Know Your Audience

We each have a voice and something important to say. Who is it you want to speak to: Your customer, client, prospective employer, or colleague? It may even be your spouse, child, or friend. 

But you won’t know what you want to say until you know who you are speaking to. Although traditionally we spoke to friends, colleagues, and prospective employers by phone, in person or through resumes, proposals or letters; more often we now speak through social media. We chat through Facebook and post our accomplishments on Linkedin. Young people are often turning to forms of social media that are even more immediate. When you know how to create your audience you will build relationships in the moment when opportunities arise. View the slideshow below for more ideas on how to create your audience.

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Photo by Pzurek, www.stockfreeimages.com

It's easier to build trusting relationships through people we know and work with and by extension with the people they know. Many jobs and opportunities come through close connections and you can grow your reputation and build your network beyond your neighborhood and even country of origin through social media. It's worth the effort to think about who your audience is and what you want to say to them.

Adapted from "Fire Up Your Profile For LifeWork Success" pg. 187