Assignment Due January 5

NOTE: This will be a hybrid learning class meaning that 40 percent of the class will be conducted using online assignments and the other 60 percent will be conducted in the classroom doing presentations, short training sessions, guest speakers, and class discussions.

The following assignments are due at the beginning of class (1:30pm on Saturday, January 5)

(1)  Establish profile on LinkedIn (or complete/update your profile if currently have one).

• Use your real name or some professional version of it (thus, if your name is already taken, you might use middle name or initial)
• Upload a professional-looking photo of yourself (no group photos, family photos, pets, or logos)
• Click on "Profile" at top of page, then "Edit profile" to start editing.
• Note that each section of your LinkedIn profile has an edit button. Be sure to save changes. 
• What to put in Headline section? This is section under your name on first line. Keep in mind you don't have to use the default current title/employer. Can use key words/phrases to make you stand out/be more searchable. For example, mine is: "32 years of experience Teaching, Training, Coaching, Mentoring."
• You should have at least 15 connections (including me). 
• You should have at least three professional recommendations on LinkedIn site from work colleagues or classmates
•  How to make your LinkedIn profile URL look more professional and easier to share? Click "customize your public profile URL" on the lower right-hand side after clicking on edit where your URL is. Mine is: http://www.linkedin.com/in/delaneykirk
• What to put in the summary? Be interesting here. Make it a little personal and conversational…as in introducing yourself to someone. Do in first person, not third.
• What to put under Experience? Put what each company does, your role in the company, the expertise/value you added (more than just job title)
• Should you include high school under Education? Yes, it’s all about networking.
• Send a request to connect with me (this will allow me to view your Linkedin account).
• Be prepared to introduce yourself to class using your LinkedIn profile at beginning of class on January 5. 

(2)  Pick one of the books from syllabus to read  (these can be found at the USFSM bookstore or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc). You will be presenting concepts from the book you read to the class. I would like to have no more than two people presenting on each book so when you have made your choice, put the book and your name in the comment section below this post for others to see. I'll then approve your choice and you can go ahead and start reading the book.

Brogan, Chris & Smith, Julian. (2010). Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. 2nd edition, ISBN: 978-0470635490

Handley, Ann & Chapman, C.C. (2010). Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-0470648285

Israel, Shel (2009). Twitterville: How Businesses Can Thrive in the New Global Neighborhoods. ISBN-13: 978-1591842798

Falls, Jason and Deckers, Erik (2011). No Bullshit Social Media: The All-Business, No-Hype Guide to Social Media Marketing. Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0789748010

(3) Read over syllabus. Link to syllabus will be on Blackboard.

(4) Bring your laptop each day to class. If you do not have one, please let me know asap by email (dkirk@sar.usf.edu) so that one can be provided for you.

Email me if you have any questions. I'm looking forward to a great class!