This is my session from Digital Media in a Social World, which I presented on 4/2/2011 at Ohio State University.

1. How to Use Social Media to Find a Job Or Freelance Work

2. First, the facts…

3. It’s an ugly job market.

4. So, where should I start?

5. Assess your personal brand.

6. Brand is the personality that identifies a product, service or company. Some people distinguish the psychological aspect or brand associations like thoughts, feelings, perceptions, images, experiences, beliefs, attitudes, etc, that become linked to the brand.

8. Conduct a SWOT analysis on yourself S – Strengths W - Weaknesses O - Opportunities T - Threats

9. Decide on your personal statement Figure out how people describe you already and how you want people to perceive you in the future. Stay true to yourself, remain authentic and be completely transparent because that’s how people are going to relate to you.

10. A is for Avatar Select an avatar that best represents you and the brand statement you wish to portray. Consistency is key.

11. P is for Profile Fill out the typical profile fields that you will find on the majority of social networks (i.e. a summary, work experience, personal interests, etc). When possible, your profiles should be optimized. Your personal brand statement isn’t a job title, like financial analyst or marketing manager. Instead it tells the world two things: what you do and who you serve.

14. Choosing sites with high volume allows your brand to go viral. That exposure can help you land a job without applying.

15. Credibility The credibility of social networks helps you consider only the tools that have successful individuals you’d want to network with to help your career. For instance, LinkedIn is known to have many executives on it, including Bill Gates. Gates probably doesn’t spend a lot of time on Facebook, taking quizzes and posting jokes.

16. Relevance Are the social networks you’re using worth your time? Does your industry have a specific social network (ie: Active Rain for real estate agents or Medical Mingle for doctors)? Check Ning for social networks in your industry.

17. Assets are Essential Personal digital assets are non-negotiable. You should have a blog, website or online portfolio. Your blog or website should be registered under your name or the topic you want to own (with keywords).

19. Content is…well, you know. Constantly share interesting articles that you create or that you find on your topic and distribute them throughout all of your networks. This includes creating interesting and relevant content and publishing it, over and over again. You have to be committed, confident and passionate about what you do or you’ll give up.

21. Regardless of the way you get your name out there, make sure it’s consistent with your brand.

25. When connecting within your industry, focus on value.

26. Thank You! t: @sbarton1220 http://sarabarton.wordpress.com