Today many people want to know how they can use Social Media to create and develop a successful and satisfying career. In talking with professionals who are seeing success, there are four traits that they all process. Before we get to the traits, let’s point out what doesn’t matter when using Social Media in your career.
Age-People of all ages and experience levels are finding success
Education-People at all educational levels are finding success
Employment Situation-People who work for small companies, large companies, or are self employed are finding success
With Social Media the traditional traits for success do not necessarily apply. This is because those working in Social Media use their own actions to create opportunities for success.
These are the four essential traits for Social Media Success in your Career
Trait # 1: Develop Authentic Relationships
Networking is as important online as it is in the offline world, and just as important is developing authentic relationships. One of the best ways is to form mentorships, whether as the mentor or the student. Developing a professional friendship and partnership with others in your field is a terrific way to learn and grow in your field, and ensure that peers think of you when opportunities arise.
Trait #2: Be a Digital Trendsetter
Being up-to-date with digital trends is also important, and often it’s better to be ahead of the curve. The digital world moves fast and the most successful people are those that are working at the forefront, on the cutting edge. It is important to remember that consumers are digital savvy too, and they can easily see through overused marketing techniques.
Trait #3: Take Risks
An old adage says no risk, no reward. The people who find consistent success are those willing to take the changes and try new actions. Many people get bogged down because they waste time listening to self-proclaimed social media professionals who may be talking about what worked in the past, not what will work in the future. Risk takers look for opportunities all around them, not just the easy formulas of the past.
Trait #4: Give Back
The fourth trait speaks to sharing your success with others. This means remembering where you came from, and looking for opportunities to use your talents to help others. This could be mentoring a person new to the field, or finding ways to use Social Media to raise funds and awareness for worthy causes. The people finding success with Social Media are finding equal satisfaction in giving back to others, or paying forward by helping someone else.
These four traits, while essential, are not the only qualities needed to find success. But they are the common traits that those experiencing success with Social Media point to as being important keys. These are the people you should learn from if you want to use Social Media to build and develop your career.
Their lessons for you? Develop authentic relationships with your peers and mentors, be on the front edge of digital trends, take risks in your career, share your success and give back to others.