Comments on: Social networking as a skill? ctd.

By: Mark Overmann

Mark Overmann — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:41:20 +0000

I think we’re getting closer to the same page here, G. I agree that you (or me or anyone) shouldn’t put baseball on their resume if it’s only a hobby and not a professionally viable skill. In the same way, I agree that social networking has no place on your resume if you only Facebook/Tweet in a casual way/in your spare time; but, if you have deep experience with social networking on a professional level (i.e., you do it in your job and/or are trained in it), that can definitely have a place on your resume, especially if you are looking for another job that calls for social networking skills. But I also don’t think you necessarily need html or web design skills to be a social networking professional—you can still have professional knowledge of web communications practices and social networking techniques without being a web designer, developer, or coder.

By: G

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:55:51 +0000

You’re paying too much attention to the second half of my initial comment. I concede the fact that maybe everyone isn’t ’skilled’ at social networking, but I stand by the first half: “…Unless you’ve created your own social networking site (complete with html and all that fun stuff)…” I might add to that, however, that if your current position requires you to ’social network’ then it’s probably smart to include.

For the record, I wouldn’t put baseball on my resume, either.

By: Mark Overmann

Mark Overmann — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:42:14 +0000

I agree with you, Lauren, that too often considered, edited information is bypassed for the immediate, short burst of sharing—and it shouldn’t be. Thanks for your great comments.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:53:48 +0000

Unless you’re someone like Stephen Fry, who is able to amass followers after Tweeting his experiences while stuck in an elevator, social networking in and of itself is not much of a feat. An entourage on Twitter or 800 Facebook friends is only indicative of the great, actual events/projects/organizations you’re arranging/organizing/representing.

The smart focus: When you’re doing great things in the “real world”, you can also be doing some great things in the online world.

We could/should continue to consider quantity and quality:
- a great org that writes a great blog and has a highly informative website
- a lesser known org that employs a variety of online media outreach strategies (blog, Facebook, Twitter feed, Idealist)
What’s better/more useful: considered, edited information or hour-by-hour short bursts of sharing?

Big picture: this diversity is part of the IR field, and it’ probably why we like this field, too. You can be involved at its most citizen levels, or through its high-ranking network. It’s great to be part of a field that acknowledges involvement throughout many networks and a diversity of connections.