Today marks Twitter’s 10th anniversary of being around, which is quite the accomplishment looking at some of the other social media platforms and their longevity and presence in the industry and society.
To be honest, when I first joined Twitter in 2008, I was not sure how I would use this platform. I was a late adapter to Twitter, but I have to say, it is pretty much my #1 platform both personally and professionally now in 2016.
I am thankful for many, many reasons for Twitter, and without this platform, I am not sure where I would be as a professor and professional working in the PR and social media industry.
Connecting to amazing professionals
As I mentioned earlier, this is what really stood out for me as a professor when I was getting started in my crisis communication research. I saw how many practitioners and professionals were interacting with each other online and had some amazing conversations on what was happening in the field. This of course led me to other communities and professionals as well, like #PRprofs (for PR professors) and #SMSports (social media and sports professionals).
Being part of #SMSports
This is a huge one for me because in my opinion – there is nothing like the #SMSports community on Twitter. These are some of the hardest working, kind, supportive, and encouraging professionals I know. This resulted in many conversations online, offline, and even virtually with these wonderful professionals (like Jonathan Gantt and Jeff Kallin of Clemson Athletics to name two – who will be guest speaking to my class today as we speak!)
I am truly honored to have the chance to get to know some of these amazing professionals working in collegiate, professional, and even international sports organizations and agencies. I have truly appreciated the great discussions and friendships I have formed over the years.
Interacting with professionals
As as professor, we are trying all of the time to be up to date with the latest trends, campaigns, and strategies to make sure we are giving our students the most relevant information as they enter the workplace. Twitter has allowed me personally to connect with some amazing professionals and chat with them not only for class, but also for research purposes as well. In addition, I have been able to share my perspective with them over the years and chat with them about their blog posts and even provide a review for their book, like the one I did recently for Gary for his #AskGaryVee book.
Showcasing students and my social media class
Without Twitter, the reputation of my social media class would not be where it is today. I have been able to share and open a window into my class because of the real-time, engagement, and visual elements of Twitter for others to look at. I am not sure if this would have been possible with another platform, and with that being said, Twitter has allowed other professors to see what we are doing in the class in terms of discussions, topics of conversations, and guest speakers.
In addition, I owe Twitter a lot for connecting me to the great professionals at Hootsuite and for Dr. Bill Ward (@Dr4Ward) – they were the ones who introduced me to the Hootsuite Higher Education Program, which has become a key assignment and part of my social media class for the last several years.
Extending network for students
I think this is one of the best things about Twitter is the power to network virtually with people not only who you already know, but those you want to know in the industry. This is a big factor for students who want to get more involved in the industry and establish their own personal brand.
Compared to other platforms, Twitter has been my go to for virtual introductions for my students, which has lead to professional networking opportunities as well as job and internships. No other platform for me has done this so well like Twitter.
Along with extending the network to students, by being on Twitter, it also has allowed me to get some media attention for my class as well both at the local and national level, which is pretty exciting.
In summary, I owe a lot to Twitter both professionally and personally. It has opened many opportunities for me and my students, and for that, I am forever grateful and appreciative. Here’s to the next 10 years Twitter!
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
