Imagine getting ready to go into a freezing cold swimming pool in March.  Some people would run and dive right in.  They would get a sudden jolt from the cold water but then their bodies would adjust to the low temperature.  Others may prefer to slowly wade into the water, getting a shock every time the pool slopes down another foot in depth.

Approaching a swimming pool in early spring is not all that different from approaching social media for the first time.  You can jump on and create an account for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, DailyBooth, Diggit, Yahoo groups, Blogger, and any other online media platform you can find.  The trouble though is that it takes time to learn the pulse and workings of each platform since no two are the same and each was designed with a different objective in mind.  It can also be daunting to juggle those accounts and stay current with each community.

To avoid this predicament, consider phasing in one platform at a time.  Start with one that you are most comfortable with.  If you believe less is more, then consider starting with Twitter or Jaiku.  This format is easy for those who love to text message.  You are just sending your texts to a larger audience.  It does take time to develop relationships on Twitter but once you do you will love it and want to hang out there more often.

If you love photos and like to share check the Daily Booth.  Daily Booth is a photo sharing community.  The concept is to share a photo of the day.  You can have friends, followers and a community of those sharing their favorite photos online.  If you love pictures you should definitely check out the Daily Booth.

If you enjoy making videos and would like to share your message YouTube is a great community.  There are no limitations on what you can discuss or have videos about on YouTube.  If you love books discuss them in a video.  If you want to talk about your kids, family, or even for business your product there is a community for you to interact with on You Tube.  The energy of You Tube seems less judgmental and open to conversation.  It can be a really fun place to hang out and if you need to know how to do just about anything or need an answer to any question, it is almost always available on You Tube.

Facebook is a great place to dip your toe in the Social Media Waters.  The platform is easy to navigate.  Your community you have as friends are usually family, friends and close associates.  This allows you to have conversations and share online with those who you may not see as often as you would like.  I read recently that Facebook has been hijacked by grandma and I think there is a bit of truth to this.  There is no limits to this community and you really can use it as a central place for family and friends to keep in touch.  I think everyone should be on Facebook.  The relationships that are built there are made stronger and more interactive than if you were just seeing each other at birthdays or holidays.

Now that we have discussed these social media options lets discuss the options of phasing in.  It will normally take 2-3 months to phase in and be comfortable with a nice network growing on any network.  If you allow yourself to be 100% vested you will have a better experience and will benefit from participating in social media.  With that being said I would phase them in one every 3 months.  Find the ones you love and really spend your time there.