Synergy University: Online & Print Media Information You Need to Know

This post is part of a series called Synergy University. Think of it like a 4 week course you take in school except that we will not be assigning homework or exams and we promise not to put you to sleep.  Follow our posts on Twitter with the hashtag #SynergyUniversity!
As anticipated, things got heated last night during the third and final debate of the 2012 Presidential Election. In a previous blog post, I discussed (in detail) the importance that direct mail still holds in campaigns. In the 2008 Presidential Election nearly $644 million was spent on advertising in newspaper and print resources. This year nearly $875 million was spent - a 108% increase from four years ago.

The huge jump in funds spent on online advertising did not surprise me. In 2008, $22.2 million was spent. This year that number increased by 616% - over $150 million. Over $5,000 million was spent on radio, TV and cable ads in 2008 compared to almost $8,000 million this year. Totals so far are about $9 billion - with fifteen days until polls open.

Other interesting figures from the 2012 election: 1/5th - The number of social networking site users that avoid making political comments for fear of offending others
10% - The percent of social network users who have blocked, unfriended, or hidden someone because that person posts too frequently about political subjects
38% - The percent of people that use social networking sites and have discovered that their friend's political beliefs were different than they originally thought
38% - The percent of people that use social networking sites and have posted positive comments in response to a political post/status update from a friend
Source
-Marysa Miller
You can follow me on Twitter @Marysa_Miller

Synergy University: Online Networking 101

This post is part of a series called Synergy University. Think of it like a 4 week course you take in school except that we will not be assigning homework or exams and we promise not to put you to sleep.  Follow our posts on Twitter with the hashtag  #SynergyUniversity!

Networking used to involve meeting with people face to face, exchanging business cards, and having a (hopefully) memorable and productive conversation.  Whether you realize it or not, we are constantly networking.  Using Social Media to network is now more important than ever before.  The platforms you are actively using are essentially virtual business cards.  Are you using Social Media to network to your full potential?  Here are our top three tips to successfully network online.

LinkedIn is your new BFF: Is your profile updated and complete?  Join groups and discussions to share content that you find relevant and interesting to your industry.  Did you know that on the right hand side of your LinkedIn homepage you can see who has viewed your profile? This means that industry professionals are giving you open access to their interest in YOU.  Would you go to a networking event looking like you just rolled out of bed?  We hope not.  Your LinkedIn profile should be detailed, updated and professional.  When you see that “so –and-so” executive from your dream company views your profile, send them a message.  Ask to set up an informational interview with someone at the company to learn more about internship or job opportunities.

Join twitter chats: Twitter chats are another excellent way to expand your online network.  Share knowledge or learn about a particular topic by engaging in these chats regularly.  Here is a fantastic online resource to find these chats.  The chats are easily accessible through organized hash-tags, like the ones you see.

Start your own blog! What is your passion?  What industry do you want to work in?  Blogs share experience, desires, expertise, and knowledge.  You know those LinkedIn groups you joined?  Share your blog with the members of those groups!  Let people know about your blog using specific twitter keywords.  Make a Facebook page to promote it.  A blog is essentially an online portfolio.  If you are passionate about Graphic Design, share blog posts with tutorials, tips, and personal work. 

We want to know: Do you have any success stories from networking online?