In this digital age it’s amazing how few people use their online networks beyond the social. For years it’s always been about who you know, not what you know, yet this paradigm does not seem to apply online.
For professional contractors and freelancers there is no better shop window for their skills and experience than platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. Yet few leverage these channels to ensure that they are at the top of the list if recruitment agents are on the hunt for talent.
So how can social media benefit you when you are ready to line up for your next contract?
The first place that most people turn to when looking for anything is Google, which is the most democratic search tool in the world. Google’s algorithms change all the time, but the one constant is that the more of a presence you have online, the better your chances are in being found for the next project. So let’s take a look at the most popular sites:
Facebook
When you’re on Facebook you have the potential to reach hundreds of millions of people. Many companies use Facebook to showcase their products and services on a business page, but few professional contractors use this clever marketing tool. Not only does a business page separate your professional and personal life on this medium, but it also lets you get down to a one-to-one level and talk to people about what kind of expertise or experience you have. You can offer both videographic and photographic evidence of your work or skill set. With Timeline, you can also message individuals from your business account, making it easier to build relationships and connections through social media. This approach lets you mix business with pleasure, the ultimate way to network.
Twitter
Twitter is great for personal branding and demonstrating your skills or expertise. This can be done through tweeting comments that are insightful or problem solving, sharing industry trends and news (that shows you are on top of what’s happening in your industry) or making friends with useful contacts that could help land you the next contract – either by the advice that they offer you or through their own network.
Here’s a list of Tweeters to start following –
@blogging4jobs – Jessica Merrell gives excellent and very pragmatic job seeker advice be it for CEOs or contractors
@jimstrouch – Jim is a great contact to follow as he is followed by numerous recruitment agencies as well. Keeping up to date with his Twitter stream will give you insight into how and where recruiters are sourcing candidates as well as more specific advice such as job offer negotiation and networking.
@exchequersol – Yes, that’s us. We would love to hear from all our candidates and being on Twitter lets you have instant access to us!
LinkedIn
This is the contractors best medium to create a strong personal brand and network up a storm. LinkedIn has a range of functionality and is the come-to resource for agencies all over the world. If you don’t already have an account, don’t delay in signing up to take advantage of:
o Posting testimonials/references about your previous contracts or employers – word of mouth marketing is the most effective form of self-promotion
o Making friends with other professional contractors who can share their advice, tips and contacts
o Joining in discussions and / or groups that will keep you abreast of the latest news in your industry or can help answer difficult questions around your own industry of related topics such as tax and pensions
o Keeping tabs on the old employers who may be moving on to a bigger role and who may have something in the offing for you.
Exchequer Solutions has a number of social media channels that we engage on, so when you do decide to go digital, let us know so that we can connect. Good luck!
Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/ExchequerSol
Join us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ExchequerSolutions
Connect with us on LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/company/exchequer-solutions
