Now, I like to think I have a pretty good handle on it all and that I can hold my own to a certain degree. I’ve read “Trust Agents”, by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. I’ve read “Six Pixels of Separation” by Mitch Joel; “Get Seen” by Steve Garfield; and “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk. All are considered the “bibles” of social media.

This weekend I attended my first ever “Pod Camp” along with 1400+ others. Pod Camp Toronto 2010 took over the Rogers Communications Centre at Ryerson University on February 20 & 21. It was a wonderful, action-packed weekend with multiple speakers running simultaneous seminars throughout the day. It was tough deciding which one to attend at any given interval. My favourite part was actually meeting some of the people I have been actively communicating with for some time ― in person ― and recognizing them from their avatars. So what did I learn? I learned that no matter how much I think I know, I know nothing! There is more to learn every day: new stuff, updated stuff and stuff I’ve never heard of!

Last night (Tuesday February 23, 2010) I am attended my second “Meet Up – Third Tuesday Toronto”. One presenter – Mitch Joel from Twist Image, author of “Six Pixels of Separation” – with 400 people in the room. Mitch Joel brought his “A” game for his presentation and for answering some pretty complicated questions.

There is no lack of participation in these groups. You could probably attend something different every night and find it to be standing room only. There is no way to keep up with all of it. You can only do the best that you can. The key is to not let it overwhelm you. All of these Social Media tools are just that… tools. Fill your tool box with what works for you. When you get a new tool, give yourself some time to get the feel of it. If it doesn’t work for you, put it down and try another. Social Media, in one way or another, is here to stay. You might as well start building.

So, what’s in your toolbox?

In 2010 there are numerous ways you can “put yourself out there”.  Most of these ways involve the internet. You can tweet on Twitter, you can be a friend on Facebook,  you can write a blog  on pretty much anything your heart desires.  I have found that one of the most useful tools professionally is LinkedIn.  There are many more tools out there, however, none of them are of any use if you don’t utilize them to their full potential.  You can sign up, log in or create an account to give you an online presence, but you have to keep the content alive and engage your potential audience for them to take notice.  So many LinkedIn pages I visit are blank. There is the name and perhaps a contact or two, maybe even your current title or occupation and then nothing.  How often will you visit a page that offers you no insight or fresh news? Not often, perhaps twice just to confirm that no one is active on that page.

I applaud CWC for challenging their membership to become better communicators, and therefore better members.  I would like to challenge all of you to take a look at this very simple list, even if you are not a member of CWC, and to fulfill the tasks on it.  You will be rewarded by expanding your professional network and your online presence.

What more could you ask for?

-30-