The BIG FIVE social media channels

With the huge rise of digital marketing, graduates and students should be turning to social media as a key way of marketing themselves. Social media can help you find a job and connect with people who can assist you with growing your career. However, it works both ways. Social media when used the wrong way can fail and jeopardize a job offer. It’s important to be careful and consider what you shouldn't do, as well as what you should do, when using social media.

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LINKEDIN: LinkedIn is a social network that enables you to connect with professionals. DO: Connect with individuals regarding employability views, join groups and comment on discussions. DON’T: Upload an inappropriate picture of yourself. Think of LinkedIn as your online CV. Use a standard head-shot of yourself looking smart and presentable. 

http://goo.gl/sOLA2u

TWITTER: This social network can be used in various ways to building a successful network and self-image. DO: Follow top companies that interest/inspire you to receive updates and news on what they are up to, or if they have any internship opportunities available. DON’T: Tweet anything rude or controversial about topical news or work, anyone can come across your tweets and that give an indication of what you are really like. 

http://goo.gl/hOfLcE

BLOG: WordPress and Tumblr are two of many blogging websites that can in some lucky cases kick-start a career and massively increase online exposure. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your writing skills, especially if wanting to get into the Media. DO: Comment on other blogs and include a link back to your own blog, make yourself known and be active. DON’T: Write anything that could be deemed too controversial! 

http://goo.gl/UDPqye

FACEBOOK: A huge and fun based social networking site that can display as much as you wish, so employers are bound to look you up on Facebook! DO: Look over pages you have previously liked as well. What you have liked on Facebook is an immediate reflection of you, so be wary of what you have liked in the past and delete pages that may look a bit silly. DON’T: Have your Facebook profile open to the public. Ensure settings are private. Just think, do you really want employers to see some of your Facebook photos of nights out… 

http://goo.gl/QYROpF

PINTEREST: Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you can post pictures that you like, and find common interests with others through what you post and follow. DO: Build relationships with active Pinterest users and follow them. DON’T: Limit yourself to how much you post a day, as excessive pinning will just annoy your followers and eventually lead them to unfollow you. 

PUBLIC INSPIRATORS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD...

Social media has taken charge of our daily lives, we now have the right to choose who to follow and who not to. Those in the public domain avail themselves on different social media platform, but I have my chosen influencers on social media and I would like to share them with those who spent most of their time on social sites. These people are the so-called social media influencers that one can follow on social media:

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Timothy Maurice:Timothy is an author, speaker and a thought leader in Brand Leadership, design and innovation. He has published two books, Thinking about You and a book called Personovation. He also have another book available in stores called the SOUL to SOLE. I think Timothy is a very good leader to follow especially those who are interested in branding, to get hold of him you can follow him on Twitter: Timothy Maurice @timothymaurice or like his Facebook page, Timothy Maurice Webster.http://www.timothymauricehome.com/  

http://goo.gl/fEUoJI

DJ Sbu: Sibusiso Leope, also known as Dj Sbu is a now successful businessman, record label owner, TV presenter, and club and radio jock. He worked for radio stations such as YFM and Metro FM and also a host of a reality game show called Friends like These on SABC 1. Dj Sbu mixes kasi lingo (slang) and English in his shows to make them an open platform to listeners. He is the author of the book called Leadership 2020. Follow him on twitter at Leadership2020@djsbu or like his Facebook page, DJ Sbu Online. http://www.leadership2020.co.za/

 Bruce Whitfield: Bruce presents the Money Show on 702 Talk Radio and Cape Talk weekdays from 6pm to 8pm. Bruce wraps up the day’s business news. He is a business editor, journalist, and columnist and writer at the Sunday Times. Follow Bruce on twitter: @brucebusiness, he forms part of the top 100+ social media influencer. www.702.co.za/news/business

http://goo.gl/oooAwY

DJ Fresh: known as Thato Sikwane from Botswana, Dj Fresh is a speculator radio personality, rocking club Dj, professional producer, creative entrepreneur and all-round nice guy. Dj fresh make use of social media to get his message across, he’s also in the top 100+ social media influencers in this country. You can find him on Facebook at DJ FRESH (SA) or no twitter: @djfreshsa. 
http://www.djfresh.com/ 





Loyiso Gola: A comedian who make very good use of social media both in his TV show and on twitter.(http://goo.gl/gcttqD) He presents the Late Nite News on e.tv on Thursdays at 8pm. The show covers unadulterated, unapologetic and political commentary. (www.etv.co.za). He is among the top 100+ social media influencers South Africa. Follow Loyiso on twitter:@loyisogola or like his Facebook page at Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola.