Pinterest. Instagram. Tumblr. These sites have been taking over the Internet in the last year or so. From wedding planning to fashion to interesting architecture and everything in between, all of us have been telling the stories of things we love via visuals. I’ve always been a visual learner. I took notes in school and now in the working world (despite the presentation being available afterward) so I could see the words on paper. And I learn better by doing something rather than simply being instructed. That’s why I love visual blogs like Brit + Co. and The Beauty Department that really give a how-to by way of photos. And I’m constantly inspired by my friends on Instagram and Pinterest to recreate a smoothie recipe or outfit idea. Which brought me to thinking about my professional life. Sure, I read articles, attend webinars and conferences, network, and participate in industry organizations. All of which help me grow and learn. But there’s just something about seeing great work or words that really inspire me. The same goes for the job search. You can apply to 100 jobs, but what’s your goal? What are your passions? And how can those help your career?
From the sites listed above, following are a few simple ways to have visuals help you in the job search (and current job motivation) process.
Tumble into action
Tumblr is perfect for quick bursts of inspiration. Do a search for “career” tags, and you instantly see interview tips, motivational quotes, and others in your shoes just blogging about their experiences. You can even see what’s happening in your town in terms of networking events. One of my favorite accounts is the NYC PR Girls page. Just follow the tags that you’re interested in (type of industry, city, what type of accounts you’d like to work on, etc.) and you’ll be on your way to immediate encouragement. (It’s also a great way to network.)
Pin to motivation
I’m basically planning my entire wedding (thanks, secret boards!) on Pinterest, but I also started another secret board for all things work-related as a PR pro. Basically, when I see an article that I think my clients could be in (or at least benefit from), I pin it to my board. Yes, I bookmark these articles too, but re-visiting this board from time-to-time helps me see these stories rather bookmarking and forgetting, and I am reminded of what it is and what I’m trying to accomplish, as well as give me ideas for future pitching. Looking for a job? Pin images of people in action to help motivate you. No, not stock imagery of men in suits shaking hands, but people in the industry you look up to. Think Jack Dorsey, Marissa Mayer or even those you see in your local business pub’s “40 under 40.” They can even be fictitious characters (I’m a big fan of Mary in The Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Instagram to insta-gain
Yes, Instagram is full of cats, food and nail art. However, it allows you to connect with those near and far in a fun way. Think about where you want to work. Let’s take an ad agency in your local area, for example. Are they on Instagram as a company? Follow and start liking. On a smaller scale, find folks who work there and follow them as well (easier to find if you find them on Twitter first). Start following and liking images that pique your interest. Just don’t “like” everything – you don’t want to be a stalker. You can find common connections (such as love for a sports team) and even see where they hang out and what networking events and conferences they attend. If they attend a monthly event, you know they’ll be there so you can attend and meet other professionals, too (again, just don’t be creepy!). And, like on Tumblr and Pinterest, Instagram can help motivate you when you see others in action (I’m a big fan of what Amy Jo Martin and Sarah Evans are bringing to the table).
Sure, Pinterest can’t write you a resume and Instagram can’t land you an interview, but sometimes we go through the motions of the job search so much, we forget what we’re passionate about and what we’re looking for. The same goes for our day-to-day work. So, before you begin your search (or improving your current situation), write down what you want, start looking for images and visuals that represent that, and you’ll spark a new motivation you may have been lacking before. Just like looking at a picture of someone buff in a bathing suit may motivate you to lose a few pounds before summer, looking at a logo of where you want to work (or the people who work there) can give you that extra bit of oomph you need to amplify the process and shake things up.
This post is part of HAPPO (Help a PR Pro Out). HAPPO is a movement that seeks to use social media to leverage relationships and help connect those seeking a job in the PR industry with employers. It’s led by co-founders Arik Hanson and Valerie Simon. Follow the #HAPPO hashtag on Twitter.
Live-Pinning: On-point or pointless?
Hi my name’s Deanna and I’m a Pinterestaholic.
I know I’m not alone in my addiction. Only 6 months ago, Pinterest was at the 11.7 unique monthly users mark. I can only imagine what it is now.
Brands have definitely taken note of this, and are popping up all over the Pinterestsphere to pin and interact with their fans in the space, since for a lot of brands, that’s where their fans are spending a lot of their time online. A lot of brands are using the platform really well. My personal favorite? Chobani. Not only do they subtly yet effectively integrate their product into pins, but they inject their branding wonderfully – a humorous and fun personality of “Nothing But Good.” Example: The Board “You So Crafty.” They also have a whole Pinterest board devoted to Instagram, called “Insta-piration.” A great way to blend social networks.
As more and more brands join Pinterest, I’m noticing what has happened with Twitter and Facebook – how do they differentiate themselves and stand out? How do they stay fresh and relevant? The answer for some: “live-pinning.” Years back when Twitter was taking off, live-tweeting was really popular to make followers feel like they were really “there” to engage and follow along with certain events. The practice is still alive and thriving today. Just follow a hashtag and you can follow the live tweets.
One of the first brands to live-pin was Oscar de la Renta live-pinning their bridal fashion show back in the spring of 2012. I loved the innovation, since this practice hadn’t really been done yet. But, was it a success?
Looking back at the board of their live pins, it seems they received a lot of re-pins and likes on their new bridal collection. Why? I don’t think it was necessarily for the LIVE aspect, but for the fact that it was bridal. Search your own Pinterest network feed right now, and its infiltrated with bridal pins. Brides-to-be (and girls who aren’t even engaged) are pinning away to plan their weddings. It fits the demographic of who’s pinning on Pinterest. Even if you can’t afford it, it can inspire your gown, which Pinterest is all about. Inspiration.
Verdict: Live-pin is a win.
Then in June, a particular pin caught my eye from Better Homes and Gardens, which caused me to question it:
After the event that weekend, I evaluated the situation. In addition to their board that they live-pinned to, they live-tweeted:
Great to see them live-tweeting, too. And using photos. However, they were also live-tweeting just commentary from the event without photos, which is great for a quick description about the event without being forced to include a photo:
I think Better Homes and Gardens does an awesome job on Pinterest. So many great boards on-point with what Pinterest is all about – inspiring visuals. But the Chill & Grill live-pins fell flat to me. The pins did not garner much engagement with fans. A few likes and re-pins, but to me, if they would have stuck with Twitter, it would have been more effective. That’s because there are visuals AND text-only to live-tweet about. A great combination to watch and interact with, and easy to follow along with the #chillandgrill hashtag.
Pins of food with recipes would have worked really well with the content being pinned on Pinterest, but then there were photos of some of the BHG editors. With all due respect to these editors, I personally don’t want to pin them casually posing for a photo. If I’m pinning a picture of a person, it’s either iconic, or it’s because I love something about what they’re wearing, their makeup or hairdo, etc. An editor just posing for an event picture? Not pin-worthy.
Verdict: Live-pin is a flop.
My final example comes from other magazine sources. I’m seeing some of these pages live-pinning breaking celeb news. Miley Cyrus got a new tattoo? The pin doesn’t show it, but is an image of her linking over to the story. I don’t think many would pin that. However, if it were a picture of the tattoo itself, that might get some pin love from tattoo fans inspired by her ink. Here’s an example from InStyle:
I get that they are promoting an article and website traffic, but again, why would I pin this image of Lea Michelle? I’d rather pin images of her actual finished photos from the shoot than behind the scenes. Take a look at the pins on Pinterest, and the images are polished and beautiful. I don’t want the guy in the photo shown above in my pin! I want just Lea looking gorgeous.
Pinterest isn’t necessarily about right.this.second. As I said, it’s about inspiration and ideas. I can pin something that was posted a year ago because I find it useful or inspiring, not because it’s in the now. If I need breaking news or live information, I will go to Twitter or a website to get what I need. Then I can decide if I want to pin something from that.
The verdict overall? I think the live aspect should be left to Twitter (especially since Twitter can allow images), and Pinterest can be after the fact. Even if the live-pinning is relevant to your followers, capture the most engaging images at the event, then decide what to pin later. I bet you’ll get more results that way.
So what do you think – am I missing something? Live-pinning: On-point or pointless?