How Social Media Helped Give Me a New Career

I was recently interviewed for a news article about social media at the website Second Act (which bills itself as an "online destination uniquely tailored to the needs and interests of readers over age 40."). In her piece entitled, Are You Google-able?,  the author Melinda Emerson interviewed several people who had undertaken a "midcareer makeover" like me.

Most of you know that back in late 2008, I was laid off from my job in the information technology field. After several months of looking for work and ending up back at another global law firm (and working with attorneys who are always the "smartest ones in the room"), I decided to "repurpose" myself and create a career in the genealogy field.

Eighteen months later, I have no regrets and am enjoying the fact that I've been able to turn an avocation into a vocation. So, everyone wants to know, "how did he do it?" Mostly with social media - the focus of the Are You Google-able? article.

In the article, Emerson and I spoke mainly about Twitter and how I have been able to leverage it to my advantage:

Thomas MacEntee, the 48-year-old founder of High-Definition Genealogy, says its best to think of social media as a garden you have to tend.

Laid off from his tech job in Chicago in late 2008, MacEntee reinvented himself as a family historian -- helping people investigate their family trees -- and utilizes social media to connect with clients. It took MacEntee about a year to build his business.

He's been so successful mastering the intricacies of Twitter -- the free service that allows users to share information in 140 characters or less -- that he now teaches a social media class for baby boomers called "Twitter: It's not just what I had for breakfast anymore."

He says the key to Twitter is giving as much as you get, and listening as much as you speak. He says some boomers have a problem with these concepts. "They think they are giving away their work for free, but it's part of building yourself as a brand and an expert," says MacEntee.

Take a look at the entire article since I feel it is spot on in terms of advice from the other experts, especially concerning LinkedIn. Did you know that one of my current and largest consulting clients found me because I had a LinkedIn profile complete with my resume?

© 2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee

Facebook, Child Abuse, and Challenging the Status Quo

[Editor's note: this is a heavily opinion-laden post which is unusual for me but does happen from time to time. Proceed with caution and an open mind.]

If you are a Facebook user, you know that there is a burnin' hot meme where users are changing their profile picture to their favorite childhood cartoon to raise awareness about child abuse.

Last night I did briefly post the above cave painting since it dates from the days of my childhood and is the closest thing to a cartoon during that time.  I have resisted the temptation to change my own Facebook profile pic (a face only a mother could love) for several reasons:

• I think there are copyright violations involved in using cartoon images which are the intellectual property of the artists or studios involved. I am serious about this - "lifting" these images only reinforces the concept that everything is free on the Internet.  As someone who writes and lectures on genealogy, I can tell you that it is a constant fight to protect my own work. And, I have yet to see any major studio step in and sponsor this meme or participate in any way.

• I don't see what the cartoons do to raise awareness of child abuse. Still within the past 30 minutes I've seen wall posts on Facebook that say, "Tell me again why we are all changing our profile pics to cartoons?" or "Why are do so many people have a cartoon as their profile photo?" I understand the ribbon awareness campaigns that started with the red ribbons in the 1980s to raise AIDS awareness.  So I get how it is supposed to work. But in most of these campaigns there is an organization behind the awareness raising.  Also there is a set statement as to what the symbol represents.  I don't see that with the current child abuse awareness meme.

I am not trying to be a naysayer here or spoil other peoples's fun. I get child abuse and the need for awareness.  In fact, those close to me know that I lived it. I was one of those kids whose nighmares came during the daytime. Well actually, at all times and I would never know what could set "it" off. Several horrendous incidents have shaped me, and will continue to shape me, for the rest of my life. So, unfortunately, I have some street cred when it comes to being able to talk about child abuse.

What disturbs me more is what I am seeing over on Facebook and other social media venues about those who want to offer a different opinion of this meme. There are some offhanded comments being made as some that are very deliberate and hateful. Why is it that when someone offers a differing opinion along with some solid advice and a different approach, that they are accused of being not just a spoil sport but downright evil?

Is it because the topic is child abuse? At one point a few days ago I said to myself, "Let's just see how quickly this devolves into one hot mess when someone offers a different opinion. I bet someone is accused of being pro child abuse or anti-children." And sometimes when I talk to myself I'm not just playin' crazy, these things come true.

And I'm not talking about someone who goes against the current just to be a contrarian or stir up the sh*t pot because they think it is fun. "Ummmm, let's see who I can piss off today . . ." Many of these people don't offer strong arguments for their opinions or are not open to the opinions of others.

The Internet, and all its social media wonders like blogs, Facebook and Twitter, has been a great vehicle in bringing folks together. And like family, when folks get together there are different opinions, each one valid, each with its own voice. I have to say I appreciate people like Kerry Scott at Clue Wagon who dare to offer their take on a meme or even a practice within the genealogical community.

For me, one of my 2011 New Year's resolutions is to challenge the status quo especially in the field of genealogy but also wherever I see people embracing concepts or ideas without stopping to think. Think whether the concepts are flawed or if a different approach might work better. Most of these challenges will deal with genealogy but occasionally you'll see me on my soap box on other issues too. I don't do this to rile people up. I do this because one of the biggest gifts given me is the ability to think and I guess I expect my readers to do the same.

© 2010, copyright Thomas MacEntee

A Speaking Engagement Success

I just wanted to say a belated thank you to all those who attended my presentation "Social Networking- New Horizons for Genealogists" last Thursday, October 1st at the Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville, IL.  I was impressed that on a very rainy night over 20 people showed up to hear me speak about the ways in which social networking is changing the landscape of genealogy.

During my talk which also included live access to Facebook, Twitter, Genealogy Wise and many genealogy blogs, I discussed what makes up social networking.  I also covered some "do's and don'ts" for users to help protect their personal information yet still reap the benefits of networking with other genealogists.

I'm also happy to announce that I have been asked to make the same presentation for the Bloomingdale Public Library in Bloomingdale, IL on Wedensday, February 24, 2010.  I'm looking forward to meeting a new group of genealogists and I'm certain I'll have to update my presentation between now and then since changes to technology occur so quickly.

Finally, I'll be appearing at the California Genealogical Society and Library this Saturday, October 10, 2009 as part of their Genealogy Blog Workshop during Family History Month.  I have two presentations ("How To Use A Genealogy Blog" and "Building a Genealogy Blog") and I'll be followed by Craig Manson of GeneaBlogie who will be discussing "Blogging and the Law - Privacy Issues & Copyrights."  While I'm there I also know I will see not only Craig and Kathryn Doyle of CGSL but also Cheryl Fleming Palmer of Heritage Happens, Steve Danko of Steve's Genealogy Blog as well as Sheri Fenley of The Educated Genealogist.

© 2009, copyright Thomas MacEntee

Genea-Bloggers Adopt Facebook

Is it just me, or have more and more genea-bloggers and their fans been joining Facebook?

Like others, I was very resistant to Facebook at first. My first invite came out of the blue, literally, from some unknown 1st cousins in Post Falls, Idaho. They had found this blog and realized that their father was one of my uncles. So I dove in somewhat hesitantly.

Hesitantly in the same way in which I approached blogging over a year ago - I started asking myself questions such as:

- do I really want to do this?
- will all my "business" be out there for people to see?
- should I worry about others stealing pictures or post text?

For Facebook, I worried that I would only use it occasionally to keep in touch with my cousins. Little did I know that more and more of my blogging peers would join and find new widgets and gadgets to use!

Sometimes Facebook can be overwhelming, especially when there are many requests and notifications. When I am requested to add an application, many times I am leery if it seems too off the wall or if I feel it will bombard me with stuff. So, I will add it, then very often remove it if it just isn't for me.

One aspect that I am psyched about: groups. I've just started the Genea-Bloggers group and have even secured a dedicated, easy-to-remember web address:

http://groups.to/genea-bloggers/

So, if you are on Facebook and are either a genea-blogger or just play one on TV, please take a look.