Social media can help both personal branding and career advancement when used strategically. Key platforms include LinkedIn for professional networking, Google+ for search engine optimization, and image-based sites like Instagram to showcase products or services. On all sites, maintaining an up-to-date profile with a professional headshot, accurate background information, and engaging original content through posts and comments can position users as thought leaders in their industry. Regular activity also keeps one's name and expertise top of mind among contacts. Goals around connections, profile views, and new contacts per month can help maximize social media's career benefits.

1. Social Media and Your Career

2. SOCIAL MEDIA

3. Why Your Business is in Social Media
• Personal social site
• Information - engage with brands reviewing company updates, photos, and videos
• Collaboration - comment on posts
• Google+
• Newer platform gaining interest
• Carries significant weight in terms of SEO and organic search visibility
• Features – Hangouts, YouTube, Google Docs, Play
• Professional social site
• Focused on connecting business and career advancement
• Allows for dissemination of information and collaboration
• Image based social site
• Showcase products
• Allows target audience to create mood boards
• Text Message Format
• Quick updates on what’s going on

4. Types of Posts

5. Personal Brand
Being active on social sites with professional
content demonstrates ongoing interest in your
career and industry
Situates you at the top of mind to your contacts
through constant engagement
Positions you as thought leaders should you
develop content of you own and create
expression
• Profile Image
• Who you are – Summary
• Content to the public – photos, copy, video
• Frequency

6. Profile Image
• A pleasant smile
• Professional attire
• A pleasing background
• An interesting angle
• A sign of your personality
• Clear lighting with a close crop
A financial advisor, stood next to the
Merrill Lynch bull to communicate an
association with the financial
industry.
A marketing job seeker used an image of
herself playing a Rock Band guitar which
helped her land a job in the creative
marketing world.

7. Who are you?
• Background – Career, Education, Organizations
• Recommendations
• Connections
• Groups
• Following
• Profile Views
• Like/Comment/Share

8. Create Content and Connect
General Content
• Repost company or industry posts
• Create your own post – events (pre
and post), promotions, information,
discussion topics
• Engage with associations/interest
groups
Targeted Content
• Search for current/prospective
customers to follow/friend
• Message your pipeline with an
introduction and suggest a
showroom/in person visit

9. LinkedIn Tips
• A Detailed Profile Is A Strong Profile
• Temporarily Turn Off Activity Broadcast
• Proofread Your Entire Profile
• Do Not Lie About Anything
• Be Active In Linkedin Groups
• Personalize Linkedin Email Requests
• Add Linkedin To Your Email Signature
• Connect Linkedin With Twitter
• Opt into updates to stay informed and
prompt you to get involved

10. Sample Activity Updates - LinkedIn

11. Sample Activity Updates - Twitter

12. Set Goals
# of Posts/Re-posts ea. Month
# of Profile views/Requests to friend or follow
# of New Contacts - Message

13. Questions?
Further assistance:
rightbrain@wondermentcreative.com