Redundant at 50+ and getting to grips with social media.

A guest blog from social media newbie Karen Dean

 Karen was made redundant after 35 years with the same great company. Back on the job market she realised she needed to get to grips with social media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had long been confused with the term Social Media; I thought it applied to people discussing online what they had been doing the night before. I couldn’t grasp how it fitted into my life and more importantly the impact it has on just about everything!!

On occasions younger members of my family had tried to teach me the rudimentary aspects of Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook but as with many young people it was a case of “just do this” with no explanation behind their instructions – queue frustrations all around!! With Social Media playing such a large part of all of our lives I needed to get to grips with it.

In December 2012 I was made redundant after 35 years  working for an amazing company. I took a little while out of work but in Q4 2013 I was ready to start to look for that new role but where to start? Everyone was telling me to get a profile – what? Come on Karen use Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook this is where you find a new role. What were they talking about? It was obvious I needed to get to grips with Social Media but I needed a teacher…

This is where Jane Binnion comes into my life  – Jane is a trainer, teacher, coach and motivator of all things Social Media in short an absolute expert who is able to explain the impact of Social Media, how and why it is used and the benefits of it.

I was lucky to take advantage of distance learning with Jane, over a four week period Jane spent an hour a week with me – via Web conferencing – Jane taught me how to understand and use constructively the three main Social Media sites, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Jane’s patience  was amazing, my head was full of things I wanted to ask and know but Jane teaches in a methodical way that allows you fully appreciate the subject and the correct ways of approaching the use of Social Media.

Jane gave me advice on what makes a good online profile, what to put in and what is best kept to yourself! I now have that all important online profile – it’s not great but a work in progress – but what I do have is confidence in using Social Media and… Twitter followers!

Without doubt I would recommend Jane, she is an excellent communicator who, I feel, would benefit both individuals and organisations with all aspects of Social Media.

Thank you Jane from a more assured user – Karen Dean – of Social Media!

 

If you are  on the job market again at 50+ and feeling a bit left behind,  please do get in touch, or leave a comment below.