Guest post by Karen Altes, manager of outreach programs for the Institute of Real Estate Management.

A few years ago, as manager of the student outreach program for a trade association, I suggested that if we really wanted to reach college students we needed to be on Facebook. I now run the association’s Facebook fan page, Twitter feed, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn group, and I have learned the reality of the adage “be careful what you wish for.”

The Ascent

Getting the go-ahead on a new initiative is exciting! You start out with lots of energy and great ideas, and it will shine through to your colleagues and customers. I harness my enthusiasm to ensure I provide our members, clients, and industry with frequent and relevant updates via our social media outposts. I also get to teach our members how they can use social media tools for themselves and their businesses. Earning a reputation as the resident expert makes you the go-to person when your coworkers need training or advice. (more…)