Recruiting Advertising Officer, USMC
It’s been a short time since I transitioned out of the military and began a new career in Corporate America. Since then, I’ve had a minute to reflect back on what I now clearly know was overcoming one of the biggest hurdles of my adult life— reinventing myself.
Like many, you might have a stigma associated with military recruiters. Ceaseless phone calls, high pressure sales, and four letter words may come to mind when these guys call asking for you or someone you know in attempt to “recruit” them.
I had the opportunity to serve as a Marine Corps recruiter for the last nine years, I supervised recruiters for the majority of that time. Our mission is to contact as many of-age people as possible to determine qualification and interest- then sell them on the opportunities in the Marines… we’d contact people primarily through phone calls and canvassing the local area. As you can imagine, this can make for a long day.
The corporate banter about the ROI and risks of using social media as a pure form of advertising is getting old. I’d like to address the cynics and vent some of my frustration with those who wish to continue their romance with traditional advertising. After all, it is almost 2015 and Apple has recently released it’s 6th iPhone.
I’m not talking about those who embrace both advertising AND social media. I’m talking to those of you who are skeptical of social media and feel its unimportant or not worth investing in. However, you likely found this article and are reading it because you saw it via social media, perhaps a friend shared it with you. I rest my case…
Facebook is loaded with features that can help you connect with people both personally and professionally. It is arguably the most versatile of all social media websites out there. With all of these advances in technology, you have the ability to cast your personal brand to a much larger audience quickly and with minimal effort. Whether you’re an accountant, firefighter, garbage man, or CEO. You want to ensure your Facebook profile aligns with who and how you want to be perceived.