Social Media is eating my brain…and I love it

I recently created a Google profile page for Hewitt Associates (http://www.google.com/profiles/Hewittassociates2009) as a way to align our corporate website with our social branding/media strategy links. Now we have a single platform with feeds to our Twitter links, Facebook Fan Site, Career Module, Global Location Map, YouTube videos, Linkedin Community Groups, Crowd Sourcing initiatives, Webcast/Podcast links and the answer to the universe. Of course we are not giving out the answer to the universe that easily. This must be earned through trust, loyalty and commitment. Translated, you must be a fan. Did anyone catch the shameless plug from the opening paragraph? I think I hid that quite well.

That is what we call a subtle yet slightly shameless plug. A completely shameless plug would be to ask you to follow Hewitt Career Opportunities on Twitter @hewittcareers or get text updates by texting Hewcareers to 77950 or join the Hewitt Fan Site on Facebook or get information on Hewitt’s Diversity programs by texting HewDiversity to 77950. That is just plain shameless and lacks professionalism and tact. Ultimately, just as effective.

If that thrust into the black hole of Web 2.0 didn’t send your head spinning, well this is just the beginning.

Interesting enough the term “Web 2.0” was coined ten years ago in a 1999 article entitled “Fragmented Future” by Darcy DiNucci where she stated:

“The Web we know now, which loads into a browser window in essentially static screenfuls, is only an embryo of the Web to come. The first glimmerings of Web 2.0 are beginning to appear, and we are just starting to see how that embryo that might develop the Web, will be understood not as screenfuls of text and graphics but as a transport mechanism, the ether through which interactivity happens. It will appear on your computer screen, on your TV set, your car dashboard, your cell phone, hand-held game machines and maybe even your microwave”

Perhaps a modern Notradamus or pre-modern Hal 2000.

To quote Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O’Rourke) in Poltergeist, “They’re Here” and they are not going away.

Social Media is a part of corporate infrastructure. Some have realized that and taken action accordingly, some are hesitant to take the plunge, while others believe it is a passing fad that will soon fall on its face. Is it innovative or just a more efficient way of communications and business operations? That is a burning question that we deal with on a daily basis.

If you are proud of something why not shout it out to the world. Now, we can take that phrase in a literal sense. I am proud of where I work, who I work with and how my part plays into the success of this organization. Why shouldn’t we share this and take advantage of the tools and technology at our disposal. Web 2.0 is fun, sexy, creative, engaging, addictive and a way to be a gamer in the non-gaming world.

Global expansion is not a new view on business operations. Jack Welsh, former CEO of General Electric coined the term “boundryless”. He believed that a successful professional is a global professional. General Electric developed a three year global Human Resource rotational program that allows a graduate associate to participate in a program that includes rotations through two or three business units and one global rotation. This program was developed almost twenty years ago. As products and services become more global in development, production, sales, and implementation, the web has become an invaluable tool for implementation, innovative change and evolution.

I have a journal. For those Gen-Y and Gen-Z and Gen-Waiting for 2012 to come and swallow the earth readers, that is an old school blog. It is a pen and paper version of thoughts and ideas encompassed with a personality and bit of flare. For many years, this has been my personal salvation. My escape from reality to a very personal side of my being. That being said, I have a blog as well (http://sonnisabyss.blogspot.com/) I am proud to say I have two dedicated readers that live vicariously through my well chosen anecdotes. Being willing to change does not mean you must give up your entire sense of value.

We are on the brink where there is a fine line between being great and being unemployed. Be visible, be unique, be creative, be bold, continuously improve, stay informed, continue evolving, train and re-train, get published, get noticed, stand above the rest, be a part of a community, make strong network connections, develop a new idea, embrace change, redefine yourself or develop a personal brand.

Raise of hands….Who has not heard someone say or personally used one of these catch phrases to define their current professional status? Believe it or not, they all ring true. We as professionals are a part of an unprecedented time in the midst of an expanding population boom. Numbers are growing incrementally yet opportunities are shrinking. The avenues of communication are growing and the voices coming from all directions but the ability to stand out is becoming slimmer. Do we cope? Do we dive? Do we maintain the status quo?

There is no right or wrong answer. The business world and its integration into the social framework will continue to evolve. Traditional relationships will remain a vital part of our being but the growing number of virtual contacts and interface will grow. Mobile media and technology are allowing us to interface in real time twenty four hours a day and make critical decisions and implementations faster than Speed Racer ever could have imagined.
Times will continue to change. There will be growing pains and there will be wonder.

I am embracing wonder. This week at the National Black MBA Conference in New Orleans, Hewitt will be introducing its Diversity SMS application and conducting a conference wide giveaway utilizing only the mobile technology. Last month, Twitter was used to promote career opportunities, key news feeds and align with Talent Acquisition professionals instantaneously, A Benefits and Health & Welfare Community site sponsored by Hewitt in four months has become the second largest Employee Benefits Interactive Community Site on Linkedin. A new Facebook fan site is being launched with expectations to grow the community globally and become an integral tool for clients, associates, vendors, alumni and candidates. January saw the launch of an Alumni Network Site that has grown to 3800 former associates offering news, featured alumni, career opportunities, and shared successes. A series of podcast and webcast interviews with industry leaders has been introduced. Virtual web interviews are being piloted as we speak for remote candidates. Associate speakers are being streamlined live through the internet for all associates and colleagues to view. These are just a tip of some of the initiatives that are leading us forward with the assistance of Social Media.

I believe in the future. I believe we have only tapped into a small portion of the potential these tools have to offer. To say I am excited about the possibilities would be a gross understatement.

I have often been asked by fellow colleagues that are in a career transition, “What can I do now?” Often I find myself telling them “Stay Focused and Get Noticed”. We all have talents and skills that make us stand apart. Utilize those talents and the web tools and create a personal brand that will help you stand out.

I was asked today why I use the title “Talent Acquisition” and not recruiter or sourcer? We don’t hire individuals or just meet headcount numbers. We are acquiring, training and harnessing a specific and unique set of skills to help build on the strength and success of our organization. The key to any company success is the talent. That talent must have the right skills, correct fit into the culture; have a desire to grow and a feeling of empowerment. We play a role in all in all stages.

http://www.twitter.com/markalex222
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Throughout my illustrious professional career I am proud to say that every company that I have ever supported is still actively a part of the business infrastructure including the mom and pop liquor store and movie theater that jetted me into the world of work for pay. Included in this mix are AT&T, Comcast Cable, United Defense, Darden Restaurents, Thomson Reuters and Hewitt Associates. Though times have changed, things have remained the same. Of course I am going to explain in further detail.

At Comcast we recorded a weekly phone message with all of our openings. You couldn’t screw up the 15 page script or you had to start all over again. I remember that was the first time I realized I hated my voice. Computers…we had two for the entire recruitment team. We had an annual anti-union meeting for all associates including signs and more file cabinets than staff.

Yet months prior I worked for Financial Royalty. The immortal and gold plated Goldman Sachs, the crown prince of Wall Street. Associates had suits that had their own insurance policies, limos would take you home after 8 PM to anywhere in the tri-state area, the trading floor made or broke fortunes and respect was not a term thrown around when you hit the 85th floor and stood in awe over the Mahagony table, 300 prominent partners, and monitors for every world market streaming live. Of course as I stood in awe, I got a hand shake and a very candid discussion from John Corzine. Enough said.

Venture to the Midwest and the hussle and bussle of money, deadlines and cut throat competition is disguided by hoe downs, tractors, touchy feeling team culture and just a more relaxed way of conducting business.

Now I work from home, in a virtual office, drinking my virtual coffee and admiring the virtual art on my virtual wall in front of my virtual computer.

We are evolving but have things changed. Our goals in Human Resources are to providing a conflict free setting open to free thought and creative ideas. We want to ensure the safety, security and wellness of our associates.

Technology may expand, cultures vary, paces differ but overall we still maintain the same ideals and beliefs that we had as we began our careers.

New York Observer in their inaugural issue of Observer Playground asked prominent New York City mothers what apps they use for their modern high tech mommy lifestyle. Author Jill Kargman, has the New York Times (www.nytimes.com) and Christies Auction House (www.christies.com) saved on her mobile partner. Kelly Killoren, co-start of The Real Housewives of New York City has ibowl (Bowling App), imoodphone, imaps and ishoptheworld in her Iphone. Designer Cynthia Rowley lives and dies with Surf Reports (an app that tells the range of waves all around the world) as her family are avid surfers. The value of technology does not have to diminish the value of the passions we have grown to love in our lives.

In the midst all of the hussle and bussle of innovation, recession, optimism and deep depression is Katie Visco (www.paveyourlane.com). This twenty-three year old on March 29, 2009 began a jog. A little different than our normal daily routine. Now 2000 miles in, Katie is trying to become the youngest female to ever run across the United States. Her goals are very simple:

Inspire, Empower, Make History, Fundraise/Promote

Inspire – People to find and follow their passions
Empower – Individuals to connect to what gives them life and pave their own lane to pursue it, while making a positive impact on the world
Make History – To become the youngest female to ever run across the United States and complete her personal dream
Fundraise/Promote – Girls on the Run, a worthy charity that empowers young girls through running.

During her journey Katie has had joiners, families that have offered their homes and meals, school and companies giving donations to help her cause and children and adults becoming inspired by her story.

By December this journey that began in Boston will end in San Diego a long way from home but a lifetime of memories.

Whether you are gainfully employed, unemployed, raising a family or losing faith in a life we have grown so comfortable with, don’t forget your dreams. I published a collection of poetry and photography last year and through its grass roots efforts a number of very talented professionals have sought advice on publishing. For many it was a dream that slipped through the cracks of reality and now as lifestyles change and decisions are re-evaluated, many are starting to wake up to a new reality.

Continue to harness your skills and continue to pursue training and education but take time to do that painting, write that book, go sky diving, see Europe, learn to jet sky, bye a sailboat and let the wind guide you or just lay on a deserted island for a week away from all modern comforts. Dream every day and don’t be afraid to make some of those dreams a reality.

Stay Connected…Build Your Personal Professional Community

Mark A. Leon, Talent Acquisition Specialist – Hewitt Associates

As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, it is critical to develop a strong community of trusted colleagues, friends and associates that can help build your circle of growth.

Each day we pledge to ourselves to Pay it Forward. I will help you and you will will in turn help another.

In the last two days I have help two young professionals find homes and the feeling of graditude is more than I can explain in words.

Whether the goals is to help your organization, a friend, a colleague or someone that cannot help themselves there is personal reward to be found.

I would like to stay connected and help others.

If you would like to join my community please link with me:

http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=8218011&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro