The document discusses developing a professional online identity and presence through various social media platforms. It summarizes LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Plus, Facebook, blogs, and other online tools and provides tips for using each appropriately and effectively for professional purposes. The document emphasizes creating a consistent online branding and profile to establish credibility and visibility while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. It also stresses using social media to connect with other professionals, share relevant information, and potentially impact clients and global issues.

1. TRMA 585 P1: Developing A
Professional Online Identity Spring 2012
MELISSA SHOCKMAN

2. ONLINE IDENTITIES, PERSONAL
BRANDING, SOCIAL MEDIA

3. LINKEDIN
• LinkedIn is a site in which to meet other professionals
• Community groups include relevant conversations
• Professionals in the community can view a current
Resume on this site
• New Study Results: “found that 59 percent of users
believe LinkedIn is their most important social
networking account”
• http://videos.webpronews.com/2011/07/new-study-prov

4. ONLINE PRIVACY

5. TWITTER #TRMA585
• The class discussions and sites located from Twitter
offered additional insight and information
• Twitter is a tool that I will likely not use right away as I
find it is too difficult to wad through all of the crap
• I have enjoyed being forced to become more
comfortable with this tool
• Twitter can be used to connect with organizations
• Twitter opens up communication on world issues

6. GOOGLE PLUS (G+)
• Google Plus is similar to Facebook as it is a place to
connect, yet people can be categorized into
groups
• Some simple groups to follow have been set up
• Anyone can start a Hangout to discuss specific
topics

7. PROFESSIONAL FACEBOOK PAGES
• Professional Facebook pages can be tough
because of client confidentiality issues
• Because Facebook tends to be casual using it for
business purposes might not be the best tool
• Facebook is great for sharing information
• Facebook causes are listed in the Community
pages
• I will continue to use my Facebook for personal
friends in the future, but not clients

8. LEARNING FROM MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS & ORGANIZATIONS
• With Social Media on the Rise Marketing online is
becoming an imperative for new clinicians
• Creating a consistent marketing platform and
maintaining an online presence forms a reputation
• Some debate still exists in just how personal
information content should be
• For Clients choosing a professional online
consistency in branding is ideal
• Keeping things Simple is better than not having an
online presence at all

9. BLOGS: BLOGGER, WORDPRESS,
TUMBLR, POSTEROUS
• Blogging sites allow Clinicians to subscribe to news
feeds which are relevant to their practice
• Blogging can increase an online presence, yet
should maintain consistency and branding
• It is important to Remember in this age of
information not to give it all away
• Using blogging can increase a client knowledge on
a topic, but should not be used in lieu of treatment
• When Blogging be careful what issues to take a
stand on because clients can read into opinion

10. PORTFOLIOS & PROFILES
http://about.me/MelissaShockman

11. MANAGING YOUR ONLINE IDENTITY
• Online management will be required for those of us
who end up in private practice
• In order to create a positive online presence
providing basic information or linking to relevant
data can assist clients in finding a clinician
• Creating some level of continuity and branding will
be helpful in solidifying a professional presence
• Posting information which is too personal or which
could be viewed as a client solicitation must be
monitored and avoided.

12. WEBSITES & DOMAIN NAMES
• http://www.linkedin.com/pub/melissa-shockman/21/b62
• http://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=Meliss
• https://twitter.com/#!/MelissaShockman
• https://plus.google.com/102235501682571581092/about
• http://www.slideshare.net/mcshockman
• This is a song I wrote and sing with my husband:
http://www.indabamusic.com/people/melissashockman

13. HAVING AN IMPACT
• Networks get Formed in order to create Forums for
people to connect with common issues
• Social media can have a profound impact as seen
with the Joseph Kony video
• The capacity to spread information worldwide and
therefore work on global issues is now possible
• Creating an online presence can assist in seeking
employment opportunities
• And can assist clients in finding more information to
decide if they wish to enlist our services

14. GOALS & STRATEGIES
• Using Creativity to Make and Maintain an online
presence
• Video Examples and clips on UTUBE can assist us in
creating a professional profile
• Linking to relevant Information, Research, or Articles
can assist in networking with other professionals and
clients
• Social media can have a powerful impact on
people all over the world and can lead to social
change

15. SLIDESHARE
• SlideShare is a place to hold Power Point Slides
• The slides can be shared with selected people
• Slideshare offers space for people to store
presentations online
• The likelihood of someone stealing a presentation is
slim based on the sheer number of available files
• Some interesting topics have been covered
• This might be a learning tool to use with our clients
• http://www.slideshare.net/siamenglish/best-pictures-of-th

16. FINAL THOUGHTS
I have learned an incredible amount during this class although it was a ton
of work for a one credit class. I am so glad I took this class and still wish I
had taken it at the end of my schooling rather than the beginning. I feel
that I have a better understanding and attitude about the importance of
creating a professional online presence. I think that this online business will
become far more relevant than having a business card. I guess I am a little
old fashioned, but I hope to minimize the time I need to spend monitoring
my online presence. So I will be using tools that minimize the time I am
stuck in front of my computer. I know there is a lot I can do from my phone
too. Maybe my son will help me!