Why you need a social media outlet

 Whether you own a business or are seeking a job, it is important that you have an online personality. In this digital age where there appear to be more and more meaningful activities online, you need to be present in order to participate. Participation can get you a career, discounts, and maybe a spouse!

To get jobs and jump start your career, there are platforms like LinkedIn. To share an idea or thought quickly, there are platforms like Twitter. To share your life experiences with friends, there are platforms like Facebook. With platforms like e-harmony you may even be able to meet a life partner.

While each individual has the option of staying off social media outlets or being anonymous (assuming being anonymous is still possible), there are clear benefits of having a face to a name online. If you wish to be part of the global community, there will come a time when participation on a social media platform will be a requirement to receive goods and services. You may be able to stay offline today but soon you will need a social media outlet.

Are head hunters going the way of the dodo?

Ever since I was encouraged to join LinkedIn I have seen it grow in popularity. I have watched my network grow and even gotten recommendations from others. Many of my colleagues share the same story. With the size of our networks and the people we know, there are fewer reasons to go to a recruitment firm for a job placement. 

Indeed recruitment firms are only useful for specific and perhaps niche roles that cannot easily be filled by searching through LinkedIn. So while head hunters are not extinct, it should be noted that today social media is not just for sharing photos, raising money, or broadcasting an idea. Now you can get a job and perhaps launch a career as well.

Content

Lately I have been paying more attention to the content I consume online. I find I am more receptive to content that moves me. Let me be specific. Themes like world peace, friendship, and uniqueness are striking a cord. It appears marketers are noting this too. 

Many companies like Coca-Cola and Mini have capitalized on this. But what does this mean for them? In my mind, companies like Coca-Cola and Mini their audience is drawing a direct connection between the companies and the themes they are using. It is like equating Coca-Cola to a taste of friendship and the Mini to a piece of uniqueness.

When brands are able to connect with the consumer by using suitable (and appealing) content, they win.

Connecting Online

Not all digital notes (tweets, online comments, email, etc.) go into the “Ether”. There are people who actually read (and appreciate) the information shared. I was impressed by the Ted Talk given by Amanda Palmer about asking. Asking is not a sign of weakness. 

In the absence of touch, people now have the luxury of ‘reaching out’ online. It is pleasantly surprising to find that we are not alone. And unlike bullies out there might think – there are people out there that care about you. Connections online can be as real and meaningful as connections in person