I have been asked several times about my experience job-searching using social media a little over 6 months ago when I was laid off from my first position out of college. Having an incredibly social web-connected brother (Ryan Graves) and having an interest in all things up-and-coming social media, I dove into twitter, this blog, and the world of networking online.  I responded to a funny tweet once from @blockgreg about people shaving their heads at San Diego State for a cancer awareness event, and ended up sitting down with Greg at a Starbucks on San Diego States Campus where he worked. Turns out we knew handfuls of the same people. Since he had also worked in public relations for years, we talked about his career path, experiences, interests, and what excited him about his current role working in media relations and new media!  I shared my situation and experiences and he was able to give me some great advice and feedback.  I had enjoyed this person’s tweets before, but who knew that it could lead to a great conversation, (and a great contact in the industry I might add)  simply because he or I suggested a meet up. Meeting him put a face to an @address and it was definitely a great thing, now he’s someone I’d easily turn to for advice or direction in my field, and I’ve expanded my networking circle. 

Lesson learned – If someones tweets interest you and it seems like they are working on or involved in something that sparks your interest… MEET them! Could lead to a great connection and/or friendship. (Now, of course you have to be safe and smart about these things  – but I’m going to assume my audience has a good head on the shoulders, and that you know to take precautions before meting anyone online. Don’t try this at home kids.)

So, is there value? Many would argue there isn’t. Many will look and you and say… “so I didn’t know you had a blog?” or “what’s this twitter thing, it’s a passing trend, why even sign up?” and then they get that look… you know the look. They are trying to be polite and interested but really in they are thinking, “what a load, this girl thinks people actually care about her dear diary via the world wide web, how nerdy.” Well here’s the thing… I beg to differ, and I know there are many of you out there who might agree with me.  But for those of you who don’t… you’ve just heard my story – I’ve got proof it’s valueable if you’re using these networking vehicles the right way. 

Here’s my break down of why you should TWEET and MEET, and connect and network using the many social media networking tools that are available today.

1. Common Interest/ Common Ground - When you connect w/ people using social media tools there is at least one huge thing you will have in common. The fact that you both use twitter and posterous and appreciate the feedback that you get via the commons on your blog posts!

2. You can easily find people outside your usual circle (but not too far outside)- You might search “public relations” in “san diego” and find someone that knows a lot of the same people as you, since they work in the same industry in the same city – but it’s not someone you would have bumped into otherwise. This is hugely beneficial because not only do you have the common ground of work place, city, industry, etc, but you can talk about the similar people that you might know, and the circles you both run in – that will most likely overlap in more ways that you could have guessed!

3. There are driven creative people out there – I’m convinced social media helps you find them! - So I’m probably wrong, and this one probably isn’t fair, but I’m convinced that the majority of pepole that are active on twitter, have a blog, and are commenting on yours – they are driven, they are interested and interesting, they are seeking to learn more, learn from you and provide content rather than the mass of people who just twitter “watching TV w/ my cat” (if you’ve seen the video Trouble with Twitter, you know exactly what I mean).  I’m not saying anyone who uses twitter has value, but many do, you just have to know how to find them!

4. Favors are waiting for you…I swear.There are so many connected, successful people out there that are online, and the fact that you find them online and seek them out to MEET will be a huge advantage for you over the next guy who is handing a resume or leaving Voicemails. you’ve got that common ground, now USE it because someone who is familiar with your blog and your twitter site is going to feel they know you better than a stranger who walks into their office in an interview suit, and once you’ve formed this bond – most peopla are going to more than willing to pass you along to someone they know, someone you should meet – and there you go. You’ve gone from a twitter friend to a valid contact/connection who’s going to refer you to their old boss who you have to meet… or their brother who works in a field a little more similar to what you’re looking for.

Bottom line -meeting people via twitter (or other social media avenues) is creating an open door for yourself, you can trust me or you can walk through it and find out yourself…