It’s not about the technology, it’s about the relationships. This mantra comes from Tom Hood CPA and president of the Maryland Association of CPAs. Of course, he’s right – when talking about social media.

In a recent blog post, Hood relayed this message to the 25 participants in the AICPA’s Leadership Academy earlier in the month, noting that many young professionals feel that their firms don’t “get it” when it comes to social media and are blocking such sites in their organizations.

“The new generation thinks of technology as the way in which they interact with their world, both personally and professionally. iPods, Facebook, IM, Twitter, Flickr and other social media tools are just how they relate,” Hood writes. “Taking these tools away is like putting them in exile.”

Sounds very similar to what consultant Michelle Golden said a while ago.

Hood offers the top five tools to get started in social media:

1.    Create your digital footprint. Create profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn and Google.
2.    Start listening. Use Google Reader or Bloglines to begin reading thought leaders in your profession or areas of interest.
3.    Continue listening. Create your Twitter account and follow your profession and areas of interest.
4.    Start sharing. Create a blog and record your thoughts.
5.    Share. Recognize and promote the people you find interesting.

He also lists a few resources on social media and CPAs on his site as well. Check it out.