How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice?
Creating a PLN is an important step in establishing a social media campaign, and is even more productive and effective if it is developed prior to launching the campaign. A strong PLN is important for creating better learning and sharing of knowledge and providing access to people and resources (“networking”) to support a stronger campaign foundation. According to Wood (2013), there are a few points to keep in mind when developing a strong PLN, which may be useful in PLN creation for a social media campaign:
- Know that all PLNs are different – what may work for some, may not for others; all have different interests, focuses, and needs, so make your PLN reflect that.
- Ask and Listen – sometimes knowledge isn’t immediately apparent. Take time to chat with people regularly; ask about experiences and interests, listen to the responses, and talk about yourself. These conversations can trigger insights from others and showcase hidden talents.
- Leverage Technology – technology, especially social media, helps to (1) meet new people, and (2) stay in touch. Take advantage of technology and utilize different sites – email, blogs, newspapers, magazines, online chats/message boards, Youtube, Skype, Google
- Try out different social sites, including Twitter – follow industry experts, let your feed reflect you, start conversations, join in on tweet chats or hashtags, and take advantage of specific channels
- Look outside your field – PLNs don’t just have to be for learning and development; look at individuals in different fields – similar to yours, or totally opposite.
- REMEMBER THAT PLNS ARE A TWO-WAY STREET – PLNs help you, and help others. The more you contribute to others’ PLNs, the more it benefits you, and the more others will want to help you.
I am the President of UVic Students Offering Support, a chapter of Students Offering Support (SOS) and we have a strong social media presence; our PLN should receive the credit. Over the last 4 years, I’ve held many roles, including VP of Business Development (2019-2020), VP of Finance (2019-Current), Exam Aid Instructor (2020-current), and President (2020-current). Student Offering Support (SOS) is a nationwide non-profit organization/charity comprised of many university chapters across Canada. In addition to general fundraising, we host Exam-Aid preparation sessions by donation to fund SOS Global Impact Projects, including community and education initiatives (i.e. building schools and libraries, buying and donating educational resources, etc.) in developing countries. SOS relies on passionate student leaders to create a positive impact through the SOS model of “Raising Marks, Raising Money, Raising Roofs.” Social media is a critical aspect of UVic SOS’ success; to achieve our goals, we have to engage with students and other clubs on campus, businesses in our local community, teams with other SOS chapters across the country, and our partnering communities in developing countries globally. All of this wouldn’t be possible without awareness and collaboration through social media means, and the hub of support and resources provided by our pre-constructed PLN. Although we used to mainly use Facebook, in the past few years we have transitioned to solely using our Instagram (@uvic.studentsofferingsupport). From what I have learned in this course thus far, I’m encouraging my social media marketing team to re-activate our Facebook page, and expand to different platforms like Twitter (as Woods mentioned).
References
Wood, B. (2013). Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. American Society for Training and Development. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=ITBC&u=uvictoria&id=GALE|A348998538&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon
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