We have of course seen selfies come into huge popularity over the last few years – especially in 2014. What inspired me to write this post was one that Gary Vaynerchuk wrote about how selfies are the new autograph. First it was the RT on Twitter, but now we have seen an evolution with this new trend.
I have to agree with Gary that this is a popular trend we will not only see in 2o15, but also note how it can be integrated in other aspects of society, business, and even academia. Selfies are where you are able to be part of the personal experience that can be shared with your community and documented with others for evidence.
It’s about showing everyone – hey, look at this great experience I just had in meeting this person. However, selfies are only meaningful if they have a story and relationship to back them up to make a memorable impression.
Most of the examples Gary shares in this post are related to celebrities and even industry professionals who are influential, but what about some other examples? How can selfies for example be applied by professors strategically? Here are a few ideas I have:
- Selfies can be personalized to be unique and memorable to reflect your own brand: Any one can take a picture of themselves at a concert or location, but can you tie in an interest/common experience / or even integrate a brand as part of it. Ted Rubin has done this very well with his #tedsockie selfie – where he takes pictures of his socks as he is traveling, meeting people, or even on the plane. This resonates with people and they attribute this as a key characteristic of Ted’s reputation.
- Create your own branded selfie:I have done this with coffee – usually with a Starbucks in hand and have used the hashtag #ThisProfRunsOnCoffee because 1) it is true – coffee is a major food group and 2) it’s sharing something about a product I like.
- Being open to be in other selfies to document great class experiences by students: Emails and even Twitter updates are not enough for students to get documentation about their experience in your class – professors are also being asked to be part of selfies as well. I have had several students do this and they have shared these pictures across their social media networks.
- Giving praise to students, fellow professionals, colleagues, and others through selfies: While students may ask you for selfies, you can use selfies as a professor as well. Think about Professor Horace Slughorn (from Harry Potter) and his shelf – same concept but in the form of digital documentation and shared experiences. However, if you have created a great branded selfie – you may have others who want to do the same here with you. Just something to note.
- Think before snapping – it’s all about appropriate times for selfies: There is indeed a time and place for selfies – and you want to consider this as well as you are at conferences, events, and every day experiences. Most of the selfies I take myself are usually when I am traveling.
Overall, I am sure we are going to see more selfies come up more across various social media platforms in 2015 – but the ones that are the most memorable have the content, but they have the stories behind them that make them stronger. They have to be shared experiences that are authentic and reflect the parties involved professionally.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
