It’s 2016, and social media is woven into the fabric of our lives, whether we know it or not. It’s a news source, a platform for voicing opinions, and a way to communicate with friends. But, professionally, it’s a marketing and networking tool. Take NOTIS, for example. Here are our accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. We use these services to tell our members about industry news, continuing education opportunities, and other relevant information. We also provide our members with virtual forums to discuss and share stories.

This encourages interaction between professionals who rarely work together. So, translators and interpreters can benefit immensely from what NOTIS broadcasts. That being said, why not take a lesson from NOTIS? Put these tools to use for your own professional benefit—marketing and networking. Many agencies are active on social media, as are (potential) end clients and colleagues. This means you have the opportunity to interact and share information with them, making them aware of your expertise.

In the past, a resume was the best way to tout your qualifications to clients. The name of the game has changed, though. Social media allows you to gain their trust first. Clients will see that you’re a real person who’s dedicated to your career field. Interacting with them on Twitter, for example, creates a personal connection that you can depend on later when you do offer them your services, or meet them in person in court, for example. On the other hand, if you’re already working with them, social media interactions keep you fresh in their minds. Then, they call on you when a suitable project arises.

If you haven’t already embraced social media, here are some helpful steps:

1) Start by choosing just one tool.

2) Establish a routine, such as 30 minutes in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

3) Use that time to follow/connect with clients and colleagues.

4) Commit to a set amount of sharing and responding. For example, share two or more informative articles each time and respond to two or more posts/group conversations.

And you’re off to a great start! The key is to create a routine that you can follow. Don’t commit to too much. Then, once you’re comfortable with it, you might use it more often. You can even repeat the process for a second tool. It’s kind of like learning a language, you’ll have the foundation in place, making it quicker to learn how to use a new one.

NOTIS and the board of directors are already available on various social media platforms, so start growing your network, now. Find us here:

Brooke A. Cochran:

LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Blog

Shelley Fairweather-Vega:

LinkedIn
Facebook

Kathryn German: Facebook

Elise Kruidenier:
LinkedIn
Twitter

Sofía García Beyaert:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Blog

Saori Sampa: LinkedIn

Lindsay Bentsen: LinkedIn