least if they grew up in small town Maine).

I’ve met many people, both socially and through business, who have stated that Social Media and Blogging are a waste of time. In talking to them further though I’ve realized it may be more a matter of terminology and generational semantics. While the technology may be the latest thing, the concept behind it all has been in use longer than any of us can remember. It all boils down to networking. Networking for jobs, networking for ideas, networking for relationship building that helps us feel at ease with others – whether it be in the work place or at a social get together. Is it really any different than the small town where the local barber shop or beauty salon on Main Street was where you heard the local news, met and became friends with that potential client, or just said hello to make that connection that helps us to feel a part of the larger community?

Becoming part of your community can be enhanced by visibility and networking brought about through social media and blogging. Here are just a few reasons you might want to consider starting a blog and tweeting about it on Twitter:

1. A quick Google search revealed that the next big growth of start up businesses will be led by boomers and those nearing retirement. Blogging and being on a social media site or two is a great way to get the word out about your new business.
2. Be more appealing to a current or future employer. Let’s face it, these are still tough economic times. Blogging and being on social media help build relationships and are an easy way to network with others even if you’re shy.
3. For the fun of it and to share knowledge/information. Blogging in particular can be a great avenue to share your hobby or expertise. Love fly fishing? Share how you tied that fly that landed the biggest brook trout ever – complete with a “how to” on tying the fly and a photo of the fish it caught. Love knitting? Willing to share that great new pattern you created and why one yarn works better than another? Blog about it!

Signing up at most social media sites is free. You can sign up for Twitter by going to https://twitter.com/signup.

Blogging does come with some cost, and the amount you want to spend will depend mostly on the purpose of the site and whether an “off the rack” WordPress site (fun, hobbies) will do, or whether you need a site that’s targeted to search engines and building your business. I hope to post again soon with some of the basic terminology and blogging setup steps that will help even the non-techies out there get excited about the opportunities for blogging.

Gloria Maher, a.k.a. flyte web developer, a.k.a. Mainebabyboomer, practices writing, photography and general fun through her Maine Baby Boomer Blog. You can follow her on Twitter at MaineBabyBoomer.