By Tonie Auer
DFW Chapter President

While I don’t mean the blog post title to be too suggestive, I really never thought I’d see the benefits of social media professionally. It was in the summer of 2008 at the ASBPE national convention in Kansas City that I started truly hearing the praises of social media.

Paul Conley told those in attendance that if they didn’t join the 21st century, they’d be left behind. The curmudgeonly reporter in me listened, but with the disdain of an old-timer who still remembers pasting up galleys and working on VDTs (for you young’uns, feel free to email me and I’ll tell you what those things are.) I’ve called my cell phone an ‘electronic leash’ and have resisted mobile Internet connectivity. But, I’m teetering on the ledge now.

At the insistence of the ASBPE board members, I joined LinkedIn. Then, I started to Twitter (but just a little), and Facebook came next. What has been the biggest surprise to me is how beneficial these things have been. I have had a few job leads come from LinkedIn and several bona fide jobs result from Facebook.

But, one of the greatest pluses I’ve found has been sources via Facebook. People see my status updates for articles I’m writing and they send leads my way. Truly, verily I say to thee: get off your duff and give it a try. Promote your publications, too, while you’re at it. I just took a full-time job as a writer for Bisnow on Business (www.bisnow.com) and while launching the product expansion into the Dallas-Fort Worth market, I’ve gained more readers for the news site/e-newsletter and I’ve had story leads sent my way.

So, now I’m a believer. And, Paul Conley and the ASBPE professional development planted the seed. With that said, don’t forget our Digital Symposium in San Francisco this week on Friday Nov. 6. You can still register and improve your skills, too.