From Facebook to Twitter and Instagram, millennials seem to have easily grasped the new age way of communicating, while many in the older demographic are still playing catch up.
But social media is a valuable business tool for gaining information and branding for everyone. It’s the main reason 2015’s Women of Power Summit session, “Using Social Media to Advance Your Brand,” is designed to provide tips on how to use free tools to stay relevant, and market oneself to the world. Featuring speaker Lauren “LC” Johnson, founding editor of the female empowerment Website Colored Girl Confidential, the session is set to provide understanding on why social  media is important as not just a millennial platform, but one that’s necessary for all.
“So often we talk ourselves out of owning our expertise.  A lot of women of color have issues claiming their expertise and that can stop you from being on social media and claiming yourself,†says Johnson, who launched Colored Girl Confidential in February 2012.
“When I first started out, I had to get over my own fears of feeling like I didn’t have anything to add,” Johnson says. “We may have a fear we’re not ready to do it or the experience necessary to do so it. Our accomplishments and accolades don’t make us unique. What makes you unique are the things about your personality or experience or background that influence how you see the world. It’s what you bring to the table that no one else has. You have to be able to understand and articulate that to build a brand.â€
Johnson’s success in social media is like a fairy tale of sorts. Just three months after launching her site, a friend told her about Forbes’ search for 100 best sites for women.
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After a bit of trepidation, Johnson swallowed fears and reached out to followers to share stories of how they’d been inspired and helped by Colored Girl Confidential. The result was overwhelming.
Check out more tips on Johnson’s story on the next page …
(Image: Thinkstock)“I told the people who’d been my followers and supporters that if you feel you’ve gotten value from the site and it has spoken to you or transformed you, I would appreciate, if you think we deserve this consideration. Slowly it snowballed and so many people submitted CBC into the running and we were named one of the best websites out there,†says Johnson who’s site has now been named twice on Forbes’ list of the top Websites for women. “So it was early validation that I was doing something with this site. Many women whose lives I helped with my writing and my work had to step up and say, ‘Yes, I’ve been touched.’â€
Now, thanks to knowing her power in touching other ladies’ lives, Johnson comes to the Women of Power Summit to encourage women of all ages, to be a social media light that shines and uplifts all females. “This is the legacy that you are leaving for the next generation. And there is something so incredibly powerful about seeing all of them stepping into their own expertise and celebrate who they are and where they come from,†says the 25 year old named by Campbell’s Soup Company as one of the top five innovative female leaders of her generation.
“There are so many my age asking, who are looking to see what will you do and how will you handle this. And if we can see them access that bravery and courage and say, ‘This is who I am,’ then creating a career that
authentically reflects, who you are and what you bring to the table is the legacy you will leave with the people who are coming behind you. Because whether you know it or not or officially call yourself a mentor or not, we are watching you. We are watching you to see what you’re going to do and I know you have the courage to show the next generation what they can do as well.â€Celebrating 10 Years of POWER! Join Black Enterprise at the Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, March 2 — March 5, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, FL. This exciting, executive leadership summit is designed to train, equip and encourage women to become industry leaders, learn career strategies, and discover proven work—life balance techniques. Register Now for your Early Bird Discount https://blackenterprise.com/wps. It’s time to Embrace your POWER. The Moment is Now!