"But first, let me take a selfie..."
I'm sure everyone has heard that song/lyrics by now, and that statement is largely the summation of how perception of the Millennial generation has slightly poisoned the reputation of Social Media. On the other hand, they've also made it popular and the new norm, so much so that it has created numerous jobs for people like me at major brands and corporations.
But underneath it all, I personally mostly use social media to build and enhance relationships, and I preach that in my work-life as well. There are so many ways one can benefit from social medial in regards to professional development and learning.
Here are some key tips on how to utilize the power of social media to boost your professional profile.
1. Follow industry leaders and innovative thinkers on Twitter, and be selective
I have always told people to treat Twitter as a news source first.
The people I follow aren't the friends I hang out with everyday; they are journalists, news entities, leaders in my industry, athletes, etc. - they are all people whom I want to know, learn from, idolize and respect.
I also keep the number on the lower side in order to be able to catch up and consume the information on my news feed throughout the day, as well as continuously interact.
2. Build connections on LinkedIn with peers in your industry or who fall along your career path
Many of my LinkedIn relationships have actually originated on Twitter, believe it or not. I've connected and chatted with them numerous times, and they've fallen into the category of people I'd like to enhance my professional network with, therefore translating them into a connection on LinkedIn. This also enhances your network with people that could benefit your development and growth along your career path.
3. Read articles and stories, lots of them
Again, this goes back to following the people and news sources that most matter to you professionally. I rarely go directly to ESPN.com, Digiday.com, BusinessInsider.com, etc. I follow specific writers or companies that will push out content throughout the day on my timeline and click through when I am interested in a headline/topic. When you have all this information aggregated in one place, whether it's articles, stories, blogs, any type of content, it's easier to be on top of the latest trends, breaking news and updates to help enhance your skills and overall knowledge.
4. Join relevant groups and have conversations with real people
Whether it's groups on LinkedIn with strangers, or groups of friends gathered on Facebook, hearing people constantly talk about subject matters you deal with on a daily basis at work not only eases the thought of "you're not alone" but also can help problem solve or think outside the box through another vantage point.
5. Take mental notes and apply learnings
There's no need to reinvent the wheel. When it comes to best in class, observe what other brands and professionals are doing and figure out how you can mold it into something of your own, or share with your organization in a way that others can learn and apply.
These tips are not prescriptive, though they should make you think about your social media tendencies and how you can frame them into something beneficial. Trust me, it's worth doing a self-audit sometimes, for personal reflection and professional growth.
Social media is a very powerful tool, but it can be used recklessly, as we've all seen. However if you own your brand and structure your approach, it can also be extremely helpful to optimize career development and enhance future opportunities.