#158 - Guest Post: Is the Social Media Business Really Booming?

By Mary Parsons

LinkedIn launched in 2003, Facebook in 2004 and Twitter came on board in 2006. These three social networks, although not the only forums in today’s cyber-world, are part of an epidemic change in corporate communications.

Initially created for our public enjoyment, the social networks have generated a new purpose in every work environment. It seems that just about all well-known companies have some social media presence. The good news is that companies are connecting with consumers on a more personal level than ever before.

While I am no expert on social media trends, I do know that they are affecting my personal life. As a graduating senior, all of my college professors have asked me about my LinkedIn profile. I can’t count how many times I have been warned to closely monitoring what I am posting on Facebook.  Some of the positions I am currently applying for list an opening for a “Social Media Specialist.”

The more I hear about social media and business, the more I realize that this is not a science. It's part finesse, part customer service, part style and then, part science. As I approach the close of my college career, I want to encourage future students to study the concepts surrounding social media for business.  This is big and it's only getting bigger.

Businesses are communicating with consumers and employees in very different ways and they continue to change rapidly. In order to succeed, today’s college grads do need to be more well-versed about social media techniques and tools.  If we can actually harness social media’s power for the companies we plan to go to work for, then perhaps we can succeed in ways no one has imagined!

Have an opinion?  Feel free to comment below.

 About the author:

Mary Parsons is a senior at Murray
 State University majoring in Organizational Communication and minoring in Public Relations. She plans to graduate in May 2012 and pursue a career in communications.