started thinking, I need a job and thus far, I’m having zilch luck finding one, so I steered my original thoughts of corporate climb towards another venture, starting my own business, and working for myself.Who hasn’t toyed with the tempting idea of owning your own business? And if your circumstances are similar to mine, I recommend you continue reading. I have put together a simple, 3-step guide for students needed for the initial ‘thinking’ stages of starting a business. All you need is a social media platform (a Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn account), a working knowledge of how it operates and commitment to your interactions (potential clients).
1. Go with What You Know
As a student, and as a child who was raised by the Internet, one thing I completely blanked on when trying to decide on the service of my business, was social media. And I can’t believe it took me that long to think of it! If you’re addicted to, and can’t live without your Facebook or Twitter and consider yourself a bit of a whizz when managing your accounts, then why not consider a position such as Social Media Marketing Assistant? Every company/organization/individual who understands the importance and benefits of having or introducing a digital media marketing strategy will be interested in your services.
2. Create an e-Portfolio
Having a electronic portfolio is much more versatile and accessible than a hardcopy portfolio. And by utilizing social media to reach your audience, your work and services will be viewed and sought after online therefore, an e-Portfolio proves to be your most significant asset in the business world. It’s like a resume, just a lot more interactive. An e-portfolio can include multimedia presentations, relevant web pages, work from Adobe, data spreadsheets, reports – basically anything you have created online!
3. How To get Your Name Out There and Who You Should Be Marketing Towards
If Facebook is what you know and therefore your platform of choice, instead of using your own personal account, set up a Facebook page dedicated to your business and link your professional account to your personal account (this will actually boost friend requests aswell) You must think to yourself; who would use my services? Who needs me?
So students, you’re not alone out there. Flexibility and enjoyment (not to mention good pay!) are all key in finding a successful fit whilst you are studying and the skills you learn & develop in social media are invaluable and will prove to be a significant asset in your professional later life.
Author:
A Public Relations student, born, raised, & studying in Melbourne, Lisa Danielle Carey is currently completing her A.D in Public Relations at Victoria University. As a social media enthusiast, she is active on Twitter, as well as Facebook. Social Media is the face the future, so let’s embrace it together!
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Hi Lisa,
I enjoyed your post. I agree that the best place to start offering one’s services is with what you know. I love social media too and think that was I good suggestion that you mad. I wrote another post about resumes and job search that I think you might enjoy http://digitalbrandmarketing.com/2012/01/21/the-recipe-for-a-social-media-enhanced-resume/
Thanks for your post and nice to have you aboard as a guest blogger.
Thanks for the warm welcome Alison, & I really appreciate your feedback. I’m glad I can now write about one of my favourite topics, and know that my work is being read. It feels good! I’ll definitely have a look at that link, thanks 🙂
Well done girl ! 🙂
Do you find anything in your PR studies to be beneficial to a person looking to go into their own social media business, or do you think learning on the job is better? Nice post!
Hi mandyf,
No better experience can be found other than working on the job, that is definitely a great way of building knowledge and skills in the industry but I’ve found that through studying PR, I have been exposed to social media in a greater sense (other than just say, having a Facebook account for social interaction with friends, already known face-to-face). I am educated on digital marketing strategies within my course which has helped me discover other social media platforms and therefore, sparked an interest in building a social media business .
Don’t copy others. Instead, learn, digest, and implementing what you learned. Great short post.
Good insights, since market research is a whole blog post by itself.
Hi Leon
Thank you for your feedback & yes, you are spot on, market research is a huge topic and serves well for many blog posts.
Hi Lisa — good ideas. What do you suggest recent graduates use as a guideline for what to charge for social media services?
Hi ridexc
As I am still studying myself and don’t charge for my services, I don’t follow a guideline. What I do recommend though is, within your resume/cover letter/business card etc make sure it is known (to the client) of your level of experience and your capabilities. I would first start with setting a base rate p/h that suits your circumstances which means yay! I get to set my own pay! But also keep in mind, this shouldn’t be an astronomical figure. Even though you get to decide how much you get paid, it must measure against your level of experience and clients will want to see proof of that, aswell. Wishing you all the success in your ventures.
Hi Ridex,
Since i run some social media services for clients I can tell you. In regards to any content creation I would suggest coming to a solid $ per word agreement. However, if you are not controlling content and only working social media account management and administration, there can be a couple of different answers there in my opinion. For instance, I, personally, do not charge clients a full rate during the start up or incredibly early phases of SMM, however, once their accounts are up and running, and CS feedback is increasing, I do increase my rates per the increasing workload.
Keep an eye out around DBMEi, I’ll work on a post on this topic very soon!