How social media can help you get or stay employed – Day 143
July 1st, 2010
As stated in the video, I had a bunch of people on Twitter crawl out of the woodwork to help me with an issue I was having this morning with a client’s server. I was floored that so many people were available and, even better, willing to take time out of their day to help me. Much thanks goes to the guys at Golden Technologies, Atom Groom, Rich (the ass) Orelup, Michelle and a few others. It touched me that they all of offered help. Some of you even let me call you and try solutions over the phone.
After that whole ordeal was finally put to rest, I thought about how different my situation would have been if I never had Twitter. It may sound lame, but if I wasn’t so well-connected via various social media networks, I probably would have been screwed.
I owe social media a lot, and the one I’m in debt to the most is Twitter. I have met, networked, and danced with so many great people in my community. I’ve gotten job offers this way, a lot of graphic designing and developing gigs in the past five months. I have people coming to me, asking me to do work for them, something I never would have thought possible five years ago as I struggled to find a job out of college.
My life would be so much different if I hadn’t begun seriously networking two years ago. I probably would not have been able to quit my job in February and fend for myself as a freelancer if it weren’t for all the great people I’ve met primarily through Twitter. I owe much to this 140 character social media service.
Any person who says that social media is a waste of time is either a liar or has no idea what he or she is talking about. College graduates: start social networking with businesses and professionals in your area right now. This is going to be key in getting you your first job. You are going to meet so many people, and so many doors will start to open, maybe in places to never really even expected. If you hate where you live, start networking in the place you wish to move. People sometimes forget, but that’s what’s great about the internet; you can meet and interact with people in Chicago or New York City while still living in Podunk USA.
I am 100% for supporting local commerce and local artists. Twitter lets me do this. It gives me a way to build a stronger economy closer to home and give back to the fabulous community in which I live. I’m thankful for that. I want Northwest Indiana to be strong, but there is so much undiscovered talent here. More people need to speak up and get in front of our local businesses and say, “I have something valuable to offer. Why don’t you hire me?”
Maybe then we can stop hiring out of Chicago or one better, quit losing Grade-A talent to the maw of the third most populated city in the country.
It is amazing how this social media thing has opened up my life to different and amazing people and opportunities. Of course it helps if you are awesome (which you kinda are), but I have experienced the same thing that you have. If there is a problem, there are plenty of folks that offer their time to help.
Yeah, yeah, you’re so awesome. :P
Makes us sort of glad we went to that first tweetup, braving the winter cold to make it to Evelyn Bay, huh?
Yup, that cold and rainy day ended up being a great thing. I love it when a plan comes together.
What a great point of view on social and new media in general. Each of us has experienced these moments of realization, that something WOW can happen in this community.
I do think that other communities can do the same, for example a healthy church or neighborhood. But what may be most fascinating is the that people who seldom see each other in person can become such the interconnected community.
That is so true. People that are distanced have a bizarre habit of becoming close-knit. How crazy is that!?
Great piece Nichole. One other thing worth mentioning is why so many people came to help you. When others of us throw a question out on twitter that falls into your area of expertise you are quick to pipe up and offer help. There is value to helping out the community because social media really works on karma. A great person like yourself deserves to see that.
Yep, good old karma in action. You reap what you sow. I’m happy to always help someone in need, especially if I am quite able to offer the assistance. :)