In the last six months of 2007 I became part of a group of Social Media gurus. While at times I am not exactly certain what Social Media encompasses, I find being part of this group very interesting and informative to many aspects of my professional and personal life. Social Media, to me, means being part of a group of individuals who use various applications on the Internet for sharing, collaboration, discussions, and friendships.
I had been on FaceBook and MySpace for some time, but it wasn’t until I started Twittering in July that my Social Media group took shape. Twitter is a website where all you do is post “What are you doing?”. At first I did not think much good could come out of simply posting to the ether my travels, daily tasks, and other ramblings. These posts can be interesting to friends at times, but do little to expand one’s network. The true jewel of Twitter is the connections made. Once I realized this I quickly expanded my network to follow (a Twitter term for adding people to one’s network) to a very diverse group. My group includes a NBC cameraman from Washington DC, a college webmaster from Ohio, new technology designers from several countries, and friends from the UM campus, some of whom I know only by our connection on Twitter.
The key component to these connections is sharing! By posting what we are working on, our projects, interests, and our stumbling blocks we find others whom are willing to offer suggestions to solve or improve our work. In a time when it is impossible to keep up with all the new technology on and off the net, this group shares it’s findings and ideas to all. Feedback is given in a positive manner, new technologies are tested and reviewed, and friendships are formed.
My Twitter connections have lead me to websites for on-line video streaming, provided me with podcasts on multimedia applications, shared in conferences and training, and been a listening board when I needed to rant about a challenging situation.
Twitter has been an great asset to me. I have been exposed to many ideas and applications I would not have found alone. The power of being connected to a group of individuals who constantly share and collaborate via the web is an unlimited resource which grows daily.
Twitter is not the only site which I have used to expand my Social Media Network. LinkedIn is another useful site for connection with professionals and colleagues. The contrast between Twitter and LinkedIn is the connection process. While Twitter seeks to expand one’s network by new connections, LinkedIn focuses on one’s existing contacts. LinkedIn asks that you know the person before adding them to your network. While this seems limiting at first, I have found it useful in connecting to individuals from my past. Former coworkers and college classmates have been found and connected with via LinkedIn, many of whom I have not communicated with in several years. By reconnecting with this group I have rekindled friendships, while gaining information on their work and interests. Another valuable tool for expanding my knowledge in many areas.
Other interesting finds in this realm include Utterz and Seesmic, which take communication from text to audio and video feeds from either a cell phone or computer.
I look forward to 2008 as I know these connections will grow, new contacts will be made, and new technologies will be added for communication. I ask of all to join in, share your ideas, seek new solutions, and expand your network.
As we say on Twitter… tweat ya later, and Happy New Year!
