Social Networking for the Ages

In researching an article for a national pub pitch associated with social networking, I've been truly amazed at the explosive popularity of social networking within the "older" set. I knew the idea was gaining popularity, but had no idea to what extent.
Those of us who are, let's say, 30+, have discovered a convenient way to stay connected with family, friends and associates through Facebook, Plaxo, LinkedIn, Twitter and other applications. But contrary to critics (my husband is one), the appeal is not simply to have an online brag book to share pics of our kids or attractive poses of ourselves at our best. These sites have become an ingenuous way for businesspeople to market themselves, not just their firms, in order to stand out from the masses. And in the competitive job market we have now, being able to put a face with a name may be all it takes to break through corporate barriers.
From my own perspective as a business owner, I'd be a great testimonial for the value of social networking. I've received new clients through both LinkedIn and Facebook -- people who had no idea who I was, contacting me and eventually hiring me.
Signing up with LinkedIn was a no-brainer -- it's essentially an online resume'. But, I'll admit, I went into Facebook, kicking and screaming. Like many, I believed it was a pathetic way to connect with long-forgotten buddies and associates -- who has the time for that? Only after attending a seminar by international social networking guru Peter Shankman, who assured me Facebook would be the business networking wave of the future, did I jump on board. Thanks, Peter! I think.
For now, my biggest resistance to social networking seems to be the struggle to keep my personal life and business persona separate. My current and future clients really don't need to read my latest chicks-night-out musings to know I'll do a fantastic job for them. And because of that, I still haven't linked my company website with my Facebook page... and may never do so.