Google yourself. Give a try, because if you've been in a job interview lately or plan on going to one in the future, chances are the organization interviewing you has googled you. Even the term "googled" -- a word that didn't exist a few years ago -- has become part of our lexicon. Times have changed. Social media changes the way we communicate.
What's on your social media pages? Or what's on the pages of others about you? Do these comments and images serve you well?
Every now and then, I pop onto a friend or colleague's Facebook page and frankly, am quite surprised at some of the things I see there: party photos of people way over the top, racial or political comments that are quite revealing of people's true sentiments, inappropriate language and unbecoming social behaviors.
Perhaps it's the seeming anonymity or the chance to finally be heard that pushes people to express themselves in outlandish ways. Don't get me wrong -- I'm all about being expressive. It's part of good communications. What concerns me is the image people project of themselves when they think no one is watching ... or maybe because they think everyone is(?).
A lot of businesses and professionals are now using Facebook business pages to maintain ongoing communications with their clients. It's about building rapport. People do business with people they know and like, and FB gives you a chance to get to know them and they, to know you.
I have a Facebook business page at http://www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks which I use to post my articles, comments, and useful links and info. It's how I stay in touch with you in between my weekly articles. Do you have a FB account? If so, join me at my link above, click "like", and jump into our online conversations about my posts. If you've never tried Facebook, here's a perfect opportunity to do so. FB is always updating and enhancing all its features, which I really appreciate. Soon I'll be posting some videos so I can "speak" to you too!
A lot of professionals use LinkedIn and some use Plaxo to communicate. You can find me at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/MarionSpeaks. I find the group discussions quite useful. I pipe in with my two cents worth on subjects I feel strongly about or when I think I have information that would be of use to others. I've connected with wonderful professionals, potential clients and reacquainted myself with long lost colleagues. If you want to connect with professionals, I suggest giving LinkedIn a shot.
Social media, like any tool, can be helpful or harmful. What you get out of it depends on how you use it. The best way to decide if it's for you or not is to give it a try. It's the way of the future, so ride the wave. See you on the net!
PS: visit me at http://www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks -- looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time,
Better communication, better business, better life,
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
Keynote Speaker / Corporate Trainer / Author
www.MarionSpeaks.com
Marion@MarionSpeaks.comMarion@MarionSpeaks.com
LET'S CONNECT!
http://www.MarionSpeaks.com/
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© 2010 Marion Grobb Finkelstein
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete tagline with it: Communications expert, author, professional speaker Marion Grobb Finkelstein teaches individuals and organizations across Canada and beyond, how to improve their businesses and their lives by improving their communications. Chat with her Facebook www.facebook.com/MarionSpeaks or sign up for her FREE weekly e-newsletter "Marion's Communication Tips" at www.MarionSpeaks.com.
