A Social Media Meltdown. Is This the Price We Pay To Live In the "Internet Age?" Open Your Eyes and Strategize or At Least Point Me In the Right Direction.

 I just recently read a few articles on marketing strategy and what it takes for a small business to succeed in an unstable market.   Author and Duct Tape Marketing blogger, Don Fulano, states,

 “An effective marketing strategy requires understanding who you are, choosing to be different than everyone else, and committing to one simple way of doing, acting and creating – to the exclusion of all other ways of doing, acting, and creating.


While this may sound easy, in truth, it can be a very daunting task.  In this blog, I want to apply this scenario to self-branding, self-marketing, and self-selling, and the importance of strategy in job searching.

In traditional terms, advertising and marketing was thought of as a way to deliver a message.  I find that in today’s society, marketing is not about delivering the message; rather it is about finding a way to connect with consumers.  Going along with this, I would argue that searching for a job isn’t about delivering a message; rather it’s about finding a way to connect with an employer, hit a nerve, pull a string, or make a mark.  It’s all about a strategy, understanding who you are, where your strengths lie, and choosing to differentiate yourself from the masses.  

Right now I am in the stage that I like to call “connection planning.”  I’m educating myself on the industry I want to enter, what it takes to succeed, and what to expect from the future.  I’m learning about who I need to contact, what I need to send, and who the companies are looking to hire.  I’m branding myself as a student, a learner, a writer, a self-starter, a leader, and a young professional looking for a shot at greatness.  

I’m also in the stage that I like to call “media planning” or in some cases, “media execution.”  I’m choosing my mediums of delivery in ways that cater to the direct message I want to deliver.  I’m using social networks Twitter and Facebook to convey my personal brand to friends, enemies, and acquaintances.  I’m using Linkedin to connect on a professional level with students, colleagues, and company representatives.  I’m using Blogger and Weebly to blog my insights, ideas, and opinions, and to remain “intheknow” on the marketing industry.  It’s great practice at strategic execution at the most basic level, and I think it has prepared me in ways that will benefit me when dealing with a small business, big brand, or self-startup.


Overall, I believe there are 3 things we must ask ourselves when looking for a career.

What business do we want to be in?

Who are the employers we would want to work for?

What traits do these employers value in new hires?

If you can successfully answer all these questions, and create a personal brand to connect to this career, chances are things will work out.

Don’t take it from me, I’m still on the search, but I’m working hard at making things happen, and I'm confidant that things will work out.

How did you guys find jobs?  How are you working on finding them?  Any hints, tips, tricks, or advice you might have would be great.  Am I working too hard at not working or is this the price you pay to live in the “Internet Age?” 

Below is a video that explains why I am such an advocate of social media and the impact it can have on a career, business, or brand.  It’s long, but you can get the gist after about 2 minutes.  I think it will give you that “Wow” effect it gave me.