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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 Midwest Digital Conference, listening to some heavy-hitters in the field of social media, including Scott Monty of Ford, and uber-blogger Chris Brogan.
During the panel discussion at the end of the day, one of the speakers, Jeremy Tanner (@penguin on Twitter), made a comment that really stuck with me. I’m not sure if I got it verbatim, but the basic point was this:
Social media doesn’t make you awesome, it just exposes what you already are.
Jeremy was talking specifically about companies trying to build a social media presence, but his insight is just as relevant for job seekers and young professionals. Technology and social media tools are great resources, but they’re only helpful when you have great substance to back it up.
LinkedIn can help you extend and visualize your network, but it can’t give you networking skills — you need to develop them on your own.
Twitter provides access to thought-leaders in your field, and an avenue to connect with people based on nothing other than a shared interest. But you’ll have nothing to contribute to the conversation if you don’t bother to do some of your own learning first.
It’s very important to use these tools to your benefit, and there’s great advice all over the web on how to do just that. But don’t think for a minute that any of these things is a silver bullet to make your job search a successful one. So join some extracurriculars, volunteer, and get an internship, because there’s no substitute for practical experience in your field. Make time in your day to read good books that broaden your horizons and force you to think in a way that you never have before. And by all means, learn how to network, because it’s the same thing whether you’re online or face-to-face.
The social media tools available to you right now can expand your network, amplify your message, and boost your knowledge, but they can’t change what you are to begin with.
So ask yourself: is your inner-awesome worth exposing?
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.
Amen.
This is one of the most succinct explanations of social media as a concept that I have ever heard.
Fantastic post, well said.
@ 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!
I could not agree more with this post and the subsequent comments. Substance Trumps Form Over the Long Term, Period! Personal brands, twitter profiles, etc, they all have their place but if you can't demonstrate some hardcore achievement, whatever they say about you is irrelevant.
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.
Awesome!!
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.
I completely agree. A simple, yet strikingly true explanation of social media. There is no substitute for real communication and networking skills.
Great post. I agree with you.
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