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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 10:40:15 AM

Title: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 10:40:15 AM
http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/07/why-every-social-media-manager-should-be-under-25/
Quote
Facebook began in 2004. Twitter kicked off in 2006. I, along with everyone else in my generation, can remember exactly who told me about these endeavors, the perfect combination of confusion and excitement I felt when signing up for them, and the original layouts they exhibited. We were teenagers in high school at the time, a period when we were young enough to be the most impressionable yet old enough to grasp an understanding. Though we had absolutely no idea how insanely huge social media would grow, we were immediately along for the ride.

You might argue that everyone, regardless of age, was along for the ride, or at least everyone under the age of 30. I'm not saying they weren't, but we spent our adolescence growing up with social media. We were around long enough to see how life worked without it but had it thrown upon us at an age where the ways to make the best/correct use of it came most naturally to us. No one else will ever be able to have as clear an understanding of these services, no matter how much they may think they do.

The key is that we learned to use social media socially before professionally, rather than vice versa or simultaneously. After all, it is called social media; the seemingly obvious importance of incorporating comforting social aspects into professional usage seems to go over several companies' heads. To many people in the generations above us, Facebook and Twitter are just the latest ways of getting messages out there to the public, that also happen to be the best.

The specificity of the ways in which the method should be used is usually beyond them, however. The typically tired commercial statements or aggressively slang-imitating phrases companies tend to use on their sites do not match the witty, honest, energetic atmosphere these social media outlets offer.

The truth is, regardless of age, some people have a better handle on social media than others. But every generation has changes in history that define them, and social media happens to be one of those for mine. I do commend the way companies (and basically the entire population) have jumped on the social media bandwagon and recognized that it is the best way to connect with people nowadays. Yet, every time I see a job posting for a Social Media Manager/Associate/etc. and find the employer is looking for five to ten years of direct experience, I wonder why they don't realize the candidates who are in fact best suited for the position actually aren't old enough to have that much experience.

As time has gone on, the age groups jumping onto these sites have gradually grown older – and frightfully younger as well. Sixth-graders who are now creating their Facebook profiles know nothing other than Timeline, and adults in their 40's who are tweeting with their iPhone apps have no idea that the old way to do it was by texting 40404. The mere fact that my generation has been up close and personal with all these developments over the years should make clear enough that we are the ones who can best predict, execute, and utilize the finest developments to come.


Poor Cathryn - sounds like she's whining that she can't get a job as an English major (though her bio lists she did write for USA Today, woot!).

First user comment:
QuoteBy my calculations, Catherine, you have about 4 years to establish yourself in a social media career, if that's what you want, before winking out into insignificance (by your own admission). But, strangely enough, you just alienated every hiring manager you're likely to encounter by calling them old and out-of-touch. You also made sweeping statements that any debate team member can see are based on lazy thinking. And, to top it off, you've either ignored or never experienced a corporate HR seminar that deals with ageism in the workplace, so rather than looking qualified and hireable, you look like a big, fat, walking liability.

My goodness. How will you make it through the 40 years of career you'll need to plow through after 25?

You'd better hope us old geezers lapse into senility quickly so we don't remember that you wrote this article.

-_-
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on August 07, 2012, 10:48:15 AM
I agree with the commenter cited.  She is a jackass.  Probably a Timmayite.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 10:51:40 AM
I'm confuse. Is the reason because they were kids when Facebook came out?
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Valmy on August 07, 2012, 10:52:08 AM
As the Baby Boomers say: don't trust anybody under 60.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 10:52:56 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 10:51:40 AM
I'm confuse. Is the reason because they were kids when Facebook came out?

Yeah, she's saying that gives them better insight into it as they've been using it (and twitter) since they were teens.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 10:54:36 AM
Quote from: garbon on August 07, 2012, 10:52:56 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 10:51:40 AM
I'm confuse. Is the reason because they were kids when Facebook came out?

Yeah, she's saying that gives them better insight into it as they've been using it (and twitter) since they were teens.

I see.

Kids.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: The Brain on August 07, 2012, 11:05:20 AM
The commentator doesn't seem to understand the reasoning behind the number 25.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 07, 2012, 11:20:12 AM
Every "social media manager" should be unemployed. :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Jacob on August 07, 2012, 01:08:33 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 07, 2012, 11:20:12 AM
Every "social media manager" should be unemployed. :thumbsdown:

Not at all. They're very useful.

Certainly, I'd hire a social media manager who's under 25 since they tend to be very cheap. The most important thing, of course, is that they have the right attitude. This lady in the original article? Not so much.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Neil on August 07, 2012, 01:29:26 PM
Never trust people who use social media.  They're flighty and dishonest.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: CountDeMoney on August 07, 2012, 01:52:51 PM
Quote from: Neil on August 07, 2012, 01:29:26 PM
Never trust people who use social media.  They're flighty and dishonest.

This.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 01:55:13 PM
What about the landline less? Are they dishonest?
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Neil on August 07, 2012, 01:59:56 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 01:55:13 PM
What about the landline less? Are they dishonest?
Usually.  At the very least, it tells people that you're a drifter and that they shouldn't depend on you.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Jacob on August 07, 2012, 02:04:36 PM
Languish is social media.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: sbr on August 07, 2012, 02:16:10 PM
More like anti-social media.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Neil on August 07, 2012, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 07, 2012, 02:04:36 PM
Languish is social media.
It predates the existance of the term, so I can live with it.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: grumbler on August 07, 2012, 02:32:16 PM
Quote from: sbr on August 07, 2012, 02:16:10 PM
More like anti-social media.
:pinch:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 02:35:14 PM
Quote from: Neil on August 07, 2012, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 07, 2012, 02:04:36 PM
Languish is social media.
It predates the existance of the term, so I can live with it.

Perhaps widespread existence. Quick search revealed a Forbes article that places the coining sometime in the 90s.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: CountDeMoney on August 07, 2012, 04:10:51 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 01:55:13 PM
What about the landline less? Are they dishonest?

No, simply transient and unable to pay a bill.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: FunkMonk on August 07, 2012, 04:32:50 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 01:55:13 PM
What about the landline less? Are they dishonest?

  :lol:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 04:41:07 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on August 07, 2012, 04:10:51 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on August 07, 2012, 01:55:13 PM
What about the landline less? Are they dishonest?

No, simply transient and unable to pay a bill.

I'm neither. :)
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Caliga on August 07, 2012, 06:15:06 PM
is she hot.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 07, 2012, 07:03:41 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 07, 2012, 02:04:36 PM
Languish is social media.

Posting on Languish is certainly not a cost-effective use of a business's marketing resources.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Phillip V on August 07, 2012, 07:06:22 PM
Quote from: Caliga on August 07, 2012, 06:15:06 PM
is she hot.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnextgenjournal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F12%2FScreen-shot-2011-12-28-at-11.04.52-PM.png&hash=711cb733b833b4c8e5049712973c397cbd6cea38) (https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/157138_1308030260_1940153192_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Phillip V on August 07, 2012, 07:18:50 PM

Some early social media work from:
======================

by Cathryn Sloane on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 3:26pm ·
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. i love the spelling of my name and would never change it even though it's exhausting having to explain it to EVERYONE

2. i could not live without music. i literally have no idea what i would do..

3. i've lived in St. Louis my entire life until i came to Bradley

4. i really like working out, but i'm probably the most unathletic person you'll ever meet. i'm horrible at pretty much all sports

5. i had way too much Easy Mac first semester and now i usually can't stand it

6. coming to Bradley has been amazing..i've met the most awesome people ever and love them so much..i don't know what i'd do w/o my crazy dysfunctional college family haha

7. i will probably never get tired of the song "Love Story" by Taylor Swift

8. my major is Social Work and i'm really happy with it..i'm 99% sure that's what i wanna do in the future

9. i may seem shy and hard to approach sometimes but i actually love meeting people and am really outgoing once you get to know me

10. i really wanna go to Asia sometime in my life

11. i think blue and green eyes are really pretty and always wanted them

12. i've played the clarinet since i was 11

13. i apparently have a really funny laugh according to Anthony..or a sinister one according to Nigel haha

14. i was sick from the end of November through mid January and i never wanna go through something like that again..i'm becoming a health freak now lol

15. i wrote a lotttt when i was younger..it's always come naturally to me for some reason

16. my favorite soda ever is Dr. Pepper

17. i really really wish i could play guitar..i tried to learn over the summer but gave up after learning like 5 chords..if someone could discipline me to learn it that would be amazing lol

18. i'm obsessed with peace signs and hippie stuff

19. i'm a really liberal person

20. i used to be obsessed with the show Degrassi

21. i am definitely not a morning person...i don't know how i made my 8 AM's last semester..

22. i like snow but can't stand the cold..i can't wait for spring!

23. i took the equivalent of 5 years of French in high school and am sooo tired of it. after this semester's class i will FINALLY be done with it!

24. i absolutely love Bradley even if it's in the middle of nowhere and ruining my health lol

25. i didn't know how to do laundry until i came to college
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 07, 2012, 07:25:38 PM
Hey she snapped out of it and decided to ditch social work once she graduated. :P
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Martinus on August 08, 2012, 03:55:29 AM
I think we should start a "Why Every Social Media Manager Should be" game, where you add something at the end of that sentence.

I will start: :)

Why Every Social Media Manager Should be Brutally Raped.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 08, 2012, 04:10:37 AM
Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Put in a Cage Match Against a Lawyer of Comparable Size And Forced to Fight to the Death  :showoff:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Josquius on August 08, 2012, 05:03:09 AM
Isn't social media manager one of those job titles they give to someone when they want to promote them/make them feel special but don't have an actual new position for them?
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 08, 2012, 05:07:13 AM
No, it's specific to somebody trying to do PR/marketing for the company through Facebook/twitter/tumblr/etc.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: jimmy olsen on August 08, 2012, 06:15:54 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on August 07, 2012, 10:48:15 AM
I agree with the commenter cited.  She is a jackass.  Probably a Timmayite.
:huh: I don't see how she exhibits any Timmayite tendencies.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Eddie Teach on August 08, 2012, 06:22:59 AM
Wags checked the site and saw her name on half the threads.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on August 08, 2012, 06:58:12 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on August 08, 2012, 06:15:54 AM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on August 07, 2012, 10:48:15 AM
I agree with the commenter cited.  She is a jackass.  Probably a Timmayite.
:huh: I don't see how she exhibits any Timmayite tendencies.
Oh you are here.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 08, 2012, 07:37:08 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on August 08, 2012, 05:07:13 AM
No, it's specific to somebody trying to do PR/marketing for the company through Facebook/twitter/tumblr/etc.

Jos can't understand those words.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Jacob on August 08, 2012, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2012, 05:03:09 AM
Isn't social media manager one of those job titles they give to someone when they want to promote them/make them feel special but don't have an actual new position for them?

No.

A social media manager is a hybrid between customer service and PR, done through various social media outlets. They're responsible for responding to feedback emails, maintaining the product facebook page, twitter account and so on, as well as being active on any related fora if appropriate.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Neil on August 08, 2012, 07:26:26 PM
Quote from: Jacob on August 08, 2012, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2012, 05:03:09 AM
Isn't social media manager one of those job titles they give to someone when they want to promote them/make them feel special but don't have an actual new position for them?
No.

A social media manager is a hybrid between customer service and PR, done through various social media outlets. They're responsible for responding to feedback emails, maintaining the product facebook page, twitter account and so on, as well as being active on any related fora if appropriate.
It's a tough job because customers are usually total assholes.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Phillip V on August 08, 2012, 07:32:40 PM
The title still seems new enough that I added "Web Content Manager / Social Media Lead" on my resume as one of my extra responsibilities under a previous job.
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: Josquius on August 08, 2012, 08:01:21 PM
I know what it is (I even applied for some jobs related to it), I was poking fun at it for being a silly position. :contract:
Title: Re: Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25
Post by: garbon on August 08, 2012, 08:08:43 PM
Sure...