Updating my Digital Presence and Identity Plan

On May 2nd I blogged about cultivating my digital presence and digital identity.  Today’s blog is a reflection on what I have learned and how I will move forward with my digital presence.  I have included an audio file as well as a typed blog (see below).

updated digital presence

How did I do?

I have made progress.  On April 1st, I was a visitor of the web.  On June 10th, in certain instances I visit, but more often than not I am no longer afraid to leave my footprint on the web.  I now have written several blogs and I have started to use Twitter.  Today I realized I had four people following me on Twitter – who knew?!?

Did I stick to this plan?  Why or why not?

Yes, I have stuck to the plan to whatever degree I could in nine weeks.  I do not have a completely solid understanding of technologies that underpin the Web, but I’m learning.  I am far more comfortable posting information today, than I was on April 15th.  I certainly have shared information with my peers and colleagues.  Sharing with others what I’m doing digitally has helped me become fluent in explaining my digital identity. Interestingly enough, I have some peers and colleagues who are now becoming a little more comfortable posting information as well.

What strategies were successful?

I started by reading other people’s blogs and information.  I researched what Twitter was and what it was used for and then took a long time reflecting on what I wanted ‘my’ digital presence to look like on the web.  I decided I was going to focus on leadership and learning. I also started reading more and researching information and articles through the library.

What did I learn in the process?

I decide what I want people to see and who I am on the web.  Anything I post is professional so that it links with my professional profile.  I can discuss my own life or my beliefs, but I am still private about what I do, and when I do it – and most importantly I’m becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What I have come to realize is that my digital identity is a choice – and I choose to leave my footprint in specific places about specific topics.

I also learned about time management and organizing myself so that my work is completed by following a logical process so I am not doing and redoing work. Like anything, this is a process and I end up making mistakes and learning from them.

How would I update the plan going forward?

I would update my plan by stating that I want to continue expanding my knowledge and being an architect of my digital identity.  I want to become more active with LinkedIn.  I currently use it to network with others and I know it can offer so many more options.

I’m learning to get out of my own way, but that’s a work in progress.