Instructional Design Portfolio – One Central Location

For portfolio, keep it simple. Give people one spot to go check you out.

Have you ever been hammered by a business that tells you to connect with them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other forms of social media? I have worked for a few companies that do this.

The truth is only a few people will connect to a business on Facebook. Some may connect on LinkedIn, and others may only connect on Twitter. Many of us may not connect at all on social media, but we will use the company website.

So in this story, what is it that brings all the social media together? Why is the business bothering with all that stuff? Social marketing is really just a push and reminder, to keep the business in your mind so you will come to the business when you are ready to purchase.

If you are not yet ready to start a blog, your one spot could be your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn allows you to make your profile public. You could simply add some projects to your profile, and expand your profile summary to include new keywords and descriptions of your future work path. I added my brand as my job title, connected several projects, and I created a special section in my LinkedIn profile to capture and highlight my volunteer work, regardless of which employer I work for today.

Although it is popular today for recruiters and job hunters, it is important to remember not everyone uses LinkedIn. Many of us create our own blog or website to give ourselves a central place to show our talents to other people. I do too.

I publish portfolio pieces in different platforms because it gives me flexibility in the tools I use and the target audience. Rather than tell people go here today; go here tomorrow, I bring all my  portfolio publishing together in my blog. Then I advertise that blog through my social media.

On my personal business card I have three things: my blog, my brand and my email address. That is it. I experimented with adding everything else, but it just cluttered the card and the message. Giving people one place to go and check you out is an easy thing for them and for you.

Women in Technology: Find Your Mentor and Move Ahead

As women working in technology, the road ahead is not always smooth. It’s like riding a mountain bike on a rough trail. Why take on that project? Why learn that tool? See or download the following SlideShare presentation with tips on finding a mentor to guide your ride.

Link to Find Your Mentor on Slideshare.net

Content by Holly Justice; Graphics by Patrick Coan, Guild of Build.

Find Your Mentor and Move Ahead

Holly Justice: Thoughts on Advancing the Careers of Women in Technology
The road we travel as women working in technology is not always going be a smooth ride. It’s like riding a mountain bike on a rough trail.

Riding the mountain bike trail of technology work.

Graphic by Patrick Coan, Guild of Build

Let’s build our endurance by finding and using mentors along the way!

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Twitter? As a Business Tool? You bet!

A Twitter profile page about products, events and good news to share.This post is for those of you who wonder:

  • Why do I need to use Twitter?
  • What is the point of so few words?
  • How can I find the time for one more tool?

I suggest taking a new approach. Think of Twitter as a tool for research, a public list of information about any business or organization. You can access this list without logging into Twitter or having a Twitter account.

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Solid Relationship Advice

One of the most enjoyable articles I read this week was from Jacki Zehner:

Best Advice: Invest in Relationships in All Directions

Jacki Zehner makes some excellent points about how every contact we make in business counts, no matter how small it may seem at the moment.  I like how she states:

“As a professional, you need to care about every single contact point you have with every single person, both internal and external.”

Ms. Zehner not only points out the value of having a “360 degree perspective“, but she challenges us as readers to take stock of our own experiences in the workplace. Her personal story in the article makes this a compelling read.

Social Media Tip:  I found this inspiring story and person thanks to LinkedIn. From there I was able to read more about Jacki Zehner’s background and locate her personal website to read more articles and view her videos.

Avoiding Facebook Overload

How do I get in there?

Today Facebook is big news on the stock market thanks to the IPO. I’ll be honest. I have worked hard to make Facebook a manageable, fun experience.

For me Facebook is a personal, highly effective platform where I keep up with friends and family despite incredibly busy schedules filled with work and college. Check out the next page for tips on how to save time and preserve your ego.