Know Your Brand

Know Your Brand

I have already learned so much in the last two days about how social media can affect your credibility and your person. It is important to realize that everything that you put on social media is labeling how you are to others. 

The next time you mindlessly post about something on Twitter or Facebook, you might want to consider a couple of these things.

It is a growing industry.

In the intersession class I am taking at school (Twitter for Media), we had a speaker who also happens to be one of my professors, named Desiree Hill. One of the things that she said about social media was that there are always going to be new things coming out sooner or later.

"There are things out there that we haven't even conceived about yet. It will affect us all and we have to be ready for it," -@dezhill

Before Facebook and Twitter, news stories were given to stations by either telephone calls or walk-ins. It is hard for people of my generation to consider this, since we have all grown up with the growth of social media outlets since their inceptions. 

There are all kinds of new opportunities in the community of journalism and social media already, but what is it going to be like in 5 years from now? It is hard to conceive, but when it changes we need to be ready. 

It could determine if you get hired or not.

Consider this hypothetical situation: Two people are trying for the same job. They are both equally qualified and they are both well-liked by their in-person interview.

 However, Person A has pictures all over their social media of them being wild and drunk, sometimes posting hateful things. Person B, on the other hand, posts quality, informative, and credible things and also has nice professional pictures. 

Who is that company going to want to represent them? Well, it is a bit obvious isn't it? To quote Professor Hill once again, "Credibility is hard, almost impossible to get back after it is gone."

You are not an expert just because you have grown up with it.

The reason why I think this class is so important is that I know I mindlessly like and re-post things all the time to my social media. I have used social media since I was in middle school. 

Do I technically know how to use it?

 I know how to put things on there.

Do I think I am an expert and do I know how to use it well? 

Not even close. 

To establish credibility, it is important to avoid topics that are inherently controversial, such as politics or religion. 

"So what should I do?"

Google yourself frequently to see if you think the person that is represented online is someone who you would hire. 

After all, your future employers will be Googling you. (If they haven't already.)

It is both a burden and a gift.

We all love social media. We are addicted, so to speak. I, for one, love being able to get hard and fast news anytime I want. I love seeing how and what my friends are doing. This is what makes social media a gift. 

However, when it is used to spread fear and hate, then it is our responsibility to change it. As an aspiring journalist, it is my job to spread news that is valid and will help educate people. 

"When you come from a place of education, you have the opportunity to elevate your industry," -@dezhill

I want to make a contribution to this planet. I want to see poverty decline, I want people to live happier lives.

 In journalism, we have the power to help people, whether it is promoting new and innovative ways to live or showing how people are giving back. These stories are highly important for people. 

I can't wait to learn more about this profession. 

Signing Out,

KateleighSuz

Winter Break

Winter Break

When I was little I used to have a small glass of warmed milk whenever I was having a hard time falling asleep. I think it is a bit odd how some things can be so detrimental to someone's happiness one moment and then without realizing it, it just isn't anymore. 

Has that ever happened to you?

Tonight, I had my first warm cup of milk to help me sleep. It has been years since I have done this; but, one sip of the warm milk and the nostalgia comes flooding back. Granted, there are some things that I did when I was younger that I would not do now. However, there is something comforting about doing something that you haven't in a while. 

Tomorrow is the beginning of winter break for my college. I, on the other hand, have decided to take an intersession class over the break. What that means is that I will go to one class over the break for two weeks and (if I do what I am supposed to do) will receive three credits. 

I am pretty excited about it... 

Happy Holidays to you all.

Signing out,

KateleighSuz

Homecoming

Homecoming

To say I haven't written on here in a while would be a complete understatement. I suppose I wondered what I would say, or how I would start this. 

It comes back to yesterday when I had a realization about my expectations of this blog. I thought it would be easy for me to let out my introverted self into the world of zeros and ones. That it would be easy to write whenever I wanted. To put it simply, I underestimated what it meant to blog.

This fall semester I took a class called 'Newspaper Participation' which made me write all the time. I believed that this would encourage me to take up my hobby of writing more often, rather than when I felt a surge of inspiration (which inconveniently happens right when I am about to fall asleep). 

I have been asked to be on staff for The Vista, UCO's school paper, next semester. It was thrilling, everything that I wished for since last spring. Then I was tasked to write an article about blogging. (The plot thickens...)

I woke up late due to the chill from a perfect autumn morning. The covers were more inviting than the cold wooden floors, but I had a task. I was to interview Dr. Terry Clark at 9 o'clock sharp. 

He is a popular professor at the university. He teaches 'Blogging for Journalists' hence why he was the perfect person to talk to. I had heard about him and how cool he was but had never met him personally. 

When I walked into his office. He was patiently waiting in his chair. I was out of breath from running, feeling embarrassed for almost being late to our meeting. After all, I did say '9 o'clock sharp'. 

I was tasked to write 'ten reasons why a journalist should blog'. I was looking forward to his ten answers since I could only think of three or four ideas on my own. 

I pulled out my little pink notebook and sat excited to hear Dr. Clark's expertise. 

"I have never had that question before," he said. I, myself, was thinking, "Great, of course I have to ask a question that is hard to answer."

"I don't know how to answer it, but I did make a list for you," he said. He produced a list of reasons to blog and not blog. 

Of course it wasn't what I expected, but I was also very excited about the new angle that the article could be written. 

Dr. Clark showed me his blog "Coffee with Clark," he told me about his career and his classes. I could tell the man was extremely intelligent and well-versed in helping his students succeed.

The week before I had been asked to be the social media chair for OMA (Omni Management Association) which is a new non-profit in OKC that helps women who are business owners or aspire to be business owners succeed. The problem was I was not only young, but I had never worked for a non-profit before. 

The news of my new job was overwhelming. I didn't know how or where to go about creating a successful social media life for the non-profit, so I was glad I had Dr. Clark to interview so I could ask him questions. 

Then Dr. Clark told me about his intersession class that taught journalists how to use social media in their careers. The stars aligned, the clouds had dissipated, my stress had disappeared.

 I was saved thanks to Dr. Terry Clark.

Today I had my advisement for next semester and I was thinking about changing my minor. I still have research to do, but my advisor Gary told me to talk to my professors about it. I went in to talk to the advisor of The Vista, Teddy Burch. 

After discussing possibilities on minors I told him about my interview with Dr. Clark and how much I enjoyed what he had to say. He then asked me, "Have you looked at his blog?"

I confess I was starting my article about blogging today. I had not yet looked at his blog since yesterday. To my surprise, Dr. Clark had blogged about me. 

I read it and I cried. I didn't know that my interview with him had made his day. But there I sat happy that I was able to make someone's day. That should be a goal we all have. 

Thank you, Dr. Clark for an unforgettable interview. 

-KateleighSuz

Read his reasons why to blog and why not to blog if you are interested in starting a blog. He's brilliant. 

Dr. Clarks Blog: http://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2015/10/9-oclock-sharp-reasons-to-blog-or-not.html#comment-form

GREECE

Hello all! Just wanted to give a 
quick heads up that I am in Greece without access to a computer! I am using the blogger app to write this.

Just wanted to say a quick hello and try to post a picture or two!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

I'm a little jet-lagged and it is super hot here in Athens! But I am having a blast and can't wait to see more.

Today we visited the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the National Museum in Athens.

I'll  update you all every  now and then during the trip!

Signing Out!
-KateleighSuz

Where Have I Been? Update!

HELLO EVERYONE!

So since it has been forever since I last posted, I thought I would explain what I've been up to! I just want to first say that I've missed all of you bunches and I am excited for some trips I will be taking soon (Ehem, Greece)!

So I know this is kinda late, but I hope everyone had a Happy 4th of July! I volunteered that day at the Veteran's center and got to spend some time with some of our Vets in the Alzheimer's wing. It made me very thankful to all the troops that have contributed their lives to keep our country safe! 

The picture is Tim and I watching some fireworks! (Photo credits goes to my pal, Jessie!) I loved the 4th! My mom gave everyone haircuts (because she is a multi-talented woman and everyone loves her). Plus, I was happy I got to skip a day of make-up (those are the best...)

After that I left for a trip to Austin, TX to visit two of my favorites, Tom and Keath! You both are amazing individuals and you really showed all of us a great time! Plus, who wouldn't want to selfie with the lemonade man? 

Then after that seven hour car ride, we traveled up to Grapevine so I could be in my Big's wedding! This is the first wedding I got to attend as an adult, not counting the time I was a flower girl for my Aunt's wedding. 

So as you all can see, I have been pretty busy! But that, my dear readers, wasn't the end of it! My favorite author, Harper Lee, released Go Set a Watchman. So far I am halfway through and I must say I love it completely. I always wished Mrs. Lee would've written more, but I understand why she didn't when she said she didn't feel that she had anything else to say. 

So that's the update for all of you!

Those are the reasons I have been away!

 I am sure glad to be back!

:)

Signing Out, 

                                                                          KateleighSuz

Hello Friday Series! Part Three!

Hello Friday Series

Part Three

Hello readers! Happy Friday to you all! What a great Friday it is too! The Supreme court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all fifty states! Here is ABC's link on that topic! Let me just say before I go into the 'Hello Friday Series' that I am proud to be an American, especially today. 

Members of my family and some of my friends who are in the LGBT community are seen all over the United States with the dignity that they deserve! I am so excited to go to their weddings! (They better be fantastic, just saying. You know who you are!) Way to go Supreme Court! As President Obama said earlier this morning, our country has become a little more perfect!

#OOTD

Now onto the series! So today I am going to do a OOTD for you men out there! I told you this series would pertain to you! So here we go! 

What I think this outfit pulls off well is how the pastels and medium wash-denim go together effortlessly. That is what makes this 'casual' and like I predicted in my earlier blog post about men's fashion, gingham and pastels are very popular for men this summer! 

So rock those rolled up jeans or man-capris (manpri's) and have a great Friday today! Also if you like his shoes I did find the link to them and here is also a picture of brand new one's!

As for the quote of the day,  I'd like to share one that pertains to the news of today! Be proud to be American today! It is such a historic day indeed! Remember that love is not singular! This means that there isn't one way to love!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Signing Out!

-KateleighSuz

Hello Friday Series! Part Two!

HELLO FRIDAY!

Part Two

Hello Readers! So sorry it has been awhile since my last post! You know how life can be! 

I know that I said last week would be the start of the series, but alas here it is!

So for the outfit of the day, I contracted one of my best friends and musician, Natalie!

She was a real sport about modeling for me and I appreciate the time that she gave to support me. (Love you, Nat!)

#OOTD

For this look, I incorporated some 70's vibes with the orange felt shoes, a classic little black dress (Thank you, Chanel!) and a cute felt Derby hat (a.k.a Bowler). Since Miss Natalie has a cute apple-shape, the best cut for her was a simple straight-cut. (Keep a lookout for a post about the apple-shape soon!)

Since the neckline on the dress is modest, I added a little 20's flare with the long necklace and sparkly beaded bracelets. Because the dress is simple and the shoes are a loud color, you want to make the jewelry complement both aspects (simple and shiny!)

If you have any questions about this OOTD, you can message me on either the Facebook or Twitter page and I would gladly help!

Lastly, I would like to send a little quote your way. Sometimes society pressures us to be a certain way or to act a certain way. It is important to remember that this applies to both males and females. So going along with that train of thought, this quote from Marilyn Monroe calls out the antagonist against society and self. 

ENJOY!

Have a great Friday and weekend! 

Signing out (with the quote!)

-KateleighSuz

(P.S. to listen to Natalie's music, here is a link to her YouTube channel! and she also has stuff on iTunes!)