New to the social media scene? Here are some basic tips and insights that will make you a social media expert in no time!

1. How Social Media Works
According to Wikipedia (itself a social media site), social media includes web-based and mobile
technologies that are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue between
organizations, communities and individuals.Examples include blogs, podcasts, virtual gaming
worlds, photo sharing sites and services like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest.
Here is a simple guide to the hows and whys of what social media can do for you:
1. Social media enables you to own your online brand. One of the reasons social media is
so important is because people are searching for you online. By setting up and managing a
social media presence with a blog, LinkedIn profile, Twitter feed, etc., you can control what
people learn about you, rather than leaving your online image to chance.
2. Social media facilitates reunions. Lose touch with an old friend? Seeking to reconnect with
a former colleague who would be a great fit at your new company? Want to make sure you
don’t lose touch with prospects you meet at a networking event? Connecting with these
people on social media provides the chance to be in touch with those you might not see on a
regular basis. Through social media, you can stay on people’s radar screens over time and
easily get in touch when you’d like.
3. Social media makesvisible your “friends of friends.”If success is often based on “who
you know, not what you know,” social media makes it much easier to see who you really
know. On social media sites, you connect with your friends, which then allows you to view
those friends’ networks. You can then request introductions to people a few degrees of
separation away, such as potential employers or social acquaintances.
4. Social media encourages a “share mentality.” Whenever you see an interesting article,
register to attend an event, read a great book, travel to a new place, come across a
meaningful quote or learn something exciting, social media gives you the ability to share that
information quickly and efficiently with the people in your network. In turn, your network will
share information, ideas and opportunities with you, leading to mutual benefit.
5. Social media amplifies your message. If you create any type of content -- blog posts,
podcasts, photographs, recipes, music, etc. --share it on an appropriate social media site so
that your connections can share the content with their connections and enable your content
to receive as many views as possible. Similarly, when your organization produces content,
share it with your networks to support the brand of your company.
6. Social media creates serendipity. When you “check in” at a restaurant on FourSquare or
Facebook, RSVP to a conference on LinkedIn or tweet to your followers that you are in a
new city, you give yourself the opportunity to connect with people who are nearby. This gives
you the chance to make new in-person connections or uncover synergies you might not have
found otherwise.
7. Social media should be enjoyable. Remember that social media should add to your life, so
only use the social networks that are relevant to you. Don’t feel the need to jump on every
new network unless you’ll really benefit from that community. Not sure which networks are
best for you? See where your real live friends and colleagues are connecting online and
that’s a good start.