There is no doubt that you have heard criticism on all levels about social media. I am one of the worst offenders of this. When my kids were in college all I heard about was “facebook” and all of the inappropriate comments and pictures that were being posted on the internet. Being in my industry the first thing I thought of when I heard that was: “how would that look if your employer were to get their hands on it?” I would constantly tell my kids that they need to delete their facebook accounts before they start interviewing for jobs. Well, I will admit it, I was wrong… somewhat. There is undoubtedly still an abundance of dangerous scenarios to fall victim to on websites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. but social media channels are becoming one of the most popular marketing tools available. I am still trying to figure out how to text message when all of the sudden I receive a message from my cell phone’s facebook application… which I was unaware I even had. Being well versed in Facebook is becoming nearly as valuable as your Microsoft Office skills. Your ability to maintain relationships via social media networking sites can now be viewed as an indicator of your personality. My advice to any individual is to take advantage of things like Facebook but use good judgment in the process. Whether you think so or not, your “security settings” on these websites don’t always block others from viewing content. Make sure whatever gets associated with your name on Facebook as well as anywhere on the internet is clean and appropriate. In less than 5 years internet social media networking has changed from a means for college kids to keep themselves occupied when they aren’t “studying” to a networking tool for people of all ages. It’s an extremely powerful tool that can have dramatic effects both positively and negatively. If it has grown this much in such a short period of time just imagine what it will do in the next five years!

…..Time….

As the expression goes, time sure flies when you’re having fun; at least it seems to be that way in my world.  Just the other day someone asked how long I have been in the recruiting field.  The question made me stop and reflect because the answer amazed me. “Over 30 years” was my answer and I found it astounding.  Where did the time go?   No, I thought, I am much too young for that to be possible.   But having to face reality I resigned myself to the facts at hand. 

Looking back over 30 years in this industry, 10 years with J.W. Willard and 20+ years with C.R. Fletcher, I cannot believe how the world has changed.  When I was began working at J. W. Willard Associates, all work was done manually and by phone.  Applications were filled out by hand, not on-line, and filed in metal cabinets, not in an automated database.  A phone message was written on a pink slip of paper and was the only form of knowing you received a call.  Voice contact was critical; no emails, voicemails, or tweeting.  Personal contact was the way the world worked in those days.  Eventually we moved into the age of technology, but correspondence was still delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.  Stamps were a necessity.   Finally we expanded into emails and resumes and messages were sent online. 

I grasped that phase pretty well; maybe because I was younger and less set in my ways, or maybe because it made my job that much more efficient.   

Now I find myself at another turning point – the age of social media.  Yikes!  Information is coming at me from all angles.  Am I adapting quickly enough?  Am I using the right tools?  Do I understand all the symbols and have the correct buzzwords, i.e. #, @, etc.   Should I tweet, Facebook or be linked-in to my clients.  Is the world moving at a warped rate of speed or am I a bit old fashioned?  Well I’d better jump on the band wagon and grab one of my younger, more technologically savvy associates and have them train me.  All kidding aside, I look forward to reading your tweets and seeing you on Facebook!  BTW, who comes up these acronyms?   

I will leave you with one thought, “May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.”

 Enjoy your day. 

-Carol R. Fletcher