Abuse or Of Use? September 1, 2009

Anyone who has created a Facebook fan page or group, Twitter account, blog, LinkedIn group, etc. to get a buzz going about their company, products and/or services has a little bit of fear in the pit of their stomach as they click “publish” each time they make an update. Instead of providing a static Web site that people can only read and not interact with, social media allows John Q. Public to comment on – and yes, interfere with – your brand.

Perhaps this is the reason why so many corporations don’t like Facebook and Twitter. They can’t control what the public thinks about their company. Of course, as a marketing and communications professional, my response is, “When could we ever control what the public thought about any given company or product?” The difference is now we have an open forum available to attack or praise a widget or a whatchamacallit – and we can’t guarantee what people will write.

The issue then becomes, if we’re too scared to participate in social media – our fans and all of the nonbelievers out there will create their own forums for discussion (and/or hatred) and then we have absolutely no control. At least when a company creates their own social media profile, they are in a way, moderating discussion – sharing tidbits with fans, friends and followers with the intention of creating a conversation about their brand. When the lover or hater creates their own wiki or blog devoted to your company – suddenly, you’ve lost control and are stuck reading the Google Alerts that will jam up your in-box.

So decide for yourself: Does social media present a useful method of communication, marketing and PR or is it just instigating abuse by the general public? Here’s my response: You can either participate in the discussion and create a personal connection with your loyal customers and potentially save relationships with folks who have been burned – OR – you can ignore social media and then sit behind your desk fuming at all of the nasty comments posted on John Q. Public’s Twitter page that his 975 followers see every day.

It’s obvious that social media is OF USE, but it is still scary. It takes a leap of faith to create that first social media application for a brand. You’re counting on at least one person WANTING to interact with your company… and that’s never a for sure thing. However, you’ll never know how many people (whether it’s 10 or 10,000,000) truly will benefit from your business tweeting or posting information on a regular basis unless you try it.

The Fatal Interview Sin August 19, 2009

I found this video on YouTube and thought it was worth sharing. What are some of your interview tips?

Are You My Role Model? August 18, 2009

Growing up, did you ever look up to someone or a group of people so much that everything you did was in an effort to be like them? Remember the Gatorade commercials “Be Like Mike” from the 90s? If Michael Jordan was your hero and you wanted to be like him, you better be drinking Gatorade – right?

Instead of drinking the Gatorade to be able to fly like Jordan, I’m now looking for writing samples and communications plans to be able to work and manage like a VP. In my field, there is currently no one else above me in the company to emulate. I’m working every day to the best of my ability but I can’t help but feel like I’m just kinda floating on the service. I don’t have any real direction, just a lists of tasks to do and be evaluated on in February. I need a role model.

I have a role model when it comes to media relations. I also have a role model when it comes to management. But I do not have a communications idol to go to with questions, concerns or even for some encouragement.

I feel like the little bird in P.D. Eastman’s book Are You My Mother? I’m searching for someone to relate to and learn from – and it’s not easy. Any suggestions or guidance you can provide would be appreciated! I’ll keep you posted on my trek to find my communications mentor.

Giving Back August 10, 2009

How did you get to where you are today? For me, I can honestly say that I would not have my current job if it wasn’t for my undergraduate education and the experiences I had while I was earning my Bachelor’s Degree. That’s why every year I make a donation, sometimes small sometimes large, to my alma mater – I want other students to have the same (if not better) experience that I had and be ready for the “real world” upon graduation.

Most folks think that “giving back” to their college or university is strictly monetary – but I disagree. Since graduating in 2004, I have spoken on one career panel and to two classes about media relations and communications. This November, I am confirmed to present my career for a third time.

Giving back to your school can be as simple as going to alumni networking events, volunteering time to work with seniors as they prepare for job interviews or even participating in surveys about the school and its degree programs.

Whether you have a lot of time to donate or a little, it makes a difference in the lives of students who are currently trying to figure out what they’re going to do with their lives and how they can get there. For me, I didn’t have any alumni connection that provided me with insight and advice into my chosen career. I did, however, have some amazing employers who really helped me out. Now I’m in a position to help out students and I’m exercising my abilities on a regular basis!

How are you “giving back” to your school(s)?

Social Networking August 3, 2009

OK, so I’m a social networking junkie. I love Twitter (@lllittlefield), Facebook and LinkedIn. I’m a former MySpacer and Friendster, and I even have a Plaxo account that I don’t know the username and password to. For me, social networking is easy and beneficial… but what about the folks out there who have no online profile, no avatar and no real way to network with friends, family and other professionals online?

Whether you’re looking for a job, local contacts or industry contacts, there’s nothing better out there (in my opinion) than LinkedIn. I’ve been able to connect with former employers and colleagues, high school and college alumni friends, professors and contacts I’ve made through professional and social organizations with LinkedIn. In the past five years, I’ve grown my connections from one or two to over 240. That means that 240 people can see my resume, interests and honors and their connections can hear about me as well. Essentially, I am connected in one way or another to thousands of people all around the world in various industries. How cool is that?!

Not to mention, I was recruited for my current position via LinkedIn. Not only could the recruiter see my credentials and interests, but he was also able to read my six recommendations. Instant referrals.

How are you using social media to connect, network and stay in touch? Did social networking play a role in how you obtained your current job?

Back to School July 6, 2009

When I graduated from college in 2004, I didn’t think I would ever attend a class again. Well, so much for that idea! Today I had my first online class through the University of California, Irvine.

I’m going back to school to learn more about investor relations, as I am now managing internal and external communications for a public company. My hope is this course will provide me with more knowledge on public companies and investor relations – in turn, making me more confident in my role and a bigger asset to my company.

I’m truly looking forward to reading the other students’ assignments as the course gets moving. Everyone comes from such different backgrounds, with varying experiences that I believe I will learn as much from my classmates as the professor.

So, that’s it… I took the plunge. I did what I thought I would never do and enrolled in school [again.]

Have you gone back to school? What’s been your experience so far?

Career Advice from Twitter June 26, 2009

In keeping with my research method for my last post on developing a positive reputation, I came back to my friends on Twitter to find out what was the best advice they received regarding their education and/or career. Here are some of the responses:

1. “‘It doesn’t matter what your grades are. Just get the piece of paper and get out.’ It’s true. No one’s ever asked my grades.” – dlittlefield
2. “Always smile and have a positive attitude!” – watsonk2
3. “Intern!” – NicoleWTHR
4. “Volunteer” – DittoePR
5. “Your job is what you do, not who you are.” – PinkIUbball

I think the best advice I’ve recently received has been, “Surround yourself with the brightest people you can. They will make you, your department and the company look better.”

What about you? Any words of wisdom worth sharing?

Developing a [Positive] Reputation June 25, 2009

We all know this poor girl… Walking alone, all dressed up to go out – on a Sunday morning. That’s right, she’s doing the ‘Walk of Shame.’

The Walk of Shame is hardly something to be proud of – and unfortunately one walk can mark someone for the rest of their undergraduate career (and maybe even future class reunions). Consider it the scarlet letter of college. This girl, whether she’s nice and an A+ student, has just developed a [negative] reputation.

Reputation is something that either consumes people or doesn’t matter to them. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who sometimes cared what others thought and sometimes didn’t – you either do or you don’t. I’m telling you now, you need to be concerned about how you are perceived – and how your client or business is as well.

I recently asked my friends on Twitter to provide me with various methods to develop a positive reputation at work and in the community. Here are the responses (in no particular order):

1. “At work – give 100% no matter the project.” – LKassenbrock
2. “Honesty and having a good attitude.” – Mad_Macs
3. “Honesty and integrity! Always doing what we say we’ll do, with a caring, positive attitude.” – BRACpet
4. “… get involved community service, volunteer work…” – PinkIUbball

I couldn’t agree more! Networking and meeting people within your organization, industry, community and business networks is just the first step. While first impressions are important, “keeping up appearances” or proving someone wrong will work to your benefit more in the long run.

After providing a great first impression, it’s up to you to continue to live up to expectation – exceed it even – in order to begin building the reputation you desire (i.e. social media guru or graphic designer extraordinaire). People look for consistency – consistency in the brands they buy and consistency in the people they know and work with.

Don’t be another victim of the Walk of Shame. Don’t let one event mark you professionally for the rest of your career. Don’t give people a reason to create a negative impression of you – or your business.

The Student-Athlete June 19, 2009

“The overwhelming majority of student-athletes will never earn a dime as a professional athlete.” (NCAA Web site)

I always knew I wanted to play sports in college. By the time I was 14, I determined that I was going to play field hockey at the highest level I could achieve. Four years later, I was playing NCAA Division III Field Hockey at Hanover College.

By my junior year I was a team captain (that’s me, #17 with the bandanna), all-conference player and on the Dean’s List. For me, that was the ultimate accomplishment. I was succeeding at being a student-athlete.

Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I was still playing hockey. I was never good enough to play after college but I still dream about starting a Hoosier Field Hockey club here in Indianapolis. Maybe one day, I will do it.

While I’m not leading a team of hockey players anymore – I am leading a team of communicators. Actually, I’m hiring my team right now.

Being able to function in a team environment and take the lead on projects without being asked to, makes an employee more valuable. I can directly relate leadership and team player skills with student-athletes. In fact, I search through resumes to find these folks because I know they will be an asset to my team.

Were you a student-athlete? What has your work experience been like? Do you believe your NCAA experience has made you more valuable to employers?

Determining Destiny June 18, 2009

The summers between my junior and senior years of college were spent interning. Once at a small advertising & marketing firm (with no pay) and the next year at an international company based in my hometown doing market research ($10/hour).  I thought I had an idea of what I wanted to do with my life: marketing.

During senior year, my college requires most majors to complete and pass an “Independent Study” or IS. The topic should be related to your major and you are required to work with a professor at an advisory level throughout the semester. Each department varied how they graded the IS, but as a Communication major I had to write a paper which was graded by my adviser and then defend it to two other professors in the department who each controlled half of the remaining 50% of my grade.

I chose to do my IS on the political rhetoric of Hu Jintao of China.

OK, so you’re probably asking yourself why someone who wants to do marketing would study the rhetoric of a world leader – especially one from China, right? Honestly, I always enjoyed politics and one of my best grades in college was in my Presidential Rhetoric course. I just went with what I knew I could do well (if that makes sense?).

Anyways, the point is that I determined very early on that I wanted to be involved in marketing but I didn’t know at what level or in what industry. Through the various positions I’ve held since graduation (exec. assistant, training specialist, marketing specialist, marketing & event coordinator, PR & event coordinator, account executive and now manager of communications) I’ve learned something and further determined my career’s destiny.

It wasn’t until my last job at a public relations firm that I realized I wanted to be in a corporate environment, working in a communications role. It wasn’t until the job before that that I knew I wanted to do public and media relations.

Now, I know that I want to be a Director of Communications, build up my department and eventually make VP. What’s crazy is that it’s attainable.

What’s your career’s destiny? How did you determine it?