|
|
| The CWR Career Zone Social Media Gains Acceptability In the Business World By Terry Pile, GCDF Certified Career Planning and Development Specialist Reprinted from The Mercer Island Reporter  If you think Facebook and MySpace are for Gen X and Y, think again. The social media (on-line networks, community web sites, audio/video blogs) have become increasingly powerful tools used by companies, business professionals and job hunters alike. Career counselors used to warn job seekers against posting personal information on public web pages because employers found the internet to be screening tool; risqué photos or suggestive comments meant to entertain friends could cost a naïve job hunter a job offer. Today, business professionals are using the social media to expand contacts, research markets, grow businesses, find jobs and much more.
Using the social media for networking can take two forms: social or professional. Social networking is casual, involving minimal risk. Sending an email to an old college roommate doesn't pose much risk should the individual choose not to respond. By contrast, professional networking requires research, interaction and follow-through if you want your efforts to be effective.
For example, you discover on Linked-in (a professional online network) that your neighbor, three doors down, is employed by a company you have targeted in your job search. Your first inclination is to send him an email attaching your resume and asking for a referral. However, the situation is more sensitive when it involves a professional network. If your neighbor ignores your email, he will appear rude. If he doesn't know you well, he may be unwilling to make a recommendation or allow you to use his name. If he is sensitive to privacy issues, he may be reluctant to give out email addresses of coworkers without permission. Next time you see your neighbor walking his dog or taking out the trash the encounter will be awkward at best, not the kind of result you want from networking.
Rick Davis is in the financial services business and a master networker. He sees the social media as a complement to face-to-face networking. Davis said, "The social media is an excellent way to find shared connections and strengthen relationships. It is an extension of meeting people in person." Davis points out that whether you are meeting with people physically or virtually, it is the follow-through that makes networking effective. "People often don't consider the dynamics of relationship building. You can have rolodexes full of business cards or invite hundreds of people into your on-line network, but it is the follow-up that counts. Staying in contact, connecting members of your network who may have common interests, meeting for coffee or sharing a piece of industry information are accepted ways of investing in your network that will pay off in the future.
Boyd Vander Houwen of Vander Houwen Public Relations has been helping businesses use the social media as a strategic communications tool. He points out, "The way we communicate with clients, employees, prospects, and friends is changing. The chatter around the water cooler has been replaced by the clicking of keyboards and beeps of text messaging. Whether you are prospecting for new customers or potential employers, using social media will give you a jumpstart to connecting with your (target) audiences."
Vander Houwen also cautions that using social media for a job search differs from traditional approaches. "Do your research. Spend time in the social communities before you jump in. Online communities place a high value on sharing thoughts, ideas and information. It is acceptable to visit a professional organization's blog to gather market or employer information. But blasting members with an e-mail of your resume wouldn't be well received."
If you are considering using social media for enhancing your professional contacts or as job search tool, remember the following social media etiquette:
Use community forums and blogs to find out more about the industry in which you are interested. These forums can give you valuable insight into market trends, career fields and employers. Like most groups, online forums take on a distinctive culture. Become familiar with the pace, tone and lexicon of the group before actively participating.
Give as well as receive. Too often job seekers are in the mode of asking and forget they have a lot to offer. Look for opportunities to provide members of your network with new connections and information that may be useful.
Use online networks to find company "insiders." If the "insider" is connected to a member of your network, be sure to get permission before using your contact's name. If your contact is reluctant to have you use his/her name for an introduction, respectfully take another approach. By doing some additional research, a plausible excuse for contacting your "target" will surface.
Nurture your network. Don't be one of those people who only gets in touch with their contacts when job hunting. It gives networking a bad name.
The holidays are a great time for networking (and job hunting.) People are more likely to be in their office, business slows down and new budgets are being established. A holiday greeting is a perfect way to connect with your network, online or off, without ulterior motives. About the author. Terry Pile is principal and senior consultant with Career Advisors. Terry has over twenty years of experience in corporate, government, non-profit and entrepreneurial settings. Terry's areas of effectiveness include working with individuals to identify their strengths and passions and develop a career destiny within their current company or for future employment. Terry has a Master's degree in Education from Indiana University and a Certificate in Career Development from the University of Washington. She is certified by the Center for Credentialing and Education as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). About Career Advisors. Career Advisors is a collaboration of skilled career development and human resources professionals who provide private career counseling to individuals in transition. Career Advisors also works with small and mid-size companies who pride themselves on having a fair and compassionate approach to talent management, and who strive to be the employer of choice in their field.
Career Advisors
Mercer Island, WA | |
|