As you transition in life, and as social media platforms become more and more necessary for networking in your professional life, it might be time for an extreme social media platform makeover. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr are all platforms that you can use to connect with other professionals. If you are not interested in networking, be aware of the fact that your boss (or potential employer!) can and has most likely done some research. So, with that in mind, here are a few ways to make your social media outlets a bit more professional!
Clean it up:
Old college party pictures? Vulgar jokes and comments? Profanity? Super-personal and/or family events recorded in detail? Get rid of it. One of my favorite mantras is “Be a ruthless editor!” Take it to heart; only include pictures and status postings you would be willing to show your boss. If you’re a professional, project the type of image YOU would like to work with! Use your best judgement as to how much personal info you want exposed to potential clients or employers.
Simplify and streamline:
Who do you want to be? Where do you want to end up? What’s your goal in using Social Media professionally? Get a clear direction in mind and simply/streamline your effort toward that! Update all of your profile information, attach a killer resume or portfolio, and really take the time to lay a good foundation for your social media platform. You can also use your long term goal as a road-map for what info to include now and in the future as well.
Network Wisely:
Aligning yourself with the right people can make all the difference. Connect with people you know, and ask them to introduce you to others in your field that they might know. You don’t need a formal face to face introduction to friend someone on LinkedIn! Be brave–if there’s someone you’d really like to get to know, or a company that you’re dying to work for, take initiative! Say hello, introduce yourself, and be professional.
Be Consistent:
It’s a common mistake people invest a ton of time and energy in the beginning, and then taper off to little to no social media attention: updates, interaction, sharing links, etc. Whatever level of interaction works for you, establish it from the very beginning and then stick with it! If you slowly begin to decrease your time and attention to your social media platforms, people will think you’re not serious about what you’re trying to promote or that you don’t want it bad enough. Be diligent and stick with it!
Creativity, Ingenuity, and Style are key!
What makes you different from the next company or person? Your ideas! Your view of business and your ability to influence it in a way no else can! Let that shine in through–be creative, interesting and engaging.
Follow and join #BMGChat Wednesdays at 7:30pm EST