I have a confession to make – I was a late bloomer. Now, while many of you may not see the shame of this admission; for me, it is a dirty little secret. I was so caught up in reading magazines, issuing standard media releases, and sending emails that I failed to be on the starting blocks of social media.
Sure I joined Facebook; just like everyone else did. I searched for distant cousins, and reconnected with past buddies. But I refused, and I mean refused, to make a status update. Why, I thought, would anyone care what I was doing and where I was headed? And then, much to my horror, along came Twitter. I remember rolling my eyes at my husband, saying, “This will never last.”
Now do you see my embarrassment?
Very quickly I saw the error of my ways. Within weeks of becoming a freelance writer, I was on Twitter. I began updating my Facebook page, and making connections on LinkedIn. I tapped into YouTube, started a blog, and scanned bookmarking websites. I learned about social media, incorporated it into my daily life, and adopted it to match my needs. My friends mocked me, but I saw this as the next wave of communication. Once I understood how to use different elements of social media, I understood the role it played, and the importance it had. That was three years ago.
Today, I would be lost without social media. I Tweet daily, update Facebook bi-weekly, and regularly surf Pinterest; each site matching a need I have for communication with people outside my daily life.
How?
Facebook – easy. I let friends near and far know how I am making out in my new hometown of Toronto (I left Vancouver 1.5 years ago). I also post links to interesting articles (especially the ones I have written), and “like” those companies that have made a positive impact on my life.
Pinterest – this is the new kid on the block. I use it for ideas; from new and exciting decorating trends to interesting ways to convey important information. I find creative ideas for both home style and work-related inspiration. There are so many creative ideas lurking out there, and Pinterest seems to be the online epicentre.
Twitter – my ambassador. Twitter has brought much to my life – from friends (@BlakeEligh, I am talking to you!) to blogging gigs (@TheresaAlbert and my weekly blog at myfriendinfood.com) to work. You see, I met @AlisonIPR because of Twitter, and am now a part of the Impressions PR team (impressionspr.ca). Yes folks, I landed an amazing job because of Twitter.
I am also active on YouTube, LinkedIn, and a variety of other sites that match my needs. I am a firm believer in IRL (in real life) connections. But I do admit, there’s something special in reaching out across boundaries, and meeting people you otherwise would never connect with. It’s all about finding your balance. Take the time, you never know who you may meet, and what you will learn.
Image courtesy Microsoft Office.
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