Susan Mernit is one of the most respected and recognized experts in the field of social media with a focus in “web strategy-product development.” As a former VP at Netscape and AOL and a senior Director of Product development at Yahoo, Susan understands the social media space like few in the industry.
It was of great interest when she published her recent blog article “Susan sez: Social media must haves for the recently laid off.” Her 8 tips for the unemployed are listed here with my comments. Pay attention because this advice is worthy of serious consideration.
1. Facebook: Susan- “Facebook is also a rich source of friends and connections that can lead you to opportunities, jobs, events.”
dean: Yes it can if you have a robust profile that outlines your skill set, what you are looking to accomplish, and your value. In addition make your landing page rich with video, links back to that blog you are going to establish, and your profile on Linkedin.com.
2. twitter: Susan-“a micro blogging platform that shares your updates with people around the world. . . is the newest way to interact with people in the digital world.:
dean: I will go that one further as I believe twitter will surpass many sites as one of the most important social media networking strategies available. I call it my “sound bite sized real time mini press release.” My article describing this strategy for the real estate industry can be modified for a person looking for employment.
3. Your name web site or blog: Susan-“We are truly at the moment when everyone on the planet should that the first thing that comes up when their name is Googled is their very own web site. “
dean: I completely concur. A blog more than a website, unless combined, gives you the chance to populate your page 1 and 2 for a Google search on your name or company name. It gives you a tool to defend your reputation, challenge erroneous information, and block unwanted information on your top page.
4. WordPress and others: Susan-“This is a continuation of #3 and has to do with what sort of content management system, aka blogging software, you want to put at your URL”
dean: WordPress.com is the best, most flexible, most robust blogging platform on the planet right now. If you want plug n play, go with WordPress.com. If you want software to host on your own domain, go with WordPress.org. Either way begin your writing platform to support your branding “You” and your employment campaign. You do have an employment campaign don’t you?
5. Update your Linkedin profile and import your contacts: “Maybe you’re into LinkedIn, maybe you’re not. If you’re out looking for work, or consulting, you should be. Into it, that is.”
dean: Linkedin is the most important business niche networking site on the internet today bar none. If you are not on Linkedin, fully understanding it’s features, and unaware of the opportunities it offers, you are truly missing the proverbial boat-big time!
6. Flickr: “For the full social media impact, you want to also have a public flickr account.”
dean: This is a case where you can expand your contacts by showing your hobbies or adding pictures that are business related. Your portfolio can be used for your blog or website. Flickr can also provide a new opportunity to integrate into a new community.
7. Join Meetup.com: “Basically, what meet up does is give you the ability to form a group, like I just got laid off in Oakland.com, and recruit members and have meetings. However, and perhaps more importantly, it gives you a chance to search for groups you might want to join and events you might want to go to. . . Meetup is particularly useful for professional groups and association.”
dean: Meetup.com is a great opportunity to find liked minded individuals who are open mined to sharing and learning new ideas. If you wish to network and learn your own value, test giving your value, and possibly meet a great connection, then consider this site.
8. Usage: “Building a presence with social media is just like doing laundry–it’s repetitive, with a cycle of wipe, rinse, repeat. The trick is to modify your behavior so that you’re connecting to people in your professional community via tools like twitter. . . “
dean: It is the biggest marketing opportunity since the telephone, the advent of Word over white out, and the development of business cards. This is the most amazing time in history for communication and connection with a global conversation via blogging and social-niche media sites providing the vehicle.
Question: Are you ready to claim your voice amongst the crowd, develop your writing platform, and hone your brand “You”? It’s all up to you.
