So, after taking a Social Media workshop for the last two weekends, I can say I now have a broader, deeper understanding of how social media works, and what outlets are available. I can also say that although I have a better grasp on things like LinkedIn, Twitter, WordPress, Wikis, etc., I also feel a bit mind-boggled by all of the other aspects of social media that I could get involved in. This has me thinking about where I am at right now, and what I see myself doing to brand ME.
Twitter is something that, now that I am signed up and understand it, could become very addictive! It’s fun to get a glimpse into people’s daily lives, in a way that is different and more immediate than even Facebook. Following Celebs as they do their concert tours, film movies, or broadcast is pretty cool! I can see where this will probably become a part of my way of putting myself and my brand out there! Gaining followers of people who have like interests, beliefs, humor, passions, politics and causes is something that holds interest to me, because it lends new perspectives to my own views.
I also see myself continuing to build my contact list on LinkedIn, because it is all about professionalism, and networking with the scope of business and jobs. I had already been doing this, but now my profile is more polished up, and more focused, and I have reached out to past colleagues for recommendations. Since I am currently a full time student, and will be looking for employment in a few months, after completing my degree in Marketing Management, LinkedIn is a tool I will use to look for a great new job!
One of the cool takeaways I didn’t expect to get from this class is a blog! I hadn’t ever really thought about creating my own blog, but now that I’ve started, I think this is something I will continue doing, and actually really enjoy! I’m a pretty optimistic, positive minded person, and I think this is a perfect place for me to write my thoughts and feelings about things in a constructive manner.
So, I guess when it comes to my strategy, I am answering these questions:
1. Who do I want to reach? My colleagues in hospitality, new prospective employers who value creative minds, travel enthusiasts, entertainment industry folks, and people who share my interests.
2. What are my goals? To connect with people who share my interests, and where we could benefit from one another professionally. To get a great, creative job that I love, through my Social Media networks! To express myself authentically! To create a brand that fits the definition of who I am, and inspires me to be the best person I can be!
3. How will I engage? Through the various forms of Social Media I currently use (Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Flickr), and through new channels of social communication that I find an interest in!
So, that is where I’m at today. Like the ever changing world of Social Media, I will be in a different place, and continue to grow and expand day by day. This now feels exciting to me, which is quite different than the heavy weighted feeling I have had in the past. I now see that social media doesn’t have to be all encompassing, and that you don’t have to do it all. I’m inspired to take on a little at a time, and grow my networks, grow my mind, and grow my BRAND!