About a year ago I dove into different social media tools. I think my first foray was Facebook. Then before I knew it I had multiple Twitter accounts, several blogs, profiles on five Ning social networks, a LinkedIn profile, a YouTube channel, a Flickr account, and RSS subscriptions to dozens of blogs.
Based just on user numbers most Everyday EMS Tips readers are using Facebook for their only social media presence. A few of you might have LinkedIn profiles, and a very small number of you are using Twitter or have joined the EMS Ning networks (EMSConnect, EMSUnited, orJEMSConnect).
If you are uncertain how to get started visit PIOSocialMediaTraining.com and enroll in the social media boot camp. You will learn about social media tools and actions you and/or your organization should be taking.
One of the trends that has begun in the last few years and will continue to build momentum in the 2010 is the importance of building your own personal brand. Like it or not you are leaving foot prints as you wander the web commenting or writing on blog posts, uploading videos and photos, and creating social networking profiles. When was the last time you Googled your name? Were there any results? Are you proud of those results? Will those results help you when you apply for your next job or promotion?
In 2010 commit to positive “oversharing” online that demonstrates your curiosity, willingness to share with others and learn from others, and commitment to the EMS profession. Ways you can begin to “overshare” and build your online brand include:
1. Comment on blog posts by other EMS professionals. Listen to and comment on podcasts.
2. Create and maintain social networking profiles at places like LinkedIn.com, EMSConnect.com, and Twitter.com. Once you have a profile send me an invite to connect. I can also introduce you to other professionals.
3. Start your own blog or ask to contribute posts to established blogs. I accept guest blog posts and I know Chris Kaiser of LifeUndertheLights.com also considers guest blog posts. Jamie Davis also accepts guest posts for the MedicCast blog.
4. Create a series of videos about assessment and treatment procedures you excel at. Ask your friends and family to star in the videos as patients and rescuers. Upload your videos to YouTube and then tell people in your network about those videos so we can embed them in blog posts or link to them from Twitter.
Do you think having a personal brand matters for EMS professionals? Tell me why or why not.
This is the 7th installment of the 31 Days of CE series for Everyday EMS Tips.
