Would You Believe I'm in the Old Category?

(Photo: ABC News)

Okay, maybe not the old category, but definitely in the 30+ category. The reality is I hit the 40s group back in September and goodness I don't feel that old. Even fifty's beginning to look younger.

A few weeks ago, Sarah Lindner of the Austin American Statesman newspaper read one of my blog posts and sent me a note to see if I might be interested in her interviewing me for a story she was writing about Facebook users over the age of 30. I told her that I'd love to be included.

Her story was published today, Facebook for thirtysomethings, it helps those of us that haven't started an online persona gain a better understanding of its uses, benefits and reasons to be on such a site.

It's not that I think everyone of us should be on MySpace and Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter, but for me, especially as the recruiter part of me, being involved on these and other social networking sites is a super advantage to my career. For others it may simply be a way of connecting with people of like interests and learning from their new network of friends. Most of all it's learning how to begin conversations.

Chris Brogan, a friend I connected with first on Facebook, introduced me to Twitter is the King of Conversations. He's a huge proponent of social communities and the benefits of getting to know each other on a personal level - beyond simply wanting to connect with someone that may be of benefit to you on either a personal or professional level.

I like to think that I subscribe to Chris' philosophies on social networking and that beyond my trying to help others with their careers and help me learn from their knowledge of the things that interest me that I am adding to my connections lives in a positive way.

So, get out there, find a site that works for you and begin your own conversations. You'll be amazed at your results.

Flittering around like a social butterfly

Okay, so my life typically isn't a jam-packed calendar filled with events to attend, but this week seems to be turning out a bit different with lots of places to go and people to see. I can't wait.

Heard from my dear friend Jen Sarver that she'll be flying into town tomorrow and there's a dinner with her Austin area friends. It's a Jen thing. She's my mentor in the socialite circles. She knows EVERYONE. She's involved in EVERYTHING. She's finishing her first collaborative book about women in politics. Too bad she's explained its a non-partisan view point. Funny, she's a staunch Republican who's collaborating with what she explained to be "flaming liberals." She then explained that she opening up her circle of friends. Good for her.

Then the next evening is an event I'm really looking forward too - Blogtoberfest down in my college down - San Marcos. I met a great guy on Facebook, the infamous Chris Brogan and not only was he kind enough to speak on Bulldog's weekly company-wide meeting last week, but he's one of the speakers at the event. I'm thrilled to learn more tricks of the trade from fellow bloggers.

Saturday morning is a an early, early one as Linda, Shannon, Sid, Lisa and I trek up to big D. No, not for the Texas / OU game, but rather the Dallas version of the Gem and Jewelry show. And let me tell you we are serious shoppers. We attend dressed in walking shoes and backpacks and we lug around our finds. We always spend more money then we expect to and come home with nifty beads and finding. Before we trek home we stop and have a nice dinner to talk about our day because honestly, no one really cares to hear about our adventures except for us.

Sunday - whew! I'm sleeping in!