Internet today brings all corners of the world to your fingertips. Learn what Susie Q is doing in New York City via her Twitter account – or what Barack Obama’s travel agenda is the first week in May. How are we able to parse through such a labyrinth and volume of information to get to the heart of good and solid information we seek? This is how I do so in three easy steps:
1. Outsource.
a. Register for daily updates via Google using Google Alerts on any topic you’re seeking to become more knowledgeable.
b. Follow the Leader: Identify industry or topic experts and connect with them: on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and their blogs. Ask them questions – they are responsive – trust me. If they’re not, you have nothing to lose.
2. Network.
a. Use the internet via social and professional websites to seek out industry conferences and events. Attend them!
b. Seek out academics in the area – go to university websites and search by department. Academics are a good resource for interesting insight and know of great resources, groups and materials you can reference. In summary: Look up academic leaders on university websites, email them and ask them your questions.
3. Have Conviction.
a. Take on a do-it-yourself attitude. The more interest and passion you exhibit, the more successful you will become at (1) and (2) above.
b. Learn it, Act upon it. Use the information and share it with your friends, colleagues and connections via your personal and professional blog, website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. The more you let your interest be known, the more interesting and/or important information will come back to you.
While conducting a google search is always a good fallback plan, the more I’ve employed the above three steps to work for me, the better off I find my information and position to become an authority on those topics. The internet today isn’t just a sea of information – it’s a wealth of it. Make it work for you!
