With the convergence of several social networking systems — like Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, and the like — the on-line expression of self is taking on new wrinkles and new opportunities. One interesting example that seems to be bubbling up is the bio or personal introduction via slideshow.
Rather than a text bio, a downloaded resume, or some other more static form, such personal or professional introductions offer both a glimpse at the person and an example of how they convey themselves through text and images. Consider it a 30-second spot to sell yourself — for a job, for a network connection, for a sense of being seen.
With programs like PowerPoint or Keynote, anyone with a computer can build such a show. And with social networking sites like SlideShare and LinkedIn, anyone can also post them for public consumption. (Just be sure that you have the rights to whatever images you use — either by using your own photos, or by purchasing images and licenses through cheap stock photo sites like iStockPhoto.com.)
To figure out how it might work, I created my own 20-slide introduction to my professional life, my work, and my interests (embedded below). Consider what such a short text-and-image presentation might look like for you, or your arts organization.
very zen.
With as much time as I spend on the internet I have never seen anything like this! I think it is brilliant, and I am very glad you blogged about it.
I also think this highlights how important it is to stay connected to what is happening in technology. In this poor economy businesses need to stay current on technological trends in order to understand how they can be helpful. The internet, once the monthly service fee is paid for, is free as are many online services. When money is tight free advertising (such as fan pages on facebook) can be a big boost for reaching out to the online community in a cost effective way. Arts organizations should make sure to use both traditional methods and new technology, especially online technology, as a way to increase their visibility.
Way to go with staying current!
Simply awesome.
Andrew, the technology is workable, the idea is another good step forward and the opportunity to be creative in presenting oneself is unlimited (and, in some cases, dangerous to furthering ones career). My question (you like questions) is how does the practioner get the right people to see it? If we need to invite targets to go visit one the the social networks to see our bio, why not just send the bio in presentation form directly. In other words are we looking at socialnetworks as portfolio repositories much like our office file cabinets or are they adding something else. If I need to send the key to the cabinet (the invitation) why not send the portfolio instead?
Very cool, Andrew. Now imagine playing some power point karaoke with different peoples’…