Update: Contributing Blogger to Digital Pivot // Talent Zoo

Christopher Ryan

I have started blogging for Digital Pivot, a Talent Zoo Media gig. I’ll be discussing all things digital and new media. My goal is to target the mobile App market, first. Most likely beginning with Foursquare updates and analysis. I think 4sq is most interesting, at the moment.

Here’s a link to my content for you to participate:
Christopher J. Ryan

The first post is up, an introduction to the community and a short story. I’ll see you on the other side.

5 Methods To Participate In Digital That Lead To Personal Growth

This is the 2nd of two follow-up posts to #MakeItCount: How You Can Change The Digital Landscape. The 1st follow-up entry is: 5 Communities to Begin Your Digital Research and Participation. Below are 5 ways to participate in digital that lead to personal growth:

1. Socialize. Join social networks to witness [and partake] in the value of sharing and distribution of information. On a very basic level: conversation will open up doors for you. Here, I would like to focus on Twitter. I follow people that are related to new media and popular culture. Yesterday I mentioned delving deeper into a news culture. Enter Twitter. Follow the guys and gals that make it happen, not just the organization itself. Just search a contributors name on Google. Here’s an example query for one of my Twitter crushes: Tim Carmody The Verge Twitter Account. Twitter is a great resource to aggregate content as a news source specifically tailored to your needs.
2. Give Praise. This simply means to join the blogging conversation. Once you find your niche, start commenting. You do not need to be a kiss-ass but comments are gold for writers. Share your perspective and ask questions—just make sure it’s relevant. When posting comments be sure to provide an identity marker. Most blog platforms allow you to link your name to a website or social network account. A final note: if you haven’t started blogging, it’s a good idea to start.
3. Subscribe. After you have found your sweet spot, subscribe to your favorite material. It’s conveniently sent to your inbox so you don’t have to go looking for it each day or however often you browse sources. This also increases your exposure to a different medium in how people connect digitally. Again, Copyblogger has great info on this.
4. Network. Begin building your online presence with services like LinkedIn or Instagram. Focus on your brand when connecting with people. This does not mean promote yourself. This means connect with others, especially with mutual interest. Building a digital identity puts a “face” to your work, progress, and goals.
5. Help Others. This is a form of paying your dues. Building a portfolio of content featured on prominent websites and organizations in your industry is a huge plus. I am building my portfolio by guest posting and blogging (“free”) for larger organizations. These are [in a way] like freelance internships. And it shows you are savvy in establishing business contacts, communicating clearly, and you have the talent to be featured for an established business.

Summary of the content featured above:
These five methods seem like they are promoting others, and not your personal brand, but it is quite the opposite. Money isn’t the only currency available to promote yourself. Larry Stybel, writing for HBR, offers further insight in How to Get a Job Without Experience. Surrounding yourself with people who are successful and making it count is a reflection on you and your character. Please share your methods that have brought you both success and failure in the comments section. There’s room to grow from experience in both ends of the spectrum.