Social media improves your personal brand and influences your career
Some people are saying social media is the future of public relations and it is changing the field of communication. But, I’ve noticed a lot of students are still not involved in social media.
Through Karen Russel’s blog, I came across 13 Ways Social Media Can Improve Your Career by Dave Fleet. I thought it was a really great post about how you can use social media to your advantage. The following post is a real look at how social media is helping me stay “a step ahead.”
First of all, according to Fleet, social media expands your network. I’ve met several students and professionals through Twitter and this blog. Kasey Anderson, a CMU alumna, introduced herself through Twitter. I met her in person several months later when she spoke in my public relations writing class. Dave Baker introduced himself to me at the 2008 PRSSA Conference. He was following me on Twitter and reading my blog before we met in person. There are many other professionals I’ve met through blogging, including Allie Osmar at Edelman PR. Social media expands your social network beyond what was even imaginable B.S.M. (Before Social Media).
Through sites like LinkedIn, you can get references. I got my first reference earlier this month. It’s like a virtual resume…potential employers can read testimonials about your work ethic and skills before they even interview you.
There is another Rachel Esterline out there, so I always go by Rachel M. Esterline when online. It helps distinguish me from the other Rachel. Owning your online brand is important. Google yourself and see how you stand. Of the first 10 results of “Rachel Esterline,” seven are mine. Sixteen of the first 20 results for “Rachel M. Esterline” are mine also. You also should consider building your brand using a blog, personal Web site, Twitter and other methods. I also use a universal image on my Web site and business card.
Social media also can be used to find jobs. I am following the Human Resources Coordinator from Edelman’s Washington, D.C. office on Twitter. I also have talked with an agency through Twitter about internships.
Social media can help you stay current with the latest trends. I subscribe to more than 100 different blogs with Google Reader. Readers save a lot of time. If you do not use a reader yet, I suggest you try Google Reader. There are many new trends I have first heard about through Twitter. Actually, the first time I heard about Google Chrome was through Twitter.
Current events also carry into the social media atmosphere. During the presidential election, all I had to do is check my Twitter to know if either candidate had said anything interesting (or stupid).
Social media shows that you are interested in the latest trends and participating. Fleet described is as being on the “leading edge.” It also helps you learn from others (from their experiences and from what they read, enjoy and then post for you).
Lastly, social media can improve your writing skills. My skills have improved immensely. I also am a better editor and better at clarifying my thoughts clearly and concisely. Blogging makes you find something interesting and write your point of view. Twitter makes you write tighter because you only have 140 characters to get your point across.
Overall, if you are a future PR professional, social media is something you need to know about and understand or else you will be left behind in the dust.
Related Posts:
BG: Before Google
Communication Tips from Bob Lutz of General Motors
Crossing Borders Through Communication: Global PR
Social Media, PR and What I’ve Been Up To
Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Love it! I totally agree social media can keep you a step ahead and help you build your network. It’s funny to me how social media has such great benefits, but no one in college seems to get it- they all still think its just for weird internet types…
Nisha,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I think college students are just now starting to get it. A lot of times, I’m explaining to them as to why they should be blogging. Blogging to so much more than keeping an online journal and they sometimes have a hard time understanding that.
Glad you followed up on the link — Dave has a fantastic blog, and it’d definitely be worth your time to check out his other posts.
Nice post u have here
Added to my RSS reader
It really amazes me how many college students have almost no presence online. For many, Facebook is the top Google result (for better or for worse). I can’t express enough how much blogging has changed my career path - it literally got me the job I’m in today.
Karen–Dave’s blog really is great. Thanks for sharing his post on yours!
RYErnest–Thank you
Allie–It amazes me as well. I think a lot students just don’t get how important and influential their presence online can me - negatively and positively. It’s very impressive that you got the job you have today through blogging and that really can emphasize how great social media really is.
I think it’s easy to think you’re in a safe zone when you’re in college and that you can start worrying about those things when you need a job, but the truth is students should be thinking about these things all the way through. The sooner, the better.
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Allie–I think a lot of people believe that since they are just a college student, they are fine. But once you put something online, it’s permanent. Things are harder to remove online than some people think. It’s even harder when you have friends who tag you on questionable things and pictures.