Over the past few months, I have become an active viewer and listener to shows and podcasts on a variety of different topics. Some are specialized and others are more broad, but one I enjoy checking in on a regular basis is Gary’s #AskGaryVee show.
His latest episode captured a particular interest in mine that was also shared by some of my friends and fellow colleagues in the business. When we are looking at resumes, should we be content creators and send out a video of us to a prospective employee? This was 2015, but what about 2016? Gary says – the resume is in the power of networking in 2016.
And I couldn’t have said it better than myself. I agree 100% with Gary.
There are some things Gary mentioned that I believe we can take and incorporate into our own classes. As professors, we have to be the balance between what we offer in our expertise and experiences in and out of the classroom on the subjects we teach and research in. The second part of the equation is also listening and being open to adapt, evolve, and continue to learn as well.
So… How do we go about in doing this? Here are some steps (and possibilities) professors may want to try:
Taking the initiative yourself to network too
Can professors do this? ABSOLUTELY!! In fact, this should be a requirement and everyone’s New Year resolution next year. Make a list of professionals you inspire to be connected with in your respective areas, and start the conversation. We are not mind readers (even though I could probably tell you where the nearest coffee shop is), so we have to act if we want to see networking results.
Understand the natural flow of social media correspondence
You may make some awesome connections, and other times not as much. The key is understanding the nature of the relationship. Think about what you can offer to the conversation and community you want to be a part of. What makes YOU different, unique, and relevant for the individuals you are trying to engage with.
One way to do this is to advocate and showcase your members of your team, your students, and give props to those who are leading the way in the field.
In my opinion, there’s no one that does this better than Clemson’s Jonathan Gantt and Jeff Kallin in my opinion, across industries, teams, universities, and brands.
The mentorship, praise, and interaction they have with not only the sports and social media team, but the ENTIRE social media community in PR, Marketing, and Communications is really inspiring. Look at what they are doing – they are excelling on and off the field and on every single social media platform. And, what is even better, they are the exact same way in person! Major props to both Jonathan and Jeff for leading this charge and setting the star standard for engagement, mentorship, and paying it forward to the field.
Extending past the tweet and update by giving a “Great to meet you IRL” gift!
Make an effort to meet the person you are reaching out to. This could be a long term goal, but you should make a list of professionals you would love to hear speak, chat in person, or even catch up over a cup of coffee.
However, you not only just want to meet up in person, you want to bring a gift. I am a firm believer to always bring something that reminds someone of you in some capacity – whether it is a school related token or a food item. The second one is where I usually gravitate to myself (what can I say, I am a foodie!).
Which leads me to what I have been doing for the past few IRL meetings I’ve had with people I have connected with in real life for the past year. I’ve brought fellow colleagues and friends something quite famous here in Kentucky: Kentucky Bourbon Balls.
I have to thank Jonathan Gantt (one of the BEST professionals out there in social media – truly revolutionizing how social media and sports is being done with his time at Clemson). I had a chance a few months ago to meet up with him before Clemson and Louisville played football. I wanted to make sure he had a true Louisville experience, so that is why I made sure he got some Kentucky Bourbon Balls.
I did this also when I first met Melissa Agnes up in Montreal last year (a truly amazing social media and crisis communications professional) and this weekend with Chris Yandle (Georgia Tech) and Deirdre Breakenridge (one of the best PR professionals out there!) with some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon balls.
Summary
Social media is not only about what you know, but who knows you and who you are connected with. As professors, we tell our students they need to do this, go to networking events, build their personal brand, and many more proactive steps. What about professors? Can’t we take a page out of our own advice and do the same thing?
Of course, and as we close 2015 and enter into 2016, this is not only an option to consider. It’s a must do for all of us.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
