While generally you read about how you need to keep social networking out of the workplace, in one instance my ability to navigate Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and the like actually snagged me a job over some pretty tough competition. As more and more employers start focusing on the internet as a source of business, you will find that a careful and strategic presentation of your ability to connect with people via social media can actually enhance your resume rather than hinder your chances at getting a job. In some cases, your time online might even be all the employer is really looking for.

When you are presenting yourself and your job skills, however, be judicious. Do not simply announce that you spend hours a day on Facebook, for example. Instead, point out that you are fluent in "Web 2.0" or that you have experience in social media and marketing. You can use the number of friends that you have on Facebook or the number of followers you have on Twitter to help back up your claims that you network effectively in these media.

If you want to use this type of social networking to your advantage, then you need a professional, "work profile" as well as your personal profile. The work profile should be used for building a base of clients and potential clients as well as friends. It generally will not include the pictures of you with a lampshade on your head in a bikini at that beachside pool hall last spring break, although you should include pictures of yourself having fun and enjoying life because research shows that you will likely accumulate more friends if your profile is not "all business." Just be careful not to post anything in this profile that you would not want a prospective employer to see, and remember that if they can find one profile, they can find another - so keep your personal profile private!

Make sure that if you are hired for your social networking abilities that your employer is very clear with you about what he or she expects from your networking. Some employers really just want you online building a rapport with potential customers. They may want a certain number of posts or a certain number of friends added each day. You need to know how your progress is being measured so that you can adjust your social media habits accordingly.
 

Let me preface this by saying that "Pete" is one of the best bosses I've ever had.  He likes to have fun, lets you get your job done, but knows when and how to crack with the whip when necessary.  He is also a hell of a storyteller, especially when he knocks back a few pints of ale, which is known to do frequently and much to his detriment.  His love for all things beer has also gotten him into a few interesting situations, one of which earned him the nickname, "The Meat."  Way back when office Christmas parties were known more for their debauchery then anything else, Pete had a bit too much to drink, and found himself capping off the night's festivities by dancing around.  It's no shock to see someone dancing drunk at a Christmas party, but when the person is wearing a red felt elf hat, sweaty, beer stained dress shirt and shoes, people pay attention.  Notice I didn't describe his pants.  Well that's because he wasn't wearing any, while dancing to "Jingle Bell Rock." I probably don't have to explain any further where the "Meat" nickname came from, I'll let you figure that out.  He has perpetuated this moniker by having the unpleasant habit of having to adjust himself all too frequently.  He doesn't realize he does it, and of course we as his underlings, don't have to the heart to tell our boss he touches his man parts too often.  We just look away and ignore it.  Eh, nobody's perfect right??

When I found out I was going to have to sit through a full day of "Leadership Training" I almost wanted to cry.  I was swamped with several tasks, and the though of having to plod through yet another useless training class was nearly too much to handle.  But like a good soldier, I, with several co-workers, began the slow march down to the conference rooms.  I won't bore you with the details, but I will say, that by the end of the day, I was as enlightend, and enriched more than I ever could have imagined.  As miserable as I was when I entered, I was that much fulfilled when I left.  Not only was the training fresh, and interesting, but the presenters were entertaining and effective.  Everyone got directly involved in the training instead of just sitting there passively and falling asleep.  The best part is that although the admin might not sit in a direct leadership position, there are times where I do put my leadership skills on display.  I now have a better handle on the roles and expectations of a leader, and feel that much more prepared and comfortable when given an opportunity to lead.  

It's a cliche, problem, but why do people continue to insist on having meetings, just to have a meeting?  Today is my monthly admin meeting, and like always, it's going to be a near waste of an entire hour.  Look, I like to socialize just like everyone else, but I don't enjoy interaction to be forced down my throat just to say we "had a meeting".  I think all the admin's in the group secretly recognize this is a waste of time, but no one has the heart to tell that to the organizer.  She is a terrific person, has tons of experience, and is well respected, but sometimes she can fail to see the forest through the trees. She gets caught up in the image of what she should be doing, rather than relying on her own instincts. So off I go to put on a happy smile, and hope a scrap of something meaningful can during the next hour of my life.

I have wanted to try my hand at blogging for a while.  My first name is Alicia and plan to keep my last name and company confidential.   I don't plan to bash anyone, but I am may mention a co-worker and don't want to be identified.   I plan to change most co-workers names, so if it sound familiar it is probably conincidiental.   I don't know how often I will post but I hope you enjoy my experiences.