What your online presence can do for your career

Did you know I host a TV show? I know, crazy right? I never in a million years thought I'd be hosting anything, but that's what happens when you put yourself out there online. Things start happening.

This can happen to you too.

When I decided to write a book and get it published I read all there was to read on how to do this, and most of the books said to get a publisher as a non-fiction author you have to have a platform (e.g. an online presence).

So I started this blog to begin to connect with my audience and start to give away content for free. 

And since I'm a big fan of multiple learning styles I thought to myself (why don't I read some of my blog entries to my laptop camera and post them on YouTube for students who prefer to listen or watch something rather than read it).

My first YouTube videos are literally me reading my blogs (kind of embarrassing...I can't even watch them now). 

But I just went for it. And eventually, these producers of a local college success show filmed at Tallahassee Community College found me, connected with me, and hired me. I just got back last week from finishing the last episodes for season 2.

The latest episode below is all about professional and social networking, and let me tell you, it works!

When you put yourself out there, especially in the context of something you love and care about, like-minded people will flock to you. Job offers will flock to you. And the best part - you'll meet and connect with amazing people all over the world.

So do you have a good online professional presence right now? Could someone searching to fill your dream job find you? Get going, and hopefully this episode will help!! :)

And for more on building your online presence be sure to download my free ebook How to Get a Job Without a Resume!!

Three for Thursday – Managing your online identity

It's Thursday and that means that I have three things to share with you that have piqued my interest this week :)

This week, I've been thinking a lot about online identities. Check out the three things below that I engaged with this week to help you maximize the potential of your online identity - while also having some fun doing so.  

1. Twitter chats – I didn't understand Twitter chats until recently and have fallen in love with them.  If you don’t know what a Twitter chat is, it's an online meet-up or discussion in which groups of people congregate to discuss things, usually in a Q&A format, while using a #hashtag to keep the conversation linked. They are usually open to anyone and can be a great resource for learning cool information and connecting with like-minded people. The one I've been taking part in lately (and have loved) is #Internpro with @YouTern. There are many chats and I'm still learning about them - so tell me your favorites! If you aren't on Twitter, consider signing up as I have found it a great place to connect with awesome people and professionals who have become actual real-life great friends. 

2. The pictures you're tagged in on Facebook - This recent post from the blog, TheUnlost, features blogger's Therese Schwenkler's self-evaluation of her college "tagged" pics. In addition to making you laugh out loud as it did me, Therese offers a brave and honest look at the ways in which we sometimes use social media to create false identities for ourselves that don't support our long term success. Check this out to have a laugh (she shares her college pics) and learn from Therese how to avoid mistakes many students make and find a way to positively and genuinely represent yourself on Facebook. 

3. An online resume – Have you ever considered this option? You can create a free account from Blogger or Wordpress and use really simple template tools to develop one. In today's world, an online portfolio of your educational and professional accomplishments can only help. It shows you are technologically savvy, that you are cutting edge, and that you are aware of how online identities affect future employment. Employers will search for you online and it will be better for them to find more than just your Facebook profile. I stumbled across a friend of mine's online resume this past week. It's a great template to help you get started.