Last night, Unity08 sent an alert explaining the differences between Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Myspace and descriping the concept of social networking.

The power of social networking is quite amazing. In a very short amount of time, you can be virtually connected with millions of people. At Unity08, we use our social network profiles to help us connect with others that are interested in learning more about us.

Please take 10 minutes this week to check out (and/or join) our social networks!

If you are already part of the social networks below, then make sure you add us as a "friend" or that you subscribe to our channel. If you are not on the networks below, please consider joining or subscribing.

YouTube allows you to upload, view and share video clips.
Subscribe to our video channel now!

Flickr is a photo sharing web site.
Join our flickr group now!

Facebook: Join or sign in, then search for "Unity08" to find our application.
Click here to join or sign in to Facebook!

MySpace is an interactive network of friends.
Click here to add Unity08 as a friend on MySpace!

How does this help us? By joining a social network and adding us as a friend or subscribing to a group or channel, you help us to be seen by more people. Joining our network makes it easy for you to meet other Unity08 members and to pass along our profile to your friends!

We'll see you online!

At first I thought that the alert was a waste of time. Why do users need to be educated about social networks? Aren't we already on them? Then Facebook statistics came to mind.

Social networking isn't for kids anymore. According to Facebook, by the end of 2007, Facebook will be up to 60 million users, and 75% will be out of college. With 65% of people 50-64 going online, and 32% of the 65+ crowd venturing onto the web, it's worth recruiting them. The adoption curve is moving toward older audiences, and we need to change perceptions that web stuff is for crazy college students.

Last Sunday, the NY Times ran an article on older Facebook users. The social utility is fighting the stereotype that social networks are for teens and twentysomethings. As they work with traditional media to fight this stereotype, Boomers and older generations are hearing about it and testing them out. Campaigns need to be ready to promote online activities to the direct mail and broadcast crowd.

Boomers and the AARP crowd aren't your traditional grandparents. They think young and want to keep up with trends. A few months ago, I was shocked when my great-aunt friended me on Facebook. At first it was strange to connect with someone in her late 60s, but why not reach out to my aunt and her friends online? They're already spending time on the web looking for travel deals and researching health information. Now they're discovering that social networks allow them to keep up with family and friends. Shouldn't they also connect to their candidates like their grandkids are doing?

Unity 08's alert is a good idea. Social networking is confusing and intimidating. Taking the time to educate older supporters not only gives you another way to reach them, but it also sends the message that you're willing to invest time in them.

The web is also cheaper and more efficient than broadcast television, print advertising or direct mail. Unlike Xers, who don't vote, and Millenials, who have no money, this group votes and contributes. Why not educate them and woo them in the process?