Not until I met Professor Nixon in P.R. Publications did I realize how gigantic the field of social networking and media really is. I didn’t know that grown adults, not just young teeny-boppers and college kids, were all over the internet displaying as much information as their children. At first I found this kind of weird and time-consuming, but with a closer look, I’ve come to realize that the growing popularity of social media in the field of many careers, not just public relations, isn’t such a bad thing after all.
According to DaveFleet.com, an excellent blog on the “exploring the intersection of communications, marketing and social media,” there are many professional benefits to adding social media into your life. Here are some of the reasons:
1. Obtain references- more companies are looking to recruit people online, so why not connect with co-workers or clients through a networking site to help you find a job?
2. Stay on top of industry trends- new information is constantly being put into cyberspace, and following certain blogs pertaining to your career can help you soak up knowledge.
3. Improve your writing- the more you write, the more you expand your creativity and broaden your horizons on different topics. practice, practice, practice.
4. Learn from others- reading other people’s blogs and podcasts is going to gain useful tips while giving you the chance to give your opinions to others as well.
So whether you decide to venture into the deep sea of social networking or not, remember it doesn’t have to complicate your life. Use blogging or podcasting as a positive part of your portfolio that shows the world who you really are. Social media doesn’t have to be scary. Make it entertaining and as free-flowing as possible!
Information used in this blog can be found at http://davefleet.com/2008/11/13-ways-social-media-can-improve-your-career/
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