SOCIAL, NETWORKING AND ETIQUETTE- SHARE YOUR MAGIC!
For those that are still getting to know me. Hi, I'm the founder of Couture Public Relations and Image Consulting ( Oprah is my fairy God Auntie).
As my way of giving back, for the last decade (I can’t believe it) I have shared with youth, more specifically focused on teen girls how to become their best self. One of my passions. Growing up I was heavily involved in enrichment activities that groomed me to the evolving woman I am today. From etiquette classes, modeling, civic groups, public speaking, theatre, figure skating, opera camps, vocal competitions, fine arts, and debutante balls, I mean I could go on and on, but I was in it to become my best.
Most recently, I shared a presentation with a group of college women on the importance of promoting yourself via social media in a positive way. The presentation consisted of simple tips, social media etiquette and I also touched on networking. For those that are reading, especially for my young girls out there currently preparing for college, careers, summer jobs, internships, etc. I want to leave you with a few things you should keep in mind as you are applying for your next opportunity or just simply "living your best life."
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Make sure your profile picture is appealing, excluding obscenities and exposed body parts.
Use the name you were given, not Ashley CooltotheMax Edward.
Untag yourself from photos that do not represent you in your best light. It’s okay to have fun, but bottles, red cups, “gang signs,” are not appropriate. Your friends will be okay, if they get upset tell them to level up!
Use correct grammar in your status updates.
Do NOT air out your dirty laundry online. It’s okay to have a bad day, but that’s for your personal life, not for the public.
Make sure you are consistent across all platforms. Employers are looking across all areas: Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. They will find you! Trust me as a business owner and previous talent acquisition director, I would also look up the applicant before deciding on an interview, phone conversation, etc.
NETWORKING:
Have your introductory/ elevator pitch ready. FAMU taught me! Shout out to my Rattlers!
If you are attending an event, make sure you pass out at least 3-4 business cards and make the conversation relational.
If you are past the introduction phase and have planned to meet with someone new. Make it worth both of each other’s time. The last thing someone wants to do is waste time. Have your questions ready, but make it beneficial for the both of you.
When you are in conversation with someone new, do not have your phone out checking calls and text messages. Engage with the person, the call or text can wait.
If someone is willing to help you, actively seek them. Just because they have stated that they can help does not mean that they have the time to hunt you down.
ETIQUETTE:
If you are at a networking event, don’t stack your plate full of appetizers. If you know it is going to be a few hours and you’re hungry, you may want to eat before. If you are attending a plated dinner, do not eat EVERYTHING on your plate.
If you are attending an event, wear something that looks pleasing to the eye and as my mom taught me, “if you have to pull and tug at your clothes, then it isn’t your size and you don’t need it in your closet.” Words you remember when you become an adult and your mom was right!
Firm handshake and eye contact, always.
If you are attempting to build a mentorship with someone and/or just had an interview, great conversation with someone, send them a thank you card. With everything at our fingertips in technology sometimes a handwritten thank you goes a long way.
If you are scheduling a one-on-one meeting for the first time, and you are meeting over tea, coffee or food in general, it is polite to pay for the bill. So, with that said, if you know you don’t have a lot of time or money, meeting places like a coffee house, library, bookstore or even a nice outdoor space can make the meeting affordable and scenic.
If you implement these quick tips, you are bound to become a well rounded young women. I leave you with this quote from Auntie O, “I want all of the girls watching here, now to know that a new day is on the horizon.”- Oprah Winfrey, Golden Globe Awards 2018
Want to give back to a group of young women? Here's your opportunity! Send us our team an e-mail and we will share with you our charitable efforts.