Am I a geek, and will social networking and social media take over life?

I never dreamt I would be working on my own website or understand and be doing my own Search Engine Optimisation.   Now, I find it incredibly rewarding to learn about technology, apply it and see it all working.

Nothing’s that hard when you know how, and it’s surprisingly easy to find out how to do most things – on the internet!  My website now comes No2 on Google for Small Business Advice (Assistance, Support and tips) Surrey, and 1st page for many other searches for I’ve been working on.

For businesses, freelancers and self-employed, I think Twitter has real value.  Initially I connected with people and companies I could learn from and those who inspired me. Now I connect with people I meet, would like to meet and because I love my community, mostly with people in Surrey, UK.

Wendy Ager - Social Media / Social Networking

I share the best bits of what I learn and give out tips, advice and my support for local businesses and events in Surrey.  I ‘chat’ with people I’ve met, can see what they’re up to and agree to meet and support events.  I’ve been to a couple already (pics from the latest here!) and even got involved in setting up a Tweetup in March, where Twitterers meet face-to-face to socialise!

I’m keen to explain the convenience of QR Codes to everyone. You can download an application onto your phone and use the camera as a scanner to read these like a bar-code.  It then takes you straight to the information – to a website, Facebook page or even click and save someone’s contact details without having to type anything into your phone – whatever they’ve put into the code.  I have started using them already on my leaflets and website (see here!).  It’s simple, convenient and easy.  Look out for them!

This one will take you to my YouTube video!

On my Facebook page, occasionally there’s an up-date for Get Better Coaching events but I generally offer a daily boost by way of a motivational quote, suggestion to enhance your success or happiness and the odd laugh, to keep you sane.

I’ve also written an article on how to use LinkedIn!

All this (and that I’ve been listed in ‘Social Media Gurus’ on Twitter) is making me feel like a GEEK!

However – for me, there is still nothing quite like meeting people,  socially or for business. This is why I still go to networking events regularly and prefer to meet my friends to catch up. With my husband and little girl, to me, there’s no better time than being together without technology interference and with friends and family.  I love that most about being on holiday too.

Even though I often help people one-to-one by phone or on Skype, most of those I work with I’ve actually met or they’ve been referred by someone who has met or worked with me. Having said that, a couple have stemmed from social networking and keeping in contact that way.

I do think people are missing a trick if they restrict themselves to social media for either business or socialising.  For various reasons, there are still LOADS of people who aren’t doing it all yet, don’t ‘get it’ or don’t want to.  I know them, like a lot of them and I love even more of them because it’s so good to talk and have fun without it, most of the time.

To me, that’s when life is best – when it’s in person!

Networking at Ladies Who Latte, Croydon (I'm in the middle wearing black!)

Ladies Who Latte – is FREE informal networking in Sutton, Croydon, Dulwich, Tooting, Epsom and Bromley – I go to Sutton & Croydon regularly.