Mike Abasov

There are a lot of talks about social media and how active one should be online. The general picture I see here in Vancouver with the people my age is: 98% have Facebook, 20% have Twitter, 10% have LinkedIn, 1% have blogs, barely anyone is more active than that.

Why Get Active Online

I believe that students should develop a habit of using social media and trying out new resources, networks and tools for a few reasons.

1. It can be beneficial
Not reading blogs throws your knowledge back many years. In order to stay on top of what is relevant to your industry, you need to find time to consume this kind of information daily. This is more important than reading newspapers.

On the other hand, producing content in your blog and/or twitter can help you start building your brand and networking. I’ve met tens of interesting, helpful, important people through blogging and tweeting.

2. It’s a skill
As social media keep taking over the world, not only businesses but almost every profession is going start using them. Engineers would collect feedback online to improve their inventions. Lawers would research the Internet for help with their cases. Politicians would use it as their major promotion channel. Superstars would build relationships with fans. The list goes on.

As the demand grows, you might find yourself one day in a workplace where you need to actively participate in social media. Wouldn’t having previous experience be awesome?

3. It’s interesting
Even if you don’t see any particular benefit from social media, you should try it just as a curious person. You are curious, aren’t you?

Where to start

Here are 3 websites I want you sign up for now. These are the most basic and simple ones.

1. Twitter
 

Twitter will be your first step to creating content online. There is a ton of info written all over the web about how to make it work for you.

I want you to register and follow all your friends and classmates. Then start tweeting something useful, helpful or just interesting. Tweet casual stuff too but don’t overdo it.

2. LinkedIn

I got my job at HootSuite thanks to LinkedIn. This website is your online resume plus a place filled with networking opportunities.

Sign up, friend everyone you know, fill out your profile and join a few groups related to your future profession. Check out discussions in those groups, participate. I’ll show you how to rock this space later.

3. Blog
 

Sign up on Tumblr. This is the simplest and sleekest way to start blogging in no time. I use it; it’s cool. 

A good idea would be to start with a personal blog and then change directions, when you figure out your topic. Whatever you blog about, make it interesting for the reader, not yourself. Try being helpful, insightful and fun.

I also got my previous job at uCoz thanks to blogging. Just saying.

These 3 networks are a very good start. Now, explore them. See what interesting content you can find, how you can improve your accounts. And let me know how is it working out. I’m here to help you, after all.