Matching Social Media with Real Life

I was reading this blog by Chris Brogan that I found while on alltop.com looking up PR news. I think he makes a good point when he asks, "Does your social media experience extend to your other points of human contact?"

I'll get back to that point in a second, but first: I was giving a tour for Marquette's Office of Undergraduate Admissions today to a guy from the northern suburbs of Chicago (go figure). He said that one of the reasons that he wanted to check out Marquette University and why he's never even thought to go visit Loyola Chicago is because "Marquette is everywhere. I mean, you guys advertise on Facebook and you're on Twitter and stuff."

The Chris Brogan blog really reminds me about this. Why does Marquette use social media? My answer- because Marquette knows how to use social media and their message on social media matches their in person message. MU's social media is very mission driven and provides news and advertising that relates well to what is happening on campus, as well as advertising to students who very much appreciate hearing about the school through these non-traditional routes.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions prides itself on personal tours and great service. One of the things that we have been doing for three years now is creating Facebook groups for prospective MU students where tour guides answer their questions. I think this is a great way to connect what the office does in real life to what they do on social media.

Networking

I have been trying to find a job. This guy at Harvard hasn't helped my morale.

What ever happened to the American work ethic? I sincerely hope that no one takes this seriously. Through my time at Marquette University I have learned just how far hard work will get you. I don't believe in giving up.

Through my recent efforts to get a job, I've realized just how important networking is. PRSSA and BMA can help out, but my friends in the industry have been telling me to sign up for informational interviews at different communications and Public Relations companies throughout the area.

I think that I have great internships and other related experiences that would help me to stand out above many other potential job candidates, but I'm realizing just how important networking is. I suppose what the Harvard blog is saying is, don't overextend yourself trying to find something that isn't there. If we think outside the typical box and avoid simply sending resume's in, we'll find a job.

I'm not worried...yet.

The End

Twitter Experience

My opinion of Twitter would make me a great Texas Tech football player. Social media makes me feel like personal privacy is becoming less and less a social norm. Constantly bombarded by new ways to connect to others, quiet reflection is a thing of the past unless it is scheduled into my schedule.

I was asked to Twitter for my ADPR3600 class twice a day for two weeks. Talk about difficult- I don't typically go online for things other than homework.

I am not a fan of social media - in fact, I think I may be in the minority of public relations people who think that social media, in its current format, is on its way out. This isn't to say that social media is dying. Au contraire, social media is evolving. Facebook and Twitter are just the start.

Twittering twice a day for two weeks was tough for me. Nonetheless, I did actually learn a lot about Twitter and I enjoyed my experience connecting to what my friends were doing. It was kind of cool to see what people had to say and especially to keep up with my friends who I don't see very often.

Twitter is huge.

Twitter is mainstream.

Twitter is what companies want.

Twitter is still growing.

Twitter connects millions.

Twitter is the new buzz word.

Twitter will ruin us.

At the end of the day, I think Mike Leach has it right. Twitter is for people who want attention. Narcissism at its finest. Welcome to the 21st century, where the comeback player of the year is Narcissus. Ashton Kutcher's self-image depends on how many Twitter followers he has. Call me Socratic (please, I would take it as a compliment), but I prefer to define my self image through reflection.