Social Media and Your Career: 6 Things You Need To Know
November 23, 2009 Career Goals & Planning, Personal Branding, Social Media, Uncategorized TrackBack URLAre you confused about the plethora of social media platforms?
Are you unsure about what you should (or shouldn’t) be doing in the online world of blogs, forums, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook etc..?
Wandering how you can effect your career by the click of a mouse?
Question what you need to know and what you don’t?
Ok, here is everything you need to know in 20 seconds:
Social Media 101
“Earn a reputation. Have a conversation. Ask questions. Describe possible outcomes of a point of view. Make connections.
Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Align objectives then describe a better outcome.
Show up. Smile.”
This simple wisdom comes from marketing author and speaker Seth Godin in his recent post titled “How To Lose An Arguement Online.”
I’m no social media ‘expert’ and not particularly smart with technology, but I do know that social media is here to stay – it isn’t some fad. I also know that it’s not just something for “the youngsters” to chat and play on. Online communities will play a huge impact on the businesses of the future – and so, in turn on our careers. Just look at the stats showing the dramatic falls in the power and influence of traditional media and growth of online video, online communities and the like.
Like it or not, social media will play a big part in your future career by building (or destroying) your personal brand. So embrace it.
But to embrace it, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of all the technology. You just need to follow the basic principles of being human. Of being real.
The only 6 things you need to know are:
1. Be Respectful
2. Be Transparent
3. Be of Value
4. Be Nice
5. Be a Connector
6. Be Different (by being your true self)
The technology and media platforms will evolve and adapt – but these 6 points will always apply. So keep this list close by you.
The tools, tricks and “how to’s” you can learn as you go (or get others to show you). But as Seth points out, if you’re not exhibiting these basic human attributes consistently, you won’t succeed. In fact, you’ll do quite the opposite and damage your personal brand and your career prospects with the click of a mouse.
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