Personal Branding: Reconnecting

New media are not dead, but new new media have definitely taken a precedence in terms of ways that people communicate with each other. I've said it before, and I will say it again. Today's society want things fast, but more importantly, they want things almost instantly. Think about the way our society works. We go to the ATM to get cash almost INSTANTLY. We use Netflix to watch movies almost INSTANTLY. We go to fast food establishments to get food almost INSTANTLY. Why? Because we are such a fast-paced society that doesn't have any time to waste. However, one thing that we should all take the time to do is brand ourselves online. In the past I have talked about the debate going on in regards to the purpose of new new media applications. Well, I have a new argument that shows exactly how new new media can help in ways that new media might not be able to.

HTC Inspire 4G

With technology and new new media steadily getting more and more advanced, you can't deny that people are more connected now more than ever. If someone writes on my Facebook wall, mentions me in a Twitter post, or comments on my blog, it all comes almost instantly to my phone as a notification. This allows people from all over the world to connect with each other on the go. It also allows you to reconnect with people that you don't necessarily want to call or text, but rather want more informal communication. So, I would like to share a story about how Facebook helped me to feel more confident about life after graduation.

For those who don't know, I successfully completed an internship this summer in Los Angeles with a high-profile production company. After leaving on extremely good terms, I expressed to them that I would be returning the next summer to live their permanently. They threw me a going away party and told me to make sure that I called them as soon as I got back. Once I returned to school, I began to get busy with the many tasks of the semester. However, I still tried to keep in contact with my co-workers in Los Angeles. At first I would call every once in a while, but I felt like I was keeping them away from their busy schedules. Then I tried e-mail, and although that can be sent and received almost instantly, e-mail can get buried easily under numerous other e-mails. Finally, I kept in contact via Facebook. Whether it was writing on their wall, commenting on their status, or liking one of their photos, I did whatever I could to make sure that I was not forgotten. Even though I did all of this, there was still no sign that they still felt the same way about me as they did when I left. Well, the other day I posted a video on my wall and my former boss in Los Angeles commented!

So I basically used social media to reconnect with my boss and get confirmation that they want me to work for them on the ESPYS again! I'm telling you, social media are your friends. It's a way to keep up with people you care about, share thoughts and ideas about what's important to you, and reconnect with those that are far away. Personal Branding is good way for others to keep up with you and see what you are accomplishing. Employers enjoy a good resume, but they also enjoy potential employees who show that they are doing positive things in life. So what do you think? I think that personal branding can definitely work in your favor. Try it out!