Three months ago, I posted on my personal Facebook page that I had signed up for BCIT’s introductory course in Interior Design. I took the course for personal reasons (I am an interior design junkie), but the reaction I received on Facebook surprised me. Some people thought that I was switching careers. When I thought about it afterwards, it made sense that my post would be interpreted as an announcement of leaving my bread and butter behind in the pursuit of different dreams. Why? Because, well, that’s what people do on Social Media. They let people know that something has changed in their life.

On LinkedIn three weeks ago, I accidentally pushed the “post” button when I wasn’t 100% finished updating a past career from 1985 on my profile. Oops! I didn’t realize my error until my inbox began to flood with “Congratulations!” from members of my team and people I haven’t heard from in years.

Yes, Social Media does work if you wish to announce to the world that something is new or different in your life or business. If you are looking for social media to make you money, let’s talk.

*Source: Baila Baila Lazarus, Media Consultant

Here is a list of a few things to consider:

1. We are connected.

In the age of LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube, we know a lot of people. According to one survey, 69% of Canadians visited at least one social networking site in the past year and 87% of households are connected to the internet. Take the time to tell someone that you love them, especially if they don’t expect it.

2. We are rich.

In 2013, The median family income in Canada was $76,000. The median household income in the United States was $52,250. The median annual household income worldwide was $9,733. Could some of us use more money? Yes. However, if you feel you have a little left over, donate.

3. We have lots to eat.

Too much actually. In a 2013 United Nations report 1.3 billion tonnes of food, about a third of the world’s supply, are wasted annually, costing global economies $750-billion (U.S.) and negatively impacting the environment – at a time when 1.2 billion people are living in extreme poverty. Moving food from those who have it, to those who do not, is a logistical challenge. Individually, we can contribute to the solution by donating cash and non-perishable food items to www.FoodbanksCanada.ca and http://www.feedingamerica.org/ on a regular basis.

4. We are healthy.

We live in a country with what it perceives to be the highest standard of health care in the world. However, the Commonwealth Fund recently released a comparative scorecard of 11 health-care systems in advanced industrial economies. The United States ranked 11th. Canada ranked 10th, its worst standing in the comparison since it began in 2004.

There are people in our neighbourhoods that need assistance in the healthcare system. It could be as simple as driving someone to the doctor or ensuring that someone is registered with the universal healthcare system. You may be surprised how inaccessible healthcare is in North America.

5. We are lucky.

You probably have heard the expression “luck is what you make it.” Is there a correlation between a positive attitude and good fortune? Check out Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut: Unbroken based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand. Its hardcover format spent an unbelievable 180 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. (Only 3 books have held that position.) The story of Louis Zamperini’s perseverance and courage inspires.

From all of us, Happy Holidays and all the Best of the New Year and Beyond.

Pauline, Megan, Carol, Natasha, John, Karen, and Jayne

www.RevTurbo.com and www.BestPeopleWin.com