How much time have you spent nurturing your online presence? The excuses are endless– not enough time, don’t know where to begin, I’m a writer, not a techie. Our field is filled with journalists, writers, PR experts and the like, not the first people you’d think would be tech-savvy. But, you have to know how to tweet, blog, and maintain a robust LinkedIn personality, or you may face extinction.
The foundation of your professional online presence is LinkedIn. But don’t stop there, to become truly active in the online society, set up a Twitter account and Facebook page. Here’s your checklist:
1. LinkedIn. Set up your profile. If you have one enhance it. Keep it active, spend time every week and update with projects, ideas, contacts and recommendations.
2. To Tweet or not? It is worth experimenting with Twitter, but don’t expect an Ashton Kutcher following (4 mil +). Setting up an account is as easy as setting up an email. Find a few interesting people or brands in your field and follow them. Make a commitment to post at least one tweet or retweet / day.
3. Blog. Use your company’s platform or one of free ones out there, how about WordPress? Commit to post at a minimum twice per week. Be open to advice from the pros.
4. Once you are established, participate, experiment, and keep learning. After all, this is what you do best.
