Social media has certainly changed, “how we do business” in a big way. Networking, establishing a personal brand, job search strategies, targeting companies and organizations; all have become much easier tasks and on a significantly larger scale. If there is one concern that seems to be the most highly voiced, it is related to the issue of privacy. Suffice to say that the majority of those managing an executive career would relish the idea of separating their professional social media profiles from their personal profiles. The question is:

Should separating your personal and professional online profiles be a concern or a consideration?

Social media has enabled anyone with an interest, the ability to put themselves into the spotlight but unlike other media’s of the past, the control over the flow of information generated today utilizing social media is directly from the user. The options to establish your place in this spotlight, your online presence, are many. It is an easy task to research the professional sites versus the social or personal sites. Clearly, Linkedin is the number one professional networking site with over 150 million users. Other professional social media sites include Naymz, Zoominfo, VisualCV, ExecuNet and the list goes on. Sites such as Monster have rolled out Beknown on the FB platform to secure a significant online presence with networking opportunities and HAPPEN will soon be revamping their website to embrace the advantages of a social media site.

Today, there is no question that Facebook dominates as the number 1 social media site with 845 million users, forecasting 1 billion users by August 2012! This number of users, which is 695 million more than Linkedin must inspire the following question: Is it reasonable for anyone managing a career and working towards establishing a visible online profile to ignore the opportunity to establish a presence on Facebook? Professional Pages and Business Pages on Facebook have influenced millions and are easily established without any cost. Although a personal profile is necessary to establish a professional page, it is not necessary to have any direct link between them.

All social media sites offer privacy settings but when managing an executive career, especially for those in career transition, the risk is in blocking access to decision makers, potential employers and recruiters. Those who have the potential to positively impact your career should also not be left with the impression that you have something to hide. Embrace all that social media has to offer and concentrate on a consistent, authentic and genuine online presence regardless of whether it is a Linkedin profile or a Facebook profile;  a career network or a social network! Your online presence should be who you are and a decision to hide a personal profile or to establish a professional profile which varies greatly from a personal one will only serve to damage any credibility. Establish a true personal brand and stand proudly behind it. Obviously those who are dishonest or have been involved in criminal activity will have a more difficult time with the idea of being open and forthright but for many, you can be assured that decision makers are aware that professionals also have personal lives.

Over 800 million people have established profiles on Facebook and are actively engaged in networking. In Canada, that includes more than 50% of the population! In the past 3 months the largest growth in Facebook users was aged 45-54 followed by 55-64, 35-44, 25-34 and 65-0! In the past 6 months, Canadian Facebook users increased by 590, 960! Visit  socialbakers.com for further statistics.

Do you have a Facebook account? Are you a follower or a leader? If you have access to the Internet, it is simply a matter of time before you will decide to follow the other 800 million people and join Facebook. There is no doubt that for many it is the natural resistance to change that could be holding them back so if the numbers are convincing enough, it should be noted that Facebook was launched almost 8 years ago!

Another influential social media site is Twitter which was established in 2006 and currently has over 462 million users. An easy to use, real time resource, Twitter has become a favourite source for all who recognize it’s potential.

The absolute minimum online presence for anyone managing a career or business is Linkedin. Currently with over 136 million users, Linkedin provides a professional site with the resources to display authentic references and a career history linked to company’s and organizations. Networking with other professionals, following companies, job listings and the potential to connect with key decision makers around the world makes this the ultimate in job search tools.

Social media is not a passing fad and the consistent growth of Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to name only a few, will ensure these social media sites continue to be key resources in the successful management of any career or business. No longer is there a choice to be the leader in joining these sites but by following those who did take the lead you are sure to discover the many benefits of online networking!

CSTD Presentation, September 22. 2011

Learn how social media has changed how we do business. Find out which social media sites you need to have a presence on and how to use them. Discover the power you have to generate opportunities by embracing a global community!

Microblogging Career Strategist Joins Elite Group

When Martin Buckland looked for even better ways to serve career-minded professionals, he decided to pursue world-class training through The Academies, Inc.

With reports of as much as a 10-to-1 jobseekers-to-jobs ratio in today’s economy, job seekers have a new ally on the job hunt. Martin Buckland, Principal of Elite Resumes and executive career management professional, took time from his business to join an elite group of career professionals learning the latest on job searching via social media, specifically via Twitter.

Author Susan Whitcomb, nationally known leader in the careers industry and CEO of The Academies, Inc., co-author with Chandlee Bryan and Deb Dib of The Twitter Job Search Guide (JIST), facilitated the program—a comprehensive curriculum that reveals how Twitter is dramatically changing the ways that jobseekers find and identify positions and how they are landing jobs in a tough job market. Buckland passed the tests to earn the Microblogging Career Strategist credential, an excellent addition to his 18 years of experience with job seekers.

To help people win and succeed in fully satisfying careers, Buckland now has even more powerful tools, including knowledge of:

- The secrets others have used to leverage Twitter to land job offers

- Building a personal brand, professional presence, and community on Twitter

- Using tools like TweetMyJOBS.com to be the first to hear about job openings

- Finding and connecting with previously inaccessible company insiders, recruiters, and other

influential networking contacts.

“I can offer so much more than the sum of what I learned,” said Buckland. “I’m excited about showing people how to use Twitter to turbocharge their job search and advance their careers. “And, I have an expanded circle of colleagues who share my dedication to partnering with people who want to manage meaningful careers and move forward faster.

For more information: 
Contact Martin Buckland, Executive Career Management Professional at Elite Resumes. Or follow @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes @EMBACareerCoach

As you walk in to your job interview you can be assured that your physical appearance will strongly influence the decision makers. Current style, well groomed and a professional attire will all contribute to a positive first impression. But how do you look online? Melissa Bell, The Washington Post’s article, Online Exploits Can Derail Hiring in thestar.com includes an important quote from Hasan Elahi at a TED Global talk, “We’re all creating an archive of our own lives, whether we’re aware of it or not.”

Further to how you look in a job interview, companies have been looking at your past requesting criminal checks as a standard part of their hiring process. The process was then expanded by some companies to look at your credit history with credit checks and today, companies like Social Intelligence are being hired to provide social media background checks.

Social Media History Becomes a New Job Hurdle, ourbusinessnews.com states, “…75 percent of recruiters are required by their companies to do online research of candidates. And 70 percent of recruiters in the United States report that they have rejected candidates because of information online”

The information you make publicly available online must be carefully considered! It is not just the friend you are messaging  or those who visit the site where you  posted your comment or the relative you invited to the all night bash that will have the ability to look at what you have posted online. How will it make you look to a prospective employer?

Those currently in a job search need only stay current to understand the impact they are creating with every public, online post. Unfortunately, most of our youth are unable to visualize 10 or 20 years into the future or understand the maturity and professionalism that is necessary to successfully manage an executive career.

There is no need to jeopardize an authentic personal brand when giving consideration to what you are posting online. Simply ask yourself if the same common courtesy provided in a face to face engagement is being extended to the online engagement. Unfortunately, there are many people who lack empathy when posting online which is most disturbing considering the fact that a post or comment on a public forum for all to see has a greater potential to emotionally offend or result in devastating consequences.

If you are not sure how your comment will be received

If you are angry or hurt

If your comment is a personal attack or an insult

If your comment discloses your involvement in illegal activities

DON’T POST IT!

Above all, do not post sexually explicit photos online even if you are absolutely positive that you may consider a career within that industry. Most individuals between the ages of 15 and 25 are adamant that they will never change their minds about anything but some of us have been there and know better.

A recent Jobvite survey showed 89% of employers will use social media for recruiting this year. For those currently using social media, 64% said they had hired people through a social network. John Zappe, ere.net provides an exceptionally informative article, More Employers Than Ever Recruit On Social Network elaborating on data from the Jobvite survey and Pew Research Centre report on social networking sites and our lives.

Today’s job search couldn’t be more different than it was just a few years ago so if you’re new to the scene be prepared for a huge learning curve! For many it may seem overwhelming but don’t use the excuse that you’re too old to change because over half of all social media users are over 35 years old! Most fears surrounding social media are unfounded and further research shows Facebook users are more trusting, get more social support, have closer relationships and are more politically engaged. You may also be surprised to know that only 7% of Facebook friends are people users have not met before and only 3% are people they have only met one time.

If you are managing a career it may not be a prudent choice to ignore Facebook with 700 million users or Twitter with over 200 million users but without a Linkedin profile, currently with over 100 million users you are guaranteed to limit your job search success.

Managing a successful career involves utilizing social media to establish profiles, network, follow targeted companies and keep abreast of the job market. With recent surveys showing over 80% of employers utilizing social media to seek out candidates, it is no longer an option if you are interested in advancing in your career.

A professional resume must contain a detailed career history, notable accomplishments and education. Although references have always been maintained separately, it is unlikely you will be asked to provide them. Why? Because, in addition to confirming the accuracy and consistency of the data in a resume with online profiles, employers are also looking for references online. Do you have the necessary testimonials in your profile that the employer is seeking to solidify your candidacy?

A written hard copy testimonial or a name and phone number are no longer easily shared information. If you have this information, re-create the content online and ask the author to verify it to enable you to include your  recommendations within your online profiles. If you have not made the effort to obtain references and testimonials, it’s never too late to start! Don’t make it difficult for a potential employer to verify you are the right candidate for the job!

Whether managing your career or business, testimonials are a necessary component of your online presence.

One loud voice and millions of unheard voices is a fair analysis of years gone by but social media is changing everything from the political landscape to corporate social responsibility. Transparency and accountability; genuine, authentic and legitimate; these are the attributes that social media has unearthed and placed at the forefront in the success of your business, professional career or political aspirations. The availability of shared information is extensive and the spotlight must shine on a verifiable, engaging personal or corporate brand. A brand displaying an openness to communication, engagement and the testimonials to further secure credibility. A successful brand is not achieved simply by a well worded mission statement, it requires actions and accomplishments that will back it up.

A Divah.com post, Social Media as Corporate Whistleblower follows up on a Tim Horton’s corporate social responsibility initiative with 3BL Media which appears to be all talk and no action. We can be assured that the increase in available online information and the social media spotlight will show the credibility or lack of credibility for all initiatives.

How Much is Superior Service Worth to Customers?, by Kimberly Weisul reports on a survey by American Express which is one more example of the ease of sharing information, acquiring feedback and clear expectations from a global client base.

Social Media was described in April 2008 by Joseph Thornley as follows;

“Social media are online communications in which individuals shift fluidly and flexibly between the role of audience and author. To do this, they use social software that enables anyone without knowledge of coding, to post, comment on, share or mash up content and to form communities around shared interests.”

The perspective of millions is now being shared rather than that of a small percentage of authors. The increase in our knowledge base is phenomenal. An established social media presence can provide an abundance of connections with satisfied customers, friends, past employers,  groups, family, education, interests, organizations, successes, expertise, colleagues, recruiters, companies and more. If consistent and verifiable, you can be assured of an authentic personal or corporate brand.

There are many words used to describe social media but the one word that truly relates to what sets it apart from all other medias is engagement. The opportunity to engage provides the optimal platform to establish a genuine, authentic, credible, human and highly influential presence.

Those involved with Barrack Obama’s social media campaign in 2008, which still stands as the most successful political endeavour to date, understood the power of social media and engagement. Almost half of all Americans were using the Internet and studies showed 28% said the Internet made them feel more personally connected to the campaign with 22% saying they would not be as involved without it according to a survey by Pew Internet & American Life Project. Further studies showed Obama with close to 400% more followers on both Facebook and MySpace, 240 times more followers on Twitter and over 400% more subscribers and over 900% more viewers on YouTube than McCain. Obama’s social media success was clearly reflective of the election results which is why Optimum PR and Dare Labs created The Social Election Experiment in an effort to forecast results for Canada’s federal election.

The social election results were based on the number of Facebook “likes” obtained by each party across the social web and showed the Liberals as the most well-”liked” party in the country, followed by the NDP and then the Conservatives with the Bloc and Green Party’s in fourth and fifth respectively. However, the final election numbers were clearly not reflected by the “likes” of Facebook as Canadians voted in a majority Conservative government. Although half the population of Canada has a Facebook account, it seems their vote was not reflected in Facebook Pages as shown by the over 60% of Canadians that voted, Canada Votes 2011.

Had the Liberal campaign involved a stronger social media initiative to engage voters, is it possible that voters would have felt more “personally connected” and cast their vote for the leader of the most “liked” party? Those assigned to closely follow the Liberal leader acknowledged him publicly as an open and receptive candidate in contrast to those comments describing the Conservative leader. Was the power of social media ignored? Was it simply a fear and smear campaign utilizing Television ads, the discontent surrounding a federal party that failed in representing a single province, a party appearing more disjointed than united, an aversion to change or the complete satisfaction with the current party that influenced the decision of almost 20 million voters? Is it possible that close to 40% of Canadians did not cast their vote in this Federal election because they felt disengaged? Could party leaders have utilized social media to engage voters and establish their unique personal brands to rival that of a long standing political presence easily securing the official opposition for the first time in the party’s history? What do you think?

Social media has presented a tremendous learning curve for some but with it an understanding that it has the potential to be a key component of success. For many others the emotional or psychological discomfort associated with establishing a public profile has led to a conscious decision to avoid it at all cost. Unfortunately, it could be a very costly decision. If you can’t be found or worse, the online results for your name show a less than reputable profile, you could be missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime.

Without an established online presence, it is still highly recommended that you google your name. The fact that you are not interested in your own online profile does not mean that someone else isn’t. Online searches to verify the identity, history, credibility, references and achievements of individuals continue to increase at an amazing rate. Not unlike investigating a new product, resort location or local service, our due diligence involves a background check into the value and authenticity of what is offered. As a business owner, you do not want to risk the only online results showing up to be that of a disreputable organization with the same name and lose out on potential sales.

If you are managing a career it is important to know that over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals are currently searching online for potential candidates. Not only has this become the norm, decision makers are also choosing to utilize online resources such as Linkedin in order to review testimonials and verify references.

If you do not claim your public profile you could miss out on opportunities for two simple reasons:

1. You can’t be found
2. You are mistaken for someone else

Here are 3 possible scenarios for those who have not claimed their public profiles:

1. You recently attended a convention related to a personal interest hobby and made a significant impression on a well connected speaker. The speaker decides to look you up online with an offer that could take you out of a job you hate and transition you into the industry of your dreams but: you can’t be found or worse you are mistaken for someone else and it appears that you might have lied about who you said you were.
2. A company executive remembers your name from a previous organization and believes you could be a potential candidate for a high profile position but: you can’t be found or worse, you are mistaken for someone who has been incarcerated.
3. You have interviewed for a job and all that is left to secure your new position is a reference check. The results online fill the first page but all it verifies is that you could be a Russian girl from the Russian Brides Cyber Guide’s “Black List”, a scam girl! Will you get the job?

There is no cost to establish your online profiles but if you don’t claim your public profile you could be missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime, a position that could have saved months of unemployment,  your dream job, an invite to discover your life’s passion, the chance to connect with a dear friend or relative or perhaps, the love of your life!

Those who are serious about managing their careers have established a profile on Linkedin, recognized as the number 1 social media site for professionals. With over 100 million users and over 80% of recruiters and HR professionals searching for potential candidates, it is without a doubt a critical resource in career management.

Competition, as it is in a job search is just as fierce in social media and a professional online profile is no longer exclusive to Linkedin. Recently ExecuNet announced a free Associate Membership which includes a newly revamped networking site for professionals. An excellent opportunity for senior executives to join a reputable organization, “connecting leaders since 1988″ and one which will substantially increase an already significant membership.

In addition to Linkedin and ExecuNet there is an exceptionally worthy rival in establishing an impressive online presence for professionals; Facebook. If you are not familiar with Facebook Pages check out the most successful organizations in the world because you will find them on Facebook. It is not necessary to have a public link between your personal profile and your Facebook Page. With over 630 million users, Facebook is the most influential social media site in the world forecasting users to exceed 1 billion by year end.

Twitter is one more viable option for increasing your professional online presence providing an opportunity to interact globally in real time and follow over 200 million users. Create your online profiles to assist decision makers to discover how qualified and talented you really are.

Yes, it has been five years since Twitter was launched. It’s still here and still going strong despite being misunderstood by many. I’m not sure the name Twitter or reference to the 140 character Tweets didn’t severely damage initial impressions for many but for those who are familiar with Twitter it is described as nothing less than “revolutionary”! Brian Solis said, “Any network that can bring an audience to an impassioned voice on demand will over power any organizations attempt to suppress it.” There are over 200 million users, mobile use has increased 182% in the past year and it is undeniably one of the top three social media sites in the world!   

CNNMoney.com posts, Twitter turns 5, goes from 0 to 140 million tweets a day, and includes the following quotes from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, “The big thing I learned from Twitter are these concepts of immediacy, transparency, and approachability,” says Dorsey. ”I think Twitter’s done a very good job for the communications industry.”  Personally, I couldn’t agree more!

In the top 3 is the #1 professional social media site, Linkedin which has recently exceeded 100 million users and the most popular social media site is Facebook, with over 600 million users and expected to reach one billion users before year end!

Are you utilizing these social media sites to succeed in your executive career? Contact Elite Resumes for further information on managing a successful executive career.

 There are many reasons for putting things off  but when referring to social media, is it possible that your procrastination is fuelled by fear? The term “social media” is one which still generates a blank look from many. Although everyone knows what Facebook is, social media tends to be associated with some kind of complex fad. It is anything but a passing fad and it has become a mandatory component in successfully managing any career or business. A simple explanation of the term may help to provide a better understanding and assist in dispelling some of the fear that may be associated with the use of social media.

“Media” is simply a medium of communication. We are familiar with print media, which is the communication or sharing of information via newspapers and magazines. Social media is the use of Internet-based applications such as Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, Naymz, Quora, FourSquare, Plaxo, to list only a few of the thousands of sites that provide the ability to create and exchange information online. These applications, or social media sites, provide an environment for interactive dialogue on any level with the potential to influence millions!   

Understanding what social media is may not relieve all of your reservations but fear not, social media sites will continue to evolve with an open forum of information provided by users influencing the need for ease of use and enhanced security settings. Mobile apps are also making it easier to remain connected. Businesses are realizing the phenomenal return on investment utilizing social media to provide amazing offers on products and services and over 80% of recruiters are searching online for potential candidates. Social media is an amazing collaboration from millions of contributors which creates an unlimited source of opportunity!   

Google and Facebook in talks with Twitter. This, according to the Wall Street Journal, which also questions the $10 billion value of Twitter with only 12% of Internet users when Facebook has 62% of Internet users and is valued at $50 billion.

Regardless of the monetary value of Twitter, this social media site is a valuable resource to all who utilize it. Although, the fact that it was only launched in 2006 and is now sporting a price tag in the billions should be a wake up call to those who have regarded Twitter as nothing more than an annoying tweet. 

Twitter was launched 3 years after Linkedin and 2 years after Facebook but there is no question that it is one of the top three social media sites. Often misunderstood, Twitter is simply one of thousands of social media sites. What makes it stand out from all the others is “real time” information with an unlimited network, ease of use and over 200 million users! Social media provides everyone with a voice and that opportunity to be heard can be very powerful. Sharing information, gaining knowledge and networking can help you to achieve all that you desire.

John Antonios recognizes the value of social media and shares some interesting facts on Twitter’s role in The Social Media Revolution – Spotlight On Egypt.   

10 Ways Social Media Will Change in 2011 provides a quote representing the value of social media beyond that of a monetary value:

“Once feeling powerless to fight against personal and cultural injustices, today people know they have the power to voice their grievances, the tools to bring about change and the ability to take control of their experiences.”

If you don’t yet have a Facebook Page, you have not been proactive in maintaining your career or business. The most successful businesses in the world and today’s most influential leaders have all embraced social media. The facts available today should leave you without question that it is a critical component of your career or business to establish an online presence on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter.

Time has named Mark Zuckerberg Person of the Year 2010. ”For connecting more than half a billion people and mapping the social relations among them, for creating a new system of exchanging information and for changing how we live our lives, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is TIME’s 2010 Person of the Year“. If you are not familiar with the name, he is the founder of Facebook and if you google his name you will see over 8 million results! These results are not based on an expansive career history; he’s only 26 years old! 

If you believe Facebook is nothing more than a passing trend or is “just for kids”, you will be correct only if the facts and 550 million people are wrong because that’s how many users are currently on Facebook. Actually, that number is not accurate because every day another 700,000 people join Facebook. If the numbers are difficult to put into perspective, that is one out of every dozen people on the planet. If Facebook was a country, it would be the 3rd largest in the world with 75 different languages!      

Considering the magnitude of influence that Facebook has and the fact that it is free, is there any reason why you would not have a Facebook Page? A successful career or business requires a proactive approach and a competitive edge. Any inclination to sit back and wait, hold onto old school ideas or resist technological advances will leave you trailing the competition and eventually take you out of the running. An outdated mindset will have as negative an influence as an outdated appearance or an outdated resume.

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” ~Harold Wilson

Be proactive, contact Elite Resumes today for a free resume critique! 

Renate Donnovan

“60% of companies Google potential candidates”

“If  they don’t like what they find – you DON’T get an interview (or the sale)!”

Have you “googled” yourself lately? Do you require professional and accomplishment based content? Start with a free resume critique from a Certified Professional Resume Writer at Elite Resumes.

There are still many people who believe social media is just for kids when in fact, social media is dominated by middle-aged users. A Royal Pingdom study of the following 19 sites, Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, Slashdot, Reddit, Digg, Delicious, StumbleUpon, FriendFeed, Last.fm, Friendster, LiveJournal, Hi5, Tagged, Ning, Xanga, Classmates.com, Bebo shows not one of these sites were dominated by the 18-24 age group. The age group that dominated 11 out of these 19 sites was 35-44 and the average age of a social network user is 37! Results also showed:

• 64% of Twitter’s users are aged 35 or older
• 61% of Facebook’s users are aged 35 or older
• The average age for Linkedin’s users is 44

The 2010 Social Network Analysis report by Brian Chappell, Ignite Social Media includes geographic and traffic data in addition to demographic information on age, gender, education and household income for a wide range of social networks. Greater than 80% of Facebook and Twitter users are over the age of 24 and 40% of Linkedin users are over the age of 44.

There is no shortage of social media stats and tips and Social Media Today is always a great resource as seen in “Fascinating Social Media Facts of Year 2010” including the following:

“Facebook is studied to have the highest penetration. The top 3 sites include Facebook (51%), MySpace (20%), and Twitter (17%). YouTube receives over 2 billion viewers each day. More than 600 million searches happen on Twitter every day. LinkedIn has executives from all Fortune 500 companies.”

For more information on Social Media stats and trends visit YouTube and search social media to see over 360,000 videos. 

Internet World Stats reports over 77% of the population of North America, approximately 266 million people, are Internet users. Close to 30% of the world’s population use the Internet which is nearing 2 billion people. Facebook has over 500 million users. Twitter is nearing 200 million users. Linkedin has over 87 million users. There are hundreds of other social media sites. Still think social media is just for kids?

Elite Resumes has been providing executive career management services since 1993.

Social media has provided a forum that resonates authenticity and transparency. Are you using it accordingly to develop a genuine and credible profile? Or have you chosen to hide behind an artificial image and an alias for a name?

All social media profiles require two basic pieces of information, a photo/image and a name. If you are creating a personal profile it is highly recommended that you add a professional photo. If a company or business profile is being created be sure to replace the default image with the organization’s name or logo. Software programs, digital cameras and step by step instructions leave little excuse for not updating the default images other than you just couldn’t be bothered, you’re extemely insecure or you have something to hide, none of which are impressions you want to create for yourself or your business.  

If you are not managing a professional career and have no interest in being taken seriously, a character image may be acceptable but if you intend to earn trust and respect, step up to to the plate and put your face forward. In this world of virtual reality it is more critical than ever to present a truly genuine, authentic and transparent portrayal of yourself. After all, if you are not sharing an accurate image of yourself, is it realistic to expect the content you’re sharing should be deemed credible? Have you included your proper name or are you leaving online comments using an alias? Do you have something to hide or do you lack the confidence to stand behind your words?

Utilizing social media to launch a reputable and professional online presence requires consistency in the use of a professional photo, proper name and accurate content. 

Think before you post! Rationalize, be considerate, polite and professional. Don’t damage your reputation by letting your emotions get the best of you and posting online comments in haste for all the world to see that you can NEVER take back! If necessary, take the time to walk away and respond at a later time or date. There is nothing wrong with sharing your opinion but don’t ever lose site of the negative impact a damaged reputation can have on your career. The advice we received as children is as applicable today as it was then; If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!   

Not only will your negative comments damage your reputation in the eyes of those on the site you posted it but social media provides a fast and easy forum to share the news of your online blunder even further than you could imagine, just read, The Anti-Social Media, “..you don’t call people names online. Ever.” ~Jay Dolan.  

Scott Stratten, expert on Twitter and author of UnMarketing, Stop Marketing. Start Engaging, includes a chapter titled, Seven Deadly Social Media Sins, specifically noting, Wrath and writes the worst thing about social media is the reactionary nature of it and goes on to say many don’t think before they tweet, adding, ”It takes a thousand tweets to build a reputation and one to change it all.”    

Unfortunately, the dramatic increase of those contributing content online has had no influence on our educational system. In a Toronto Star article by Barbara Turnbull, Scott Stratten says, “There’s rarely, (a current) curriculum being taught in the Canadian school system – and you’re talking to someone who just finished teaching at Sheridan for eight years. There’s no social media. We’re not even teaching the students and kids who use Facebook every day how to best use that in business. People don’t like to change.”

Although there is clearly a lack of formal education, there is an abundance of educational information available online and John Antonios gives us, 100 Social Media Tips You Must Know Before 2011. Here are just 4 of his extremely valuable tips: 

3.  Social media has made you immortal, but your legacy is your responsibility

47. Do unto others, as you would want others to do unto you

48. Every word counts – the spotlight is always on!

50. Offline, bad can become worse – Online, Bad can become ugly – beware of the viral effect of social media.

Heed this advice and think before you post to avoid damaging your reputation with online comments!

Media consumption has increased an hour per day over the past two years according to a recent Ipsos OTX Study. This means we now spend one-half of our waking days interacting with media which exceeds the amount of time we spend sleeping or working! This is a significant increase according to a past study  over the previous 8 years, which showed media consumption had increased 2 hours per day. 

Internet usage along with mobile devices are key factors in the increase in media consumption. More TV is now consumed online, cell phone ownership since 2009 decreased from 81% to 65% and 24% now own web-enabled smartphones. Social networking sites continue to grow and studies show 77% are active on at least one social network and 36% are members on at least 2 or more networking sites. 

Mitch Joel also commented on this study saying, “It’s our ability to fill those smaller time slots (like any idle moment of waiting in your life) with some form of media/entertainment (be it a quick glance of a Twitter feed or checking the sport scores on your mobile device). The more we continue to untether and be free of fixed locations, the more we will continue to see this trend in media consumption rise.”

How much time are you spending online?