Online Identity Management: Social Media

• Engage with an established discipline or professional body related groups
• Build academic networks and collaborate with colleagues
• Learn about advances in research, grants, conferences in your field (and others)
• Engage with the public and extend your reach in communicating your research
• Influence opinion-formers and policy makers
• Enhance your reputation!

When you sign up for social media sites, do you know what rights you are giving up and who can see your content? Check out these tools for understanding your rights and maintaining your privacy:

Here are some various guidelines to follow that can help you get the most out of using social media to connect.

Basic rules:

• Is it  kind? Engage others respectfully.
• Is it necessary? Is it entertaining?
• Is it right for this medium's audience, who are you trying to reach?
• Talking about research? Use the DOI or identifier!
• Be brief, be timely.

Having a LinkedIn profile is important if you are interested in taking advantage of basic networking to find a job, or just network with others in your field.  In some cases, the employer may find you before you find them. Here are some tips:

• Import your current resume to quickly fill out your profile.
• Incorporate widgets for your blog, presentations, etc.
• Request recommendations!
• Write recommendations!!
• Pay attention to the "People You May Know" section on the "Home" page to build your network.
• Look through your networks' connections lists to see if there are people you might know or what to know.
• Join or create groups and get connected to other people with similar education or interests. 
• Answer other people's Questions in LinkedIn's Answers section to become listed as an "Expert" in that area