Social Media Managers Should Be Over the Age of 40

Social Media Managers should be over the age of 40

Before you get all riled up, please know that the title of this article is all in jest.  Many of you saw the blog post recently from a recent college grad, that she truly believes all Social Media Managers should be under the age of 25.  Because, well, you know….they truly “get” Social Media.

First, let’s have fun and assume the title is for real:

All Social Media Managers should be over the age of 40.  After all, we grew up at the very beginning of all technological advances.  In elementary school we had 3 computers in the libray, and we had to earn privileges to be able to work or play on one.  I volunteered in the library and was given extra time on them once I got my duties done.  In a Junior High art class I drew a phone with a screen, and thought ‘Wow, wouldn’t that be cool to see who we were talking to’.  (I think I probably still have the drawing LOL) When I was in college I learned how to type…on an actual type writer.   I also learned how to run a machine that fed information via paper codes to another machine.  It was so long ago I don’t even remember the name of the machine.  Must be a sign of my old age.

Because we started with the core basics, we have come to truly appreciate the advancements far more than our younger counterparts.  We remember when it was a big to-do to even have a computer.  And a cell phone, well that was even bigger…literally.  By watching first hand the progress of all technological advancements we have a far better understanding of them step-by-step.

It would also be best if you were a woman, be married, have children, moved from state to state, and have worked for at least a few real companies before becoming a SAHM; then discover new passions, rediscover old talents, and  reinvent yourself after the age of 40.

Ok, enough of that silliness.  Let’s get real.

Age should not be a determining factor in who is the right person to be a Social Media Manager!

I would argue that for many situations experience and wisdom do play a very important part with public communication.  I see this online, but also at social events in person.  Does that make it right or wrong, not necessarily.  It depends on the company/client.

The key is the ability to represent the client to the best of your abilities.  I admit, sometimes it is challenging, mainly because of the variety of clients we get.  But that is what also makes it exciting! I can easily identify with people around my own age, and parents.  But I can also connect with young adults, partly because I am the parent of three young adults.  I enjoy learning new things from them, and hopefully they feel the same in return. This is the approach I take with my colleagues in Social Media…I enjoying interacting and learning from all of them.   Everyone has something to bring to the table.

Another point to make is how you represent yourself.  In this day and age of technology, a post such as the one I’m referring to will someday come back to bite the author in the derriere (aka ass for you youngins ;-)) No, I’m not going to link to the original article, most of you know the blog post I’m referring to.  I could not decide if she came off as arrogant or immature, or both.  I’m sure she is still swimming through her sea of replies.  I wonder if she’ll ever reply to any.

So there it is, just a little bit of my rant on the topic.

With respect (for ALL Social Media Managers),

Lanae

Age 46

Social Networking Nanny