If you are reading this there is a 90% chance you found it via social media. What was an exclusive platform for college students less than seven years ago is now a household name. To validate the influence and pervasiveness of FB my sainted mother (whose age will no disclose out of reverent respect) asked me to help her “get on The Facebook” recently. Wow –

The statistics surrounding the use of social media are pretty astounding. More than 98% of the on-line adults age 18-24 use social media on a regular basis. Even more impressive, 82% of all on-line adults age 55-64 (these folks graduated from college in the pre personal computer age) use social media regularly. It’s safe to say (as we all know) that social media isn’t a passing fad. Big deal you say.

Well if you simply want to keep in touch or re-connect with old friends from high school or a previous home town, then you are right this type of information isn’t a big deal.

But if you own or are responsible for promoting a business, charity, non-profit or a community service organization you might want to take a closer look at how social media can help you increase your organization’s effectiveness. Chances are that in 2012 you and your organization will need to engage current and potential connections to help in promoting a product, cause or event. And it is at these times that the value of social media becomes amazingly clear.

With very little effort, no money out-of-pocket and in a short time you can create a powerful network of connections that you can communicate with directly. These connections in turn can help you spread your message to their friends and their friends, friends. Add an inexpensive and targeted ad buy and before long you can micro-target the exact audience you want to reach.

Social Media is here to stay – the question is are you ready to let it take your organization to the next level?