“Life is a long lesson in humility.”— James M. Barrie

Social media accounts are rampant and many people wish to be part of that explosion. Unfortunately, many of them only enter in half-heartedly and their contribution can leave more questions than introductions from future followers. As has been pointed out to me at least a couple of times in recent history-> Make sure it is done right, or don’t do it; or as Yoda would say “Do or do not; there is no try”.

My first suggestion to someone looking to enter the Social Media Arena is start slow, pick the site which you think would be a good starting point and jump in. Set your profile up with the same care and precision which you would give your resume or job application-> after all, if you have something important to say or a conversation to start…The world will come looking for you, and stay only if they like what they see. Yes, I do suggest some form of profile picture of yourself (as opposed to scenery, or your pet rhinocelot), something that could be considered professional and representative to you at this time. Family pictures are cool, but you do wish to be taken seriously- Yes?

My next suggestion is for you to start slow and be prepared for the inevitable bump in the road. I’m sure when the Facebook crew first started, they didn’t see much in the way of followers; and Twitter didn’t start with a million users. Start by following people or topics that interest you and build on that. Some weeks add friends and answer all requests of people looking to follow you. The more relevant your points, the more discussions get started, the more people talk about you….and it grows from there.

Once you think your new account is growing well on its own (or ‘organically’ as one of my colleagues has said) then you could consider starting on another site and repeat until you feel you are being represented as the fantastic opinion maker that you know you are. Personally, I would probably start in this order (using hind-sight as a guide)

1. Twitter/ Twylah
2. Google/ Google +
3. Facebook
4. Linked-In
5. Any site you can use as a point of reference or an introduction
6. Any site which could give you professional guidance or groups for your industry

There are many other sites out there which you could consider using as time goes by; just remember that everytime you start with the new profile, its like a new meeting or a new introduction to another group of fantastic people (referred to as ‘The Cool Kids’). None of this happens overnight; but over months and years of steady effort.

One thing to note-> When looking for followers-you should NEVER ever have to pay for them. Sure you will have an impressive looking count almost overnight; but really those people aren’t true followers as at the end of the day, they have probably very little with you or your end-game to be relevant in your (new) community.

Find someone you look up to, or go to the local bookstore and do some research. A little legwork in the beginning will save you a lot of time used in re-booting an account that has possibly gone astray. Heck, even the internet has a lot of great information you can use to place your account into the stratosphere. Take the time required and have fun; as meeting new people tends to open new doors to potentials which you may only have dreamed of. I’m not suggesting that having a good site will make your life and career; but the network you build, if solid, will be a source of future information.

Have fun in your new pastime…I hope I gave you Something To Think About….

The Sourcers’ Apprentice

Daniel J. Smith