As a matter of fact I am now concerned about getting a Linked in account. Prior to today I knew I was dragging my feet in signing up for this oh-so-coveted account. It’s been two plus years and I thought I was doing fine without such an account, but now it seems (through my own newly generated unfounded and perceived paranoia) that if I do not have an account a prospective employer may assume that I am not technologically competent just because I do not have a Linkedin account or that I would not be a good fit within their organization.

The possible reasons for not landing a career-advancing position are many — some of which are sparkling personality, outgoing and assertiveness, and positive attitude. All of these are excellent personal qualities, and I haven’t even mentioned professional skills and education, but the trend in the above comments in my opinion seems to point to a postulate that an individual will be judged as to whether or not he/she is employment-worthy based simply on having or not having an online presence.

It’s a Catch 22 situation, and the only way to win is to jump in and swim.

I really did not want to subscribe to Twitter until I was ready…I’m an aspiring fashion designer and I had planned to use the service to introduce new product, but Shari has made having an account a requisite for successful course completion. So now I will have to not only integrate my fashion aspirations into my educational goals and my current job schedule, but I will have to do it in a way that looks smooth and easy, in a word “professional” on the outside (you know, don’t bring you personal issues to work-especially if they are work hampering issues) and convince prospective employers that my personal interests are not only good for my self-esteem but good for the organization.

Having me as employee and realizing I have outside interests and goals that I continually endeavor to bring to fruition assures them that I will not be just a warm body. That I am unique and that if personal branding techniques are what Social Media and PR claim them to be then perhaps there may be revenue avenues that I may be able to help generate in concert with current existing staff.

Those income streams will have to be explored in the way of pilot program and feeler studies, but isn’t that what business is all about or is a job/career all about just getting in there and doing my 8 to 5 and then at 5:00 run over my co-workers getting out the door at the end of the day?

While it is true that I have multiple irons in the fire at this point, the saying is also true that “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”