NMDL Recap

Nick Lucido@nicklucidonicklucido.wordpress.com

“Think like a publisher,

not a marketer.”

David Meerman Scott

Why a publisher? Don’t marketers have objectives? Shouldn’t these online activities have a strategy? Yes.

Three reasons to be a publisher: 1.The state of the media 2.Can be strategic; not just tactical 3.Directly connect with your audience

With that in mind, here’s what I’m talking about today:

i. Your online brandii. Ethics in social media iii. Power of an offline networkiv. Continuing your education

Two questions:

are you findable? are you worth finding?

You might think yes to both, but would your audience agree with you?

Your online brand

First, can you define your audience? Even if you think you can, do your research:

-Find related blogs, feeds and other related content

-READ AND CONSUME this content. Seriously. -Interact and share their content -Build a relationship-Don’t be that guy

*Keep in mind that you don’t have to be selling any physical products. These principles apply in the job search, too!

Ethics check

Walmarting across America debacle: -Blog was pro-Wal Mart -The stories in the blog were written by Wal

Mart’s public relations agency -Problem: lack of disclosure

Ethics check

Words you should know: -Transparency: open, honest and accountable. Lack of transparency travels quickly online (see next slide), so make sure you are aware of these principles.

-Ghostwriting: when the communications staff of a company authors a blog or other media for major players in the company.

-Disclosure: when you’re creating online content, make sure you make it ABUNDANTLY CLEAR if you are connected to the project (i.e. being paid to do it).

Get your butt off the computer!

An offline networkConferencesAttending national, regional and local conferences is essential to meeting new people. While building your network locally is important, knowing people around the country can be helpful in job searches and, down the line, finding business relationships. Have you ever heard of someone knowing too many people? Probably not. Having a far-reaching network, especially as a student, shows commitment and skill.

Professional AssociationsI’ve mentioned this before on my blog, but it’s important to get involved with your professional community. Associations such as PRSA and PRSSA are a great way to meet and network with people in your profession. Being active within those organizations is even more important because it demonstrates your thought leadership within the organization. People look up to thought leaders and allow for easier networking.

OnlineWhile building your number of followers on Twitter, friends on Facebook and subscribers on FriendFeed, don’t be afraid to meet them in person. I’ve experienced the awkward “Oh, I follow you on Twitter!” many times. I stumbled into Scott Monty (@scottmonty) at the North American International Auto Show, Tim Wieland (@timwieland) at the EMU Student Development Conference and Shonali Burke (@shonali) by phone through the Mentorship Connection.

Keep this stuff going, yo Why? I’d like to share a story from a fellow blogger:

“I want to thank you for inspiring me to blog. This is why: it landed me a job. After losing my job three weeks ago I struggled with finding another one. I sent out resumes and cover letters to all sorts of places and never heard anything back. I thought it was hopeless. But I was wrong. When I got an email from a company in Arkansas I was just a bit baffled. I vaguely remember applying for a position there but had quickly forgotten about it because I didn’t think anything would come of it. But here they were. I had a phone interview with them and this is what they said: They loved my work and my experience, but the thing they loved most was reading my blog and discovering my personality.”

From thecreativecareer.com

More than just the job opportunities, keeping up-to-date on new media keeps you valuable to your company.

And if you’re looking for a job, committing yourself to maintain a solid online presence demonstrates determination and dedication.

Thanks, and keep in touch.

Nick Lucido@nicklucidofriendfeed.com/nicklucidonicklucido.wordpress.com