You may have a strong desire to forge ahead in launching that dream business or project. Have you considered the power of social media networking to launch and fulfill your dreams?

I started with MySpace several years ago at the suggestion of a friend. I was very skeptical because of the negative press I had heard about it. After some persuasion I thought I would give it a try. One thing I started to do after setting up my MySpace profile page (do you remember those?) was blogging. I was new to blogging and really saw it as something to do to pass the time, and to get a few thoughts off my mind and heart.

What started as just a hobby or a way to release some stress turned into quite an enterprise. I made several strong connections on MySpace and spent a lot of time communicating with my new online friends. Some of my friends became “real life” friends as well, as we made the effort to meet each other in person. Soon thereafter, individuals began to ask me when was I going to write a book. I laughed at the thought at first.

After MySpace was replaced by Facebook, then Twitter and Instagram as well, I realized that my writings were having a very positive effect on readers in ways that I had not imagined ever happening. In 2011 I wrote and published my first book, “It’s My Life and I Live Here: One Woman’s Story” where I shared my biography in an easy-to-read format. Publishing my book was an interesting venture, as through a series of Twitter connections I was able to have the cover designed and the book printed. Sales were pushed via social media, and I was able to gain followers from all over the world.

In 2012 I was asked by my church to lead our Singles Ministry, and again I used social media to engage followers and to announce our upcoming events. On the first night of our 2013 Singles Conference the leaders were pleasantly surprised at the attendance. We were supported by singles from NY and PA as well as all over our local state of NJ. Many participants streamed the event as well, including many married folks! The power of social media became very evident to me in those instances.

As I write this article, I am very thankful for the platforms that social media has blessed many of us with. Some of our voices and faces are now familiar across many cities and countries because of the power of these avenues. As I write my second book for singles, I will look for ways to continue to interact with and impact followers and viewers from all around the world.

I’ve shared all of this to say that the power of social media must never be underestimated. Like currency, it can become a platform for strong positive influences and a life of financial freedom, or a it can create a life that attracts misery and issues. The choice is up to the user.

BMWK: What is your opinion on the power of social media? How do you use social media?