Don’t like new things? Then prepare to be disappointed.

It’s our nature in this day and age to immediately be critical of new forms of communication. Heck, I’ve been part of that group. I criticized Foursquare; I didn’t see the immediate value of Google+; and I’m still not sure about Paper.li.

One of the things I’m starting the realize more and more each day is that the more we criticize the more negative we become. I say this now because I’ve seen a number of posts that have whined about Pinterest. People are even critical of Justin Timberlake and his investment in MySpace. I have no problem with taking an in-depth look into what each network brings to the table. But do we really need to blast a platform before it is really established?

It’s not worth your time to shoot down every new shiny thing that hits the market.

For months, Pinterest was out there. My friend Mikinzie Stuart even did a great job blogging about how Pinterest could be better used. I’ve used it prior to it blowing up. But now that it’s really taken off in the eyes of experts and PR/Social media analysts, the knives are out. Why? Brands have found a use for it and I’ve even had inquiries from clients about how they could use it.

The same goes for Google+. I’ve said I don’t see the value, obviously many others have. The New York Giants used Google+ during Super Bowl week to hold an extremely successful hangout. These examples have caused me to take a better, more refined look at how I can use it for my clients and future clients.

If you find yourself thinking negatively off the bat about new, shiny social media networks, keep these two things in mind:

How can I gain an advantage with my clients by truly understanding it? 

What is the downside by learning something new?

Keep your mind open and your eyes sharpened. You never know when you’ll find something that a client will thank you for guiding them to current and future success.

Expand Your (Social) Horizons

I had the honor and pleasure of speaking to the PRSSA chapter at Columbia College in Chicago, Ill. on Monday, via Skype. A big thanks to the whole chapter, including Hilary Jurinak, for inviting me. One of the many topics we touched on was (of course) social networking. Believe it or not, there are some folks that still don’t understand how you can benefit from social media (Columbia College’s PRSSA understood, though). If you don’t grasp the power of what social can do for you, someone else will. This is true before you graduate and even while you are a seasoned pro.

Here are four ways to use social to better yourself and your job prospects:

• Keep your LinkedIn profile current and crisp: The stats don’t lie. LinkedIn is a popular place for recruiters and employers to look at your qualifications. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and has trusted recommendations. And I don’t mean ones from friends.
• Flickr can be used to your advantage: I’m working with a tourism client that will begin using Flickr to showcase photos of the area. This helps show what we have to offer and the great things to do around town. Show a potential employer (or client) the visual side of your skills.
• Pin it: Yes, Pinterest has exploded onto the scene. Don’t discount it. Understand how retailers are using it and adapt it to show a great campaign you launched, or even use it as a portfolio.
• Don’t discount blogging: In public relations, we do a ton of writing. However, I’ve seen a lot of bad examples of it. Sharpen your writing skills as well as your critical thinking and create a blog. It’s your avenue to expound on issues in PR, social and marketing.

The most important thing to realize is that we must continue to evolve as PR practitioners, marketers, and social media professionals. You may think Pinterest isn’t for you. Well, there will be someone else who will think it is for them and leapfrog you to get a job or new client. Don’t be the person who misses out… open your mind and keep sharp!

How have you expanded your horizons? Let me know in the comments.