It is hard to believe that this year marks the 27th anniversary of the World Wide Web becoming available to the public. There was no huge fanfare, in fact, most people were completely unaware of what the Internet actually was.
Fast forward to present day, increasing numbers of professionals are fearing that their roles will be replaced by Artificial Intelligence! It is almost as though Spielberg gave us an insight into the future during his 2001 Sci-fi flick ‘A.I.’ Let’s hope this is not the case for Jurassic Park!
Average digital customers in 2017 owned three or more connected devices and averaged five separate media accounts. Technology is becoming an ever increasing part of daily life, from social to financial and prominently business use.
Your Social Footprint
As recent business and celebrity scandals have shown, be careful what you put on the Internet, as it can prove to become a haunting character tattoo. I am not talking about those embarrassing old Myspace profile photos, which often prove more humorous than detrimental!
With 42% of employers having conducted online research on potential candidates prior to interview, it is essential to maintain complete control of your social media footprint. Anything from expletive-ridden tweets to provocative profile pictures have prevented talented individuals from receiving potential job offers. Whilst some people see this as being somewhat intrusive, potential employers have to bear in mind that these social media accounts are accessible to their current workforce, and sometimes first impressions are hard to break.
Focus on ‘Brand You’
The key to success in the digital age is to continually develop, learn and embrace developing technologies and traits. LinkedIn is arguably the strongest professional network, with approximately 61% using this avenue to source talent, as appose to the 8% currently utilising job boards. So, how do you stand out in this talent pool?
Quality content is key, avoid the trait of simply sharing or reposting other people’s work. Your brand is important, take pride in this! Embed social and digital engagement in your everyday activities. Think and engage – use your network as these will prove to be your most valuable asset. Initiate discussions, this can prove beneficial to both you and your audience. You want to be seen as a ‘thought leader’ in your market.
An often misconception is that digital essentially means technology. Wrong. Digital is what technology enables you to do, and the limits are being continuously stretched! If organisations and individuals fail to adapt to this fast-changing paradigm, than extinction could be closer than you think!
Avoid extinction, don’t become a digital dinosaur!
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