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Leveraging Social Media in the Shifting Paradigm of Professional Development

Ernie Humphrey's picture
Posted by Ernie Humphrey (Vice President), Aug 19, 2010, 06:58 AM (view user's blog)

The very realm of professional development is evolving. You need to leverage social media.The very realm of professional development is evolving in large part to the explosion of social media into the professional world. Challenges facing all professionals in “staying on top of their games” in this new environment are developing and maintaining a professional network that facilitates career success, obtaining access to the professional resources necessary to be successful, and communicating  an online personal value proposition that sets themselves apart from their peers.  Leveraging social media is priceless in building a strong professional network and accessing professional resources that drive career success.

In terms of building a professional network you need to consider all sources of valuable contacts that should include (and not be limited to): 

     *Professional Peers
     *Former Colleagues
     *Current Colleagues,
     * Future Colleagues (where do you want to work and with whom do you want to work)

Building a online brand can be a key driver in building a strong professional network as people need to see the value in being connected with you.  In terms of an online presence, I would offer the following for consideration.
    *LinkedIn
         - Build a complete profile that contains more than just technical skills and defines your value proposition.
         - Solicit recommendation to include in your profile (recommendations set you apart from peers).
         - Establish quality connections and be sure that you have "something to offer" to those to whom you invite to 
            connect.
         - Join relevant Groups and contribute content driven conversations that convey your expertise (do not ask for 
            jobs or how to contact recruiters).
   * Build a virtual resume. This allows you to share more of a multimedia marketing presentation. I have used
      VisualCV.( http://wwww.visualcv.com) and there are other good free resources.
   * Blog. This allows you to be seen as a thought leader among your peers and will get people to reach out to you.
      This grows your professional network passively (blogging is how I got my current job).
         - Blog where you get the most “bang for your buck”
         - Only post content rich blogs
         - Blog about issues most critical to your peers
         - Avoid overly controversial issues and a “tone” that will alienate peers or potential employers
  * Consider Twitter (http://www.twitter.com) 
          - Same rules as blogging apply
          - You must be active to leverage Twitter
  * What about Facebook?
          - Facebook should be used an indirect method to build your professional network. Use social connections to
            build professional connections. Reconnect with fellow alumni, old friends and tap into their networks.
          - Transition connections made in Facebook to LinkedIn or another professional networking vehicle.
          - Do you want your professional colleagues to see what you discuss with your friends?
          - Do NOT let “worlds collide” in the realm of social and business networking.
In terms of professional resources:             
  * Take stock of the professional resources you currently use---- Do they improve your productivity, help you
      build your network, do they offer you an adequate ROI if there is a cost associated with them?
 *  Identify what professional resources do you need to stay on your career path.
  * Do you know what professional resources are available to you? How do you stay on top of your game?
        - Professional peers that faced (or have faced) the challenges you face are often the most valuable resources
          and any way you can identify them and how to connect with them is worth your efforts. Resources like
          Proformative, LinkedIn, and professional associations often offer great opportunities to connect with peers
          that offer the most value to your career success
       - Sources foreducational resources include the following
                * Proformative
                * Professional Associations
                * Strategic Business Partners (banks, service providers, consultants, etc.)
My closing thoughts are as follows:                   
     * You should develop and actively manage your professional network. A great network will set you apart from
         your peers
     * A strategic online personal brand is key to building a strong professional network
     * Explicitly define your professional needs and acquire them based on the ROI they offer to your careers
     * Social media is redefining the realm of professional development and you need to get “on board” or get 
         left behind by your peers.
                                                                                      
 

 
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