Recently, I’ve noticed more talk of social media in my professional life and was thrilled to find myself a part of a meeting last week where social media was not only an agenda item, but one that generated a lively and contemplative conversation. In my opinion and from the perspective of the now-exposed-office-social-media-nerd, these are exciting steps in a really cool direction!
I couldn’t help but get over my usually timid attitude and pipe in at some points during the discussion (in spite of the annoyingly telling shakiness in my voice) and many of my comments were met with interest and surprise.
The Background
You see, while I will gladly talk social media with my #eventprofs peers and the various Twitter mavens I’ve befriended . . . and even bring it up at times to my girlfriends who haven’t yet seen this side of me and look at me like I’m speaking another language . . . and regularly watch my husband’s eyes glaze over as I excitedly fill him in on the latest drama reported by Mashable or Bnet . . . I don’t really bring social media up much at work. Why? My position doesn’t really encompass it and I have maintained it mostly as just that – a personal hobby.
The News
On Monday, this recently changed when I was asked to . . . drum roll, please . . .
Develop a social media proposal !!
It took just about all I had to maintain composure and not jump out of my chair and run around in circles. I am so thrilled, excited and flattered that I have been given the opportunity to look at social media through professional eyes and not just from the personal perspective of someone who simply finds it fascinating.
Drafting the proposal will obviously be a big learning experience for me as I will now have to really, I mean really, think about and evaluate social media on a different level, the level of a professional organization – not just as a personal interest or something I’d like to one day see implemented in my 9 – 5 world. This means thinking about potential challenges and opportunities from many perspectives – because as we all know – social media is a big deal these days, and while it can potentially be a big success for a company . . . there have been many instances where it is a well-intentioned, but dismal and embarrassing failure.
So thank you to the Rich Meyer’s, Scott Woodruff’s, Jeff Hurt’s, Traci Browne’s, Jenise Fryatt’s and Michael McCurry’s of the world for blogging, Tweeting and collaboratively sharing your valuable insights and being great resources. You have not only fueled a personal passion but enable me to translate personal development to professional as well.
(closes laptop, jumps out of chair and runs in circles)
Christina, i don’t think it was any accident that you got picked for that job. You were probably exuding knowledge and confidence. And life would be boring without a challenge or two. You’ll do a great job…and then you can teach all of us how to do it!
I’m jumping up and down with you! Yahoo. This is fantastic new.
Follow your passion. Invest in doing what you like to do and what you’re good at doing.
You’re a case study in the making. Congratulations and I look forward to following the developments.
Congrats! you will CRUSH IT!
Congrats Christina! I am all too familiar with that “glazed look husband stare” when I start speaking a 2nd language I didn’t even know existed just a short while ago. This is just the beginning!
That’s great news. You’re making progress and people recognize it (of course, a bunch of us have recognized it for months). Make us proud!
Christina I can’t believe I missed this until now!
Of course you know this was inevitable. Your voice is going to become stronger and more people will see you for the brilliant mind that you are!!! AND your company is going to get much more bang for their buck. YAY!!! Lots of your Twitter friends have been missing your friendly avatar as of late. Now we know why and I’m sure they all would join me in saying we couldn’t be happier for you!!!
This is what social media is all about. Sometimes you start doing something like blogging and tweeting because you love it and then people notice and then something great happens. Having said that, anyone can blog and tweet but not everyone does it well. Congratulations on a wonderful step for you and your organiztion.
Everyone –
Thank you so much for your encouraging and kind words. I haven’t met all of you IRL *yet* but have found my friendship with each of you to be so valuable.
Michelle – I love how you see this and must agree. Thank you!
Jenise – Thank you for your sincere and sweet words! I haven’t been able to keep up with Twitter as much lately for several reasons, but they are all good reasons, like this opportunity. I miss you and the rest of the “family” too.
Steve – I’ll do my best! The bar is set high and I’m going to try my hardest to do a great job.
Lindsay and Ray – Lol and thank you!
Jeff and Traci – Thank you for your support and for being such willing and awesome mentors. I mean it.
Cheers, everyone! Thanks again and I hope you all enjoy the weekend!
Congrats Christina! that is great news! And you have already gathered so much information. Let us know how it is going and I am sure many of “us” would be glad to help where ever we can!
Congrats Christina! that is great news! And you have already gathered so much information. Let us know how it is going and I am sure many of “us” would be glad to help where ever we can!
oops – correct website!
YEAH…happy dance for Christina! I am so happy for you, proud of you, and am confident that you will do a great job and make your employer proud. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help…and keep us posted on your progress!!!
)
Wow, Christina, I am flabbergasted. I must have been asleep at the wheel or something.
Seriously, I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished in such a short period of time. Your enthusiasm is infectious, your intelligence impressive, and your knack at getting your point across is inspirational!
I knew it was a matter of time before your organization recognized what a gem they have and now you can rock the place out, which I know you will do.
I wish you the best Christina, and I am there for you, as always if you want to chat, or discuss ideas.
Way to go baby!
@michaelmccurry
I can’t believe I missed this post when it came out… but Congrats! I’m sure they picked the right person for the job, and it will be fun to see how it works for your organization. I’m sure there’s a lot of pressure– but you’ll be great.
PS. Don’t forget to consider adding video to the proposal