I would have to say that this week as a whole has been one big learning experience both technical and internal. I’m still in the process of learning all these social media sites that I already had (tumblr, twitter), while picking up a few more along the way. I know it’ll be good for me when I finally figure all of them out, but, admittedly it has been a bit overwhelming while I’m still learning. (It’s hard enough to just remember all the passwords for the accounts.)
New Gateway to Journalism, like the Gateway Arch.
I learned that these sites are a new-found gateway to networking, especially in the field of journalism. How remarkable is it that anyone could read this blog post? It opens up connections that you might have never known otherwise. That is great, but it can also be intimidating. We have to be careful what we put out on social media because it is truly a reflection of ourselves. First impressions are huge, and if a future employer has a negative first impression, that could mean a missed opportunity on your part.
In order to even make an impression at all; you have to be true to yourself and your audience. You can’t just tip toe around everyone else opinions, you have to form knowledgeable opinions on your own. If you have no opinions then you really aren’t writing about anything. Sure, some people might not like what you are writing, but nobody will like you if you are fake and insincere.
In tune with your personal brand you have to create copy that you are passionate about. When people read your work they can tell whether or not you have passion for the topic you are communicating. Just what Gary Vaynerchuk said in his motivational speech, “There is no reason in 2008 (or I guess 2013 for the purpose of this post) to do stuff you hate.” Basically saying, that if you don’t have passion for it, then why do it? Why put yourself through a world of misery, when you have dreams that you’ve always wanted to reach? It is never too late to try something new; to do something that you never would have thought possible. It’s your life, why should you have to settle for anything you don’t want. Maybe some people may not have the recourses, but if you want something there is no excuse to give up on that dream.
This week has inspired me to really become a go-getter. To use my strengths and to find my weaknesses, so I can work to improve myself and my personal brand. I find my mind constantly racing with ideas of things I want to accomplish in my life. Currently I’m a little strapped for time, and I don’t think my body, or my coaches would like me too much if I stayed up until 2am every night working on my own personal projects. But now is the time to listen, and take in all useful information I can, that will only help me when I go off on my own.
