Hoot Suite Certified Professional

    It is very exciting to see “Certified Professional” next to my name. It feels well-deserved and I know it is going to help me down the road. What is Hoot Suite? Well, if you are a reader of my food blogs this may have you confused or dis-interested. Hoot Suite University is an online Social Media program that teaches you all the in’s and outs of online management. It helps you acquire skills on various platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn and it provides you with strategies and advice towards keeping a strong online presence.Once you “graduate” from the program, you receive a certification and a spot on the website among other graduates who have learned about Social Network management. The skills you learn help you better understand the power of online media and helps you sustain a successful presence online. Pretty cool, eh?

    What I have learned: (This is only a glimpse)

• If you are a Professional or a college student, get a linked in account. Its essentially an online resume that anyone can have access too. It expands your network, builds your name, and provides external opportunities.
• Twitter is not a diary. Do not post content on Twitter that you would not want your mother to see. Be professional. Talk about interesting topics and engage in conversation just do not use vulgar or nonsense language. People are watching you and reading what you say. You tarnish your reputation and chances for a future job when you abuse your media outlets. Who knows, a future boss might read your Twitter and change his mind when he sees that all you talk about is drinking and skipping school. Think about it,
• Cite sources. If you Tweet or Facebook something interesting you have found, people want to know where it came from. Citing your information builds your credibility online.
• Use tools to help you manage your media. Avoid clutter. The Hoot Suite app available on your phone or on the computer allows you to have many networking sites up at once. This allows you to manage, monitor, and avoid information clutter.
• Building a strong network is fundamental in building a brand, strengthening relationships, and to establish a loyal audience.
• Be aware of every Networking cites functions.
• Be consistent with your posted content. Followers are following you for a reason.
• Social Media is an open door. A tool for success. Take advantage of this opportunity to network yourself, your skills, attributes, and goals. Engage in conversation and problem solving. Build your connections. Jobs are everywhere and a great place to start is behind your computer.

Thanks for reading! 

p.s Creative Thanksgiving recipes are on the way!