Katherine Bradford, Vice President Development for Novo1 and Executive Vice President for EMS (Excel Marketing Systems, Inc.) spoke to SMU communication students regarding digital footprints and social-media business plans. Bradford took the floor and introduced the room to online etiquette when it comes to all forms of social media.
"Post things that are relevant to the business world," said Bradford. Bradford emphasized the importance of keeping a clean profile to maintain a professional image. "What would happen if your future employer looked you up? From June 2008 to June 2009, social media screenings by businesses increased over 20 percent," stated Bradford. She than reviewed the statistics of online screening when job candidates failed the screening.
"Of all the individuals screened, 53 percent posted provocative or inappropriate photos and information, 35 percent bad-mouthed previous employers and 20 percent shared confidential information," said Bradford.
However, candidates that succeeded maintained a positive web image. "Of those who succeeded in landing a job, 50 percent of the profiles provided a good feel for personality and 38 percent of the candidates were creative," said Bradford. Bradford continued to educate students on researching methods for understanding your digital footprint.
After Bradford concluded, Gills took the floor and offered advice regarding business tactics and using social media networking to increase profit. Gills stressed the importance of utilizing the globalized technological to increase profit and strategize for an organization.
Overall, Bradford and Gills touched on the importance of social-media sites relevant to businesses and employment.
