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Bill Cosby: I said to a guy, “Tell me, what is it about cocaine that makes it so wonderful,” and he said, “Well…it intensifies your personality.” And I said, “Yes, but what if you’re an asshole?”
I had the opportunity to spend last Friday at Module’s Read this author's blog.

Great post Scott!
I totally agree. We tend to see all over the place that social media is The Way to find jobs and advance in your career. The thing is that it is what you make with social media tools that will help you land a job. If you contribute to the community, you can get noticed. As you said, it does not replace real experience, but it can enhance it. Not only by giving you visibility but also because blogging, twittering and getting out there in social media sphere can be a learning experience as well. As of reading books, it can broaden your horizons. It is all a matter of how you decided to use it.
Good point. Often we hear about people who are very good at their job, but don't communicate their contributions well through networking.
We don't often hear about the other side - people who are very good at networking, but don't have much to contribute.
I wonder if that is really that prevalent.
I tend to believe that everyone is good at something, and social media is just one way of figuring out where your contributions fit into the world (and where they can make you money).

Old school businesses are going to struggle with this and many will never get social media, because quite fankly many of them would fail the "is your inner-awesome worth exposing?" test.
It will be interesting to see how companies change in the next several years.
Doug

Brilliant post.
Reminds me of the quote "Great leaders were leaders before they were great". Abe Lincoln, for example, was Honest Abe when he was running a general store. He didn't suddenly becoming honest by becoming the president.
@ everyone: Thanks!
@ Scott: Great point, especially for younger students/job seekers. Figure out what you're good at, and own it. Then once you start participating in conversations and networking (online and off) you'll eventually figure out where those skills fit in.
@ Doug: I'd agree, and would add that anyone with an ability to understand social media for what it is (and what it is not!) is going to find a ton of success in helping 'old school businesses' use these tools to leverage the expertise and network that they already have. It's just a matter of getting past the notion of "we're on Twitter because it's cool" to be able to say "we're using Twitter to extend our great customer service in ways we could not with traditional media."
@ Benjamin: Love that quote!

This really was a great post! I still fail to see how Twitter helps much but thats because I like social media but not all of it. I would rather do things face to face and use that as a means of follow up and when I first really started getting involved with social media I was immediately overwhelmed by just how much it takes to even participate effectively. But then again I really hadn't thought about what awesomeness I could really contribute or how. That is a very important point you have made. Love it!

Such a great point!

Jeremy's quote was right on point. People are attempting to use social media networks to become Internet superstars, but you'll only stand out if quality information is shared. IMO, social media should be used to help others, not necessarily to help yourself.

there are so many ways now to have an online presence. it isn't unusual for someone to Facebook, blog, Twitter and log on to LinkedIn all in the same hour. But, for a recent grad and job seeker like myself, i've found myself using more discretion with social media. but i came across a site called OneCubicle.com that "bridges the gap between Facebook and LinkedIn." I found it incredibly useful, and their job postings are for young professionals at cool companies. i think it's a great resource!

there are so many ways now to have an online presence. it isn't unusual for someone to Facebook, blog, Twitter and log on to LinkedIn all in the same hour. But, for a recent grad and job seeker like myself, i've found myself using more discretion with social media. but i came across a site called OneCubicle.com that "bridges the gap between Facebook and LinkedIn." I found it incredibly useful, and their job postings are for young professionals at cool companies. i think it's a great resource!

I have to agree with Benjamin Jancewicz, in fact some people could make the matters worse for themselves as they post completely silly, meaningless tweets. I am just starting on Twitter, but I know people who say that they can’t imagine their business without it.

Your post is dead on Scott. I like your style also. A little humor then bam straight to the point.

Great post Scott, I agree that that social media can only expand your network circle, but you still have to develop your networking skill in order to fully utilize them.

Great post. I agree with you.
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