I was recently interviewed in
Upscale Magazine about the topic of social networking pros and cons when it comes to professional image
(click here to view the pdf of the article). Here are my unedited answers from the interview:
Questions:
1. How beneficial are social networking sites to business professionals? I find social networking sites to be highly useful for business professionals. You know the old Hollywood saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know" - this is especially true in today's world and the economical topography being what it is. With professional sites like LinkedIn, it's easy to update your status letting everyone you're connected to know what you're working on. For freelancers and w2 employees alike, it's a great tool to market and show off your work.
2. Can you provide tips on how to fully maximize the use of these sites? Sure, like I mentioned before making good use of your status update with fun and innovative project tidbits and engaging in conversations with people in your industry and sharing useful links (I do this with all of my interactive talent). Your value in your social network is ALL about what you have to offer in terms of information. If you are the fountain of knowledge for all things Eco Friendly and Green, then your network would be ecstatic whenever you share the latest news on new company/city initiatives or projects that you have come across.
When you connect with someone new in your network, look at whom they speak to, check out whom they know, don't be afraid to introduce yourself... (That's what networking is all about anyway!)
3. What are some things to avoid so future employers or clients won't get the wrong impression about these professionals, i.e. is it best to keep those pictures that your friend took of you dancing on a bar at your birthday party off of your Facebook page? I've asked myself similar questions regarding the scandalous pictures. When it comes to marketing and networking yourself as a business professional I think it's important to look at your online presence as a statement of your own personal brand. When it comes to what people will see online (who your friends are, pictures, likes dislikes) as much as we'd like to think that work and personal life are separate, let's face it, even if you did not post those pictures up yourself, anyone can look you up online.
That being said, whenever we are out and about in the world the way we depict ourselves personally in public is how we're depicting our brand. What if you found yourself at your friend's bachelor party at a popular bar in Downtown and your boss was having dinner there? It's a long-winded answer but to put it simply, if you wouldn't be proud of other people knowing, then there is no sense with doing it in the first place.
But if the damage is already done with pictures, posts, etc. a lot of social networking sites have privacy settings that would be useful to provide limited access to the outside world. You can always "untag" yourself too.
4. What are some Dos and Don'ts to keep in mind when you have a page or are posting on social networking sites? Do - be yourself.
Don't be afraid of being normal - after all, who would want to work at a company that would not be comfortable with someone who has their own personal life outside of work?
Don't - share or connect yourself with things that you aren't proud of. My Facebook profile is fairly open (I have some hidden elements) with regards to friends, what I do, my interests and everyday things I am open. The day that my mother figured out this whole new cool world of "social networking" and requested me as a friend on Facebook and I shrugged it off (despite being mortified for a second) I knew my profile stood the test of being good to connect to clients. Don't forget these are "social" networking sites. No one should expect anyone to be a robot.
5. Is there any additional information or tips that you would like to add? I'd like to reiterate again, "To Thine Own Self Be True" - being in the staffing industry you'd be amazed at how many of the people we rep have found jobs through networking, at parties, bars, online - you name it! I have found work for people who follow me (
@anotorias) on twitter who I don't know through any other channel. Social networking is the easiest way to cast a wide net to find people who you will be able to find useful to further advance your career, if not now, most definitely in the near future!
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