The Time When I Got "Socialized"

Monday January 21, 2013

As a product of Generation Y, Social Media does not feel like a phenomenon that I have to "learn" so much as something that I (along with the help of some others) have evolved into something that is fueling business and communication. It seems almost humorous to think of those who don't understand the significance of social media, or those who simply refuse to get on the bandwagon. Mark Fidelman wrote a piece on Social Media Today entitled "Time to Get SOCIALIZED" as a guidebook for transforming businesses from the standpoint of social media use. In other words, "Social Media for Dummies." Exploring some of his insights seems to give way to the generational advantage that I have over some of my elders heading into the workforce.

During a time when MadMen is what comes to mind when we think of the "workplace," it's hard to reconcile the fact that the workplace is something more theoretical than physical these days. One of the steps in converting businesses to becoming Digital is understanding that the workplace is anywhere at any given time. This, coupled with centralized, universal information being available to all employees, who are also their own PR advocates, are ideas that have transformed the face of business completely. Everything that I have gathered from watching my father leave in the morning with his briefcase seems like a sham. My life is going to consist of more "visualizing" ideas and sharing them to help shape the right culture for the right customer base than heading off to my office for some paperwork and conversation around the water cooler.

No offense to Mr. Fidelman, but though his article is catchy in its football-themed imagery and articulation, but any company that has not already mastered or at least attempted to master the majority of what he wrote is most likely already gone or soon will be. What I really need to know is how to use what I already know to my advantage going forward. I have three months left in school and then I'm just another worker bee (fingers crossed). What I hope to explore further along my journey with this blog is what I need to know and remember by the time I am no longer living in my UGA bubble, sponsored by Mom and Dad. Hopefully my portfolio of tips and tricks will be the result of my efforts come May 10, 2013.