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Social Influence and Your Brand: Connecting the Dots [Webinar]

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“Don’t try to invent a tribe. Show up to lead one that exists.”
—Seth Godin

Today’s hyper-connected digital world has opened the door to a whole new era in brand development.

Employers, HR professionals and job hunters, alike, are rapidly embracing digital channels to elevate their market presence and amplify their share of voice.

With proactive players setting a torrid pace, no one can afford to stay on the social media sidelines. But social networking doesn’t guarantee influence — and activity without strategy can put a brand at risk.

Join the Experts

So how do you create a digital brand roadmap that makes the most sense for your goals? What’s the best way to ignite your social agenda? And how do you measure its impact?

If you’re looking for expert guidance, you won’t want to miss this very special webinar event:

“Using Social Insights to Build Your Brand”
February 27, at 2pm Eastern Time / 11am Pacific Time.

LeadTail webinar CTATalentCulture founder, Meghan M. Biro will join forces with the social marketing and insights specialists at Leadtail to talk about how top HR and recruiting influencers are driving market awareness and engagement through social channels.

You’ll learn how social media best practices can move your brand forward and how data-based insights can inform your strategy.

For example, the session will focus on questions like these:

• What elements define a personal brand?
• Why are social channels ideal for brand building?
• Who influences the HR and recruiting community today — and how?
• How can you successfully apply these social techniques?

In addition, Meghan will reveal how she has leveraged social media to become one of the most recognized experts in the HR and recruiting space.

“Social channels have created a phenomenal opportunity to reach, engage and influence all the constituents a brand must touch — business allies, customers, prospects and employees,” Meghan says. “I’m excited to team-up with Leadtail, as we empower brands to expand their connections and strengthen their business relationships.”

Throughout the webinar, attendees are invited to join members of the TalentCulture community on Twitter, as we share ideas and questions using the #TChat hashtag.

Don’t miss this dynamic informative event! Register now, and join us February 27th.

Participating Organizations

Learn more about Leadtail, and connect with @Leadtail on Twitter.
Learn more about TalentCulture, and connect with @TalentCulture on Twitter.

Register now for this webinar: Using Social Insights to Build Your Brand.

Image Credit: Pixabay

2014: Year of the Social Employer Brand Ambassador

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We already know that social media is extremely powerful for business communication. Essentially, anyone with an internet connection has the potential to cultivate and grow a brand. Corporate brand, product brand, personal brand, employer brand — the possibilities are limitless.

It’s as easy as flipping on a light switch! Well maybe not that easy, but social channels have blown traditional media out of the water, and there’s no going back.

Of course, with its potential to drive brand development, social proliferation can also have a huge impact on talent acquisition and retention. How does that work? The idea in leveraging social media to grow a brand is through a fan base that we call “brand ambassadors.” Collectively, your ambassador group functions like a marketing and promotional team that amplifies the message for whatever it is that you’re trying to sell — products, services, yourself or your organization.

Employer Brand Ambassadors: What’s the Challenge?

If you’re an employer, which audience should be your biggest, most important source of brand ambassadors? Customers? Industry thought leaders? Local media outlets? Nope — it’s your employees. But do organizations currently view employees this way? Based on my experience in working with HR executives, I struggle to say yes.

We know that social media instantly connects you with the online world, and the most effective way to grow an employer brand is through social media channels — Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, blogs, Instagram, Pinterest — the list goes on. So ideally, if employees are your prime brand ambassadors, and social media is the best way to grow your brand, you should be able to say that, when your employees interact with others on social channels, they’re effectively promoting your organization as a great place to work.

Are you confident making that claim? Unfortunately for most employers, the answer seems to be NO!

Enter My Bold Prediction for 2014

With the holiday season upon us, we’re seeing our share of blog posts about HR Technology predictions for 2014. One of many good reads is from Craig Bryant at the TLNT blog, “5 Predictions for Where HR Technology is Going in 2014.”

My key prediction is a tad bold, but here goes: I think that organizations are ready to give their employees the right tools, so they can easily represent the company as brand ambassadors on social media. In other words, employers will actively explore and implement cloud-based solutions that make it simple for employees to curate and share high-quality, on-brand content with their connections.

Why Does This Shift Matter?

The biggest barrier organizations face when integrating social media across business functions is the inability to ensure a consistent, coherent brand message and voice. It’s about mitigating risk and ensuring that employee social media activity creates a net positive impact, and doesn’t result in PR fiascos. (Case in point: HMV employees react to firing on Twitter.)

Organizations that figure out how to remove these barriers so employees can comfortably operate as employer brand ambassadors will see huge gains in all facets of their business. Think about it — if your company has 500 employees, and each employee has an average social media network of 300 people, that’s a direct network of 150,000. All of these 150,000 connections have a network of their own, so before you know it, you’re reaching millions — all because you enabled your inner circle.

Mark my words: 2014 will be a watershed year of “employee enablement.” Organizations will gain momentum by creating and supporting brand ambassadors who come from within their ranks.

There are very few players in this space, but watch for momentum in the year ahead. You’ll want to look at platforms like PostBeyond, Jostle and EveryoneSocial to see how they help organizations support employees as brand ambassadors. Fasten your seat belts ladies and gentlemen, 2014 is going to be a milestone year for social HR business tools!

(Editor’s Note: To discuss World of Work topics like this with others in the TalentCulture community, join our online #TChat Events every Wednesday, from 6:30-8pm ET. Everyone is welcome at events, or join our ongoing Twitter conversation anytime. Learn more…)

Image Credit: Pixabay

Mindfully Managing Your Personal Brand: #TChat Recap

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“Act as if what you do makes a difference.
It does.” -William James

It really does. Live who you are and be the difference not only in your own life, but in those around you as well. Each and every moment is a opportunity. The subtle inter-connectedness we have with those closest to us ripples outward from the pebble plunk touching even the most distant connections.

However, it’s our responsibility to manage the plunks. Being mindful and purposeful is what makes all the difference in the ripple effect.

Every Point of Presence is a “Plunk”

This is the new age of transparency and personal branding; you have to own each and every moment and every opportunity. Even for those of you who stay in the social shadows online, the light will find you at some point. Professionally speaking, that is. The world of work has new rules of personal branding and marketing today. Even if a prospective employer requires you only to submit a traditional resume and cover letter, odds you’re being vetted online in every way publicly possible – starting with a search engine query.

You are your own subdued reality show — so why not exploit the new branding and marketing rules for your own benefit? Why not be accurate, consistent, accessible and personable in every point of presence you “plunk” in?

The Medium is the Message

Brand marketers today know that everyone consumes content a little differently, so keep that in mind as you create content that supports you and your personal brand. Diversify the ripple with a variety of good stories about who you are and what you aspire to be and do — bring those stories to life across multiple media — written word, video, audio and/or visual imagery.

Make a difference and be a difference. Those who feel the ripples of warm, reassuring water passing them by will stop and take notice. That’s the bottom line lesson from this week’s TalentCulture community focus on “brand you.” Below are several other takeaways to consider, along with links to archives of the week’s activities.

1) Every Brand Tells a Networked Story

Each of us has a professional pathway, triumphant successes, and painful failures. All of these “brand you” elements are increasingly visible, and connected with others. Whether or not we proactively develop a personal brand strategy, our collective actions and associations reflect upon us, individually and in relation to our employers. And similarly, our employer’s brand reflects upon us. It’s a delicate symbiotic relationship.

2) There’s Nowhere to Hide

Assume everyone is watching, even if no cameras are in the room. Social media captures and exposes interactions. It blurs the lines of communication among job candidates, employees, customers, business partners, organizational leaders and recruiters. So, what are the issues and opportunities that come along with this fluid, open digital village?

3) Listen to Smart Brand Guidance

That’s why #TChat called-in brand management big guns to lead the way this week:

If you missed any of this week’s events – or if want to revisit insights anytime – just follow the links below…

#TChat Week-in-Review

SUN 2/24
In a Forbes.com post, TalentCulture CEO, Meghan M. Biro outlined the premise for this week’s focus on career strategy and branding: “5 Steps to Discovering the Brand You”

#TChat Radio logo

Listen to the #TChat Radio recording

MON 2/25
#TChat Weekly Preview laid out key questions for the community to consider: “Empower the Brand You”

TUE 2/26
#TChat Radio Show: Our hosts sat down with Chris LaVoie and Rayanne Thorn for an up-close and personal brands – and their role in the world of work

WED 2/27
#TChat Twitter: Rayanne returned to moderate our freewheeling #TChat Twitter forum, and we set the stream on fire! By the end of the hour, the #TChat hashtag was trending globally on Twitter – a sign of tremendous “signal” strength. But we care most about the quality of the conversation. What were people saying? And did others find it useful?

Participants included job-seekers, recruiters, consultants, writers, thought leaders, social media specialists, marketing professionals, and even a couple of CEOs. Now that’s proof of the relationship between individual brands and the world of work! And what were they talking so fast and furiously about?

To see highlights from yesterday’s #TChat Twitter forum, please watch the Storify slideshow below:
#TChat INSIGHTS Slide Show: “Empower the Brand You”
[javascript src=”//storify.com/TalentCulture/tchat-insights-empower-the-brand-you.js?template=slideshow”]

Closing Notes

THANKS: Again, thanks to Rayanne Thorn and Chris LaVoie for sharing your personal stories, aspirations, and professional expertise with the TalentCulture community this week. You bring context, dimension and personality to the concept of employer/employee branding.

NOTE TO BLOGGERS: Did this week’s events inspire you to write about career management or recruiting issues? We’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (include #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll pass it along.

WHAT’S AHEAD: Next week, we’re looking at the power of collaboration tools and techniques in helping diverse minds work together more effectively in today’s workplace. Save the date for #TChat Radio, Tuesday, March 5, at 7:30pm ET. And #TChat Twitter Wednesday, March 6, at 7pm ET. Look for more details next Monday via @TalentCulture and #TChat.

Until then – we’ll see you on the stream!

Image Credit: Pixabay

#TChat INSIGHTS: Empower the Brand You

Storified by TalentCulture World of Work· Wed, Feb 27 2013 17:37:25

#TChat Trending! http://pic.twitter.com/Ac7CNytn0vJobscience
Q1: The level of transparency for job candidates, employees, and employers is higher than ever. Good or bad? Why or why not? #TChatRayanne
A1: Your brand must start with you — and stay true to you #TChatMeghan M. Biro
A1 I transparency is good but for younger crowd not mature enough to understand what it means #TchatLisa Larter
A1) it’s great for people who know how to use the tools. People who know their way around the internet will do well #tchatRich Grant
A1: Transparency leads to accountability. Both good things in business/life. #tchatSpark Hire
A1. Transparency heals and transforms. #tchatMichael Clark
#Tchat A1 Transparency for employers is a window to the essence of the company, which is good, a public forum makes for a true meritocracy.ALEX BOTTOM
A1: Make sure #hiring transparency includes synergy b/w words & body language. Do they match? #TchatLara Zuehlke
A1. Transparency=hiring the right person with the right skills for the right job. #tchatTerri Klass
A1: Transparency is great in business. Personal privacy has to remain an option. #tchatRoger Veliquette
A1. Transparency is a good thing I think, be honest with applicants org culture and funding for things like professional devel #TchatGuy Davis
A1 The internet makes things pretty transparent these days #tchatSalt Recruitment
A1) too much info can be a bad thing, if it causes people to make incorrect assumptions #tchatRich Grant
A1 Good transparency allows a company to hire based not only where they’re at but where they want to go. #TchatBeverly Davis
A1 Transparency is a two-way street. Be honest about what you bring to the table as well. #TChatMarla Gottschalk PhD
A1 transparency is one sided. Most senior level managers are not sharing liek their employees IMO #TchatLisa Larter
A1. The important thing to remember is: are you being transparent in the right way? Is it effective? Is it relevant? #tchatKimPope
A1: the question is transparent about what – there is still such a thing as too much information #tchatSusan Mazza
A1: The problem with transparency is both people & companies are delusional about who they are. #denial #tchatHeather Bussing
A1 Good because get to see candidate from many angles. Nobody is perfect. Poor experience if data used just in tick box assessment. #TchatSejual
A1: Good b/c now everything is crystal clear for both sides and now MOST LIKELY an honest and proper #decisionmaking can be done! #tchatAlam Sugarman
@TalentCulture #tchat #marcoisland http://pic.twitter.com/ZdlTDclecFLisa Larter
Q2: Does the world of work need a reality-based TV show? Why or why not? #TChatRayanne
A2: No, we live business/opportunities all day long. The last thing I want to do is come home and live even more. #tchatMichael Chopp, PHR
A2. Ughhh. Reality shows are NEVAH “needed” for anything and they’re never real either. #tchatHeather Bussing
A2: We are all interesting but THAT interesting? I don’t throw TV-worthy diva fits at work. Sorry. #TChatJoel Peterson
A2 I don’t think reality tv would add value, too much distrust on the truth #TchatLisa Larter
A2: Hehe, if it’s a real “reality” based recruiting show, let me give em a challenge!!! #TChatJanis Stacy
A2. It could be a good way for job seekers to see the other side of the process and see what recruiters look for #tchatKimPope
A2:I think we can re-design reality shows – They don’t all need to be Sleazy Shore! #TchatRayanne
A2: All reality shows are somewhat “scripted” so a reality show about life at work would only be worth it if it was not “managed.” #TChatJoel Peterson
A2: The Apprentice & Trump is a gr8 lesson in what not to do as a leader. #tchatJohn R. Bell
A2: We don’t need another reality show – just better editing of the stories we’re already telling. #tchatAndy Janning
A2: (Raises hand with puzzled look) What’s the point of a world of work reality TV show? Who for? #TchatLara Zuehlke
A2. Job seekers can see how other job seekers epically fail on this show and hopefully learn not to do it themselves :) #tchatAshley Lauren Perez
A2: There is too much “Truman Show” in our lives today. No more reality TV #tchatJen Olney
A2: Most ppl I know think of Reality TV as a *freak shows*. Is this the way 2 portray the hiring process, or is it too late? #TChatNancy Barry-Jansson
A2 Ready for a career makeover show. Needed. #TChatMarla Gottschalk PhD
#Tchat A2 Work is reality… Eyeballs flow to quality Information and topical authority is transferred to producers of relevant content.ALEX BOTTOM
A2 The question to ask is how real is the Reality show? Is there a transparency enough for people to see?#tchatSonalee Arvind
A2: I have to say that I have a lot of time for Shark Tank’s principles. #tchatJohn R. Bell
A2: But, if we can deliver good story for a cause, even ever so embellished hyper-reality, them I’m in. #TChatKevin W. Grossman
A2 Not helpful. Reality TV edited to serve up hype and drama. We watch world of work through unreal lens of show editor #TchatSejual
Online vetting can create tunnel vision. Traditional interviews, experience, references, 1 to 1 are essential. #Tchat A2Lois Martin
Here are my office digs, as requested. Small but cozy. (See top right corner for various board games.) #Tchat http://twitpic.com/c7cw1qJoel Peterson
Q3: Do we really live in an online peer-vetted playing field? Why or why not? #TChatRayanne
A3 Digital life and “real” life are increasingly overlapping #tchatChristopher Yeh
A3 Smart people don’t show “everything” online – that’s what branding is about – you can be honest without being “naked” #tchatAnnette Richmond
A3: To an extent. Tech has placed us in a peer-vetted environment but employers (or recruiters) are stuck in the 90’s. #TchatDamon Lovett
A3 The online part is important but ultimately it’s the human to human relationship that makes all the difference #tchatHolly Chessman
A3 the peers of old were too limited/ing. Add the online dimension & a world of opportunity opens to one who cultivates presence #tchatBrian Rensing
A3. I think we have the beginnings of a broad peer-vetting field but there’s room for a universal currency of trust. P2P Yelp! #TchatAndrew Marshall
A3. Think about our #tchat community of peers. Haven’t we all learned so much from one another? #tchatTerri Klass
A3: Don’t we keep each other honest? Hey, I saw that… #TChatKevin W. Grossman
A3. We’re having a lot of fun! Social business is essential for ROI on attention, time, energy. #tchatMichael Clark
A3: I’m still trying to figure out what an online peer-vetted playing field is. Reality gamification? #tchatHeather Bussing
A3. I think it depends on your confidence level HUGELY #TchatLisa Larter
A3: How do we know online personas are authentic? In face 2 face meetings, you can’t take time 2 construct the “perfect” response. #TChatKavita C.
A3. Networking outside of your organization can help ensure you don’t get yourself stuck with stale ideas #tchatKimPope
A3 Impressions are formed fast on #SoMe #tchatAlli Polin
A3: Problem is, I’ve not seen this actually happen in the real world. #tchatRob McGahen
A3: Call me old-fashioned but I still love real-life high-fives, handshakes, and HR-approved hugs. #TchatLara Zuehlke
A3: Don’t believe everything you read – back up it with gut feel and real references #tchatJen Olney
A3: If a tree falls in your forest, and nobody cares… #TChatKevin W. Grossman
a3 It’s like real-time back-door references on #SoMe #tchatAlli Polin
A3 But when u Google yourself, ur only seeing what Google thinks u want to see. Indv filters break the self awareness clarity. #tchatStephen Abbott
Currently at @panerabread during #TChat http://pic.twitter.com/0j8OFxsPqyMary Beth Huffman
Q4: Should we film our daily body of work? What other technologies should we use to empower our personal and corporate brands? #TChatRayanne
A4) Playing sports taught me, “the eye in the sky, doesn’t lie” It gives you opportunities to correct ur flaws. Would be interesting #TChatVinnie Levine
A4. I wish there were documented videos and realistic views of jobs when I was choosing a degree/career path in college #tchatAshley Lauren Perez
A4 If used correctly, video can definitely help convey a brand quickly and beautifully–in a short amount of time too. #TChatSendgine
A4: We’re all using social media to empower our brands, aren’t we? #tchatVizwerxGroup
A4 Film, if you must, with a few softening filters…reality can be too ugly sometimes. #TChatEnzo Guardino
A4: We should think like new world marketers and use all mediums to brand and promote ourselves. Every one consumes differently. #TChatKevin W. Grossman
#Tchat A4 Filming daily wouldn’t make sense for many firms but video chats will likely grow as older workers become less & less influential.ALEX BOTTOM
A4. Sharing without intent is personalized SPAM. If you are recording your life be mindful of why and for whom. #TchatAndrew Marshall
A4: We are not far off. Google glasses here we come. HR / Privacy Nightmare #TChatSean Charles
A4: I am all about knowledge sharing BUT there are limits – there has to be. #TchatDamon Lovett
A4: If I filmed my daily activities it would be me playing on Facebook, eating Bon-Bon’s in my Pajamas > (according to my husband) #TChatSusan Avello
A4: Plus wouldn’t there be huge implications legally? #TchatLara Zuehlke
A4: No matter what the subject, every story has to be crafted. Nothing worth learning from is just “unscripted” if its filmed. #TchatJoel Peterson
A4: Filming an engineer working probably wouldn’t be something most would like watching. Type Type, coffee, type type. #TChatJanis Stacy
A4: Not everything needs to be shared. Pick your spots and create content that is worthy of the brand #tchatJen Olney
A4. Just because you CAN, doesn’t mean you should. #TchatPatty Swisher
A4: A powerful brand can stand out even without technology. MLK did not need twitter ! #tchattanvi gautam
A4 Hmmm. In my practice everyone would have to sign a waiver. :) #TChatMarla Gottschalk PhD
A4: For #SoMe projects it would be awesome to view & record screens of my team to coach & reward #TChatSean Charles
A4. We keep moving forward, not resisting but embracing tech, (almost) anything’s possible. #tchatMichael Clark
#tchat mug shot http://pic.twitter.com/MfbPTSKjWNJobscience
Q5: What should business leaders do to better improve the recruiting process and the candidate experience? #TChatRayanne
A5: Keep it simple and put yourself in the position of candidate – would you want to work with your organization? #tchatJen Olney
A5. Know exactly what they are hiring for rather than just who they like. #tchatJohn Baldino
A5: Realize: talent isn’t free. There’s an initial #investment to hire & ongoing investment to retain. A good employee = hard 2 find. #tchatEvelyn Eury
A5 Do good work, provide excellent service, and care about how you do it. #tchatHeather Bussing
A5. Respond to each applicant if even with only a form email letting them know there candidacy is over and someone else got the job #TchatGuy Davis
A5: Don’t force yourself to be someone you’re not. This rule also applies to social media and candidate experience #TChatMeghan M. Biro
A5: Don’t assume that if you build it they will come. Those days are gone. #tchattanvi gautam
A5 #tchat Have a complete understanding of the transferable skill set needed for the position.Michael Chopp, PHR
A5: Get creative. Ask your teams,: “given what U know about our culture now, would you accept a job w/us if U were a new candidate? #TchatJoel Peterson
A5: In all seriousness, tell me HOW to apply to their company. Then treat me with respect as a human being. #TChatJanis Stacy
A5 manage expectations how and when you will respond to job applicants #TchatPeter Clayton
a5 The recruiting process should use the ATS as a tool, not as ‘the answer’ Still need to pick up the phone & connect #tchatAlli Polin
A5. Consciousness reveals purpose, purpose sparks passion, passion pushes choice, choice creates consciousness… #tchatMichael Clark
A5 It’s all about value value value. #jobseekers and #employers need to outline how they mutually add value #tchatGoldbeck Recruiting
A5. The recruiter’s purpose is not to stump the candidate. #tchatTerri Klass
A5) prob unrealistic given legal climate, but would be great to get honest feedback – why wasn’t I hired or interviewed? #tchatRich Grant
A5. If you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you’ve always got. Want different? Be/Act different. #TchatAndrew Marshall
A5: #Job applicants need to understand that #hiring isn’t personal. So easy to think it is. Keep branding yourself & strengths. #TchatLara Zuehlke
A5 Improvements come from honest engagement in recruiting process. Better experience when leaders’ training cultivates better EQ #TchatSejual
A5) it would save time for both empl. and job applicants if employers provided a salary range #tchatRich Grant

Whether the Why Not of Social HR Leadership: #TChat Recap

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We’d thought we’d cause a rift in the space time continuum. Fortunately we didn’t.

That’s because the amazing SocialHRCamp attendees in Vancouver BC and the fantastical #TChat contributors collaborated together during the #TChat hour on the topic of Social HR: Engage the Humans for Social HR Leadership.

No rifts, but we most certainly did riff and make sweet rock and roll insight together. The folks who gathered on site of our generous hosts Talent Technology were made up of progressive HR and recruiting professionals ready to learn, share and take the lead in all things social and the world of work.

Many still struggled with convincing their leadership the value of social recruiting and social marketing and blogging and even using LinkedIn to source from, for goodness sake (which is the most embraced mainstream professional social network these days, although there were those of us who argued if it was truly social or not, but I digress).

Yes, the collective did indeed riff in one session after the other, and it all crescendoed during #TChat. Although at first there was hesitation, a groupthink holding of breath, the very fabric of time stretching at the seams, we all watched the livestream of the online #TChat stream away.

I then broke free and moderated away, and what ensued was a delightfully smart, provocative at times and sometimes heated exchange about how much of the personal and professional should we combine in our personal and professional lives. Should there be boundaries?

What we discovered is that we do all have our own boundaries of varying degrees, but when we get together live at events like this, ad hoc communities within communities form, and we do combine our personal and professional lives, solving our world of work ills from the inside out.

We’ve been spending so much arguing inside our companies of whether or not business leadership, including HR and recruiting, and including everyone down to the front line employees, should be using social media to do anything, when all along the argument should be whether the why not.

Am I right?

Click here if you missed this week’s preview, and check out the slide show below of prime-cut tweets from Wednesday’s chat. We can’t wait for next week’s conversation. Stay tuned for the preview.

Image Credit: Pixabay

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Finding Career Success Without A Job or Internship

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Written by Kirsten Taggart

I’m currently in Australia taking some classes and learning what life is like in the southern hemisphere.  Even more, I’m learning some important lessons and tricks on how to advance my career away from home without a job or an internship. Whether you’re also abroad, a recent graduate, or simply want to plan ahead, it’s always beneficial to know how to be productive on your own time.

We’re facing an unemployment rate of 9.1% (underemployment is at 19.2%). There are approximately 21 applicants per job position.  Intimidating? I certainly think so. But you can have a major advantage over your competition simply by making yourself known and getting your name out there from wherever you may be.

Being away from home, I’ve found the best way to do so is to stay connected. Email previous employers/professors and tell them what you’re up to, what you’re planning on doing in the near future, etc. Maybe they know someone you can contact.

Use LinkedIn wisely.

Be vocal on Twitter – when I say vocal I don’t mean telling the world that you broke up with your boy/girlfriend via a sappy song lyric. Twitter is a branding source so use it the way you would want your employers to view you. What are you interested in? What relevant articles have you read lately? Who are (or aren’t) you following?  Twitter is great for making connections in your industry and finding open positions.

At the same time, go out and meet people. My goal here has been to meet the locals and find out what they do, what working in Sydney is like, workplace dynamics, etc.  Who knows, you might find someone in your field that can help you out.

Here’s a recent example of how networking can help you anywhere in the world. TalentCulture recently took on a few new talented bloggers.  I tweeted them a small community welcome, which led to a conversation with William. Before I knew it, he was sending me the contact information of his friend in Australia.  Now I have a local connection and an opportunity to expand my network.

In the past few weeks there have been numerous articles on the best and worst advice for college students, but the most valuable tip I’ve heard so far is not to limit yourself. Put yourself out there on social media – in the end you’ll be available to a much broader job market.

If you would like to read more on the world of work for new grads, check out Tuesday’s #TChat recap.