Strategists give advice on realities of social media use
March 2, 2010
What happens in Las Vegas, stays on Facebook. That can be a problem for students and working professionals struggling to create a professional online profile.
Two national social media strategists, Katie Felten and Emily Lenard, will share insight on how to leverage social media tools for employment while preserving a professional reputation. Their presentation, "What happens in Vegas, stays on Facebook," will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, in Winther Hall, room 2001, on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. The event is free and open to the public.
"I get questions every day about how students can manage their privacy on Facebook, and whether potential employers can really see what's behind those privacy settings," said Ann Knabe, a UW-Whitewater public relations lecturer who organized the event. "There are a lot of myths about Facebook, but students should still be cautious. Felten and Lenard will set the record straight, and let students know the realities associated with posting Facebook photos, messages on Twitter and LinkedIn profiles."
Felten is a national trainer and consultant on LinkedIn, the leading social media network for professionals.
"LinkedIn can exponentially expand people's opportunities in their careers or sales efforts," Felten said. She plans to share practical application of these new, free social media tools.
Felten's skill in teaching and communicating the useful tools of networking through LinkedIn, Twitter and simple face-to-face communications led to the creation of MKELive (www.mkelive.com), an event and consulting firm that provides training, networking and event services to organizations throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Lenard is also immersed in strategic use of social media. As the associate director of Wired Wisconsin, she is working to build coalition membership throughout the state by hosting educational and social media driven networking events. She also frequently serves as a guest speaker for consumers, businesses and organizations across the state interested in supporting an environment for innovative technology, high-tech job creation and economic growth.
"Felten and Lenard will answer the questions we are all asking about these tools," Knabe said. "Social media is a nexus of professional and personal communication, and offers great opportunity for professionals and students when used smartly. But without a strategic approach, users can face disasters that may cost them jobs or their careers."