Review of topic 3: What does an authentic and professional online identity implies for politicians? Are all digital platform truly effective?

Upon reviewing Edward’s blog, I was really captivated by his style of blogging by drawing reader’s attention through his personal experiences as well as linking to the area of Singapore affairs. It reminded me of a news article with regards to a Singapore politician, Ms Tin Pei Ling. Ms Tin faced several criticisms for posting a selfie with her new Kate Spade Bag on FaceBook in year 2011. Majority deemed her image as non-professional and condemned her action through online petitions in an attempt to kick her out from the parliament!

Read the full story here.

Ms Tin Pei Ling – a Singaporean People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament in the MacPherson Single Member Constituency

Despite the Petition in 2011, she managed to make a comeback through social media once again by upholding a professional and matured image as a politician.

Source from: http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/tin-pei-ling-goes-from-rocky-start-to-running-solo-in-macpherson

Edward‘s post had broadened my scope of research by understanding that there is an increased emphasis for influential figures such as politicians, educators and religion pastors to maintain an authentic and professional online identity simply by observing social trends or the news. Hence, a point which I had failed to mention for topic 3 earlier- be extremely caution of what you post! Technology advancements such as cloud data had made it impossible, something which I had learnt as a marketing student.

My first GIF on the blog! Thanks Siew Woon :)

Source from: http://alboardman.tumblr.com/image/100070203576

On the other hand, Siew Woon’s blog had moved into the area of questioning the effectiveness of digital platform these days. A very creative post through utilization of GIFs and various interaction medias, she had approached the topic from a very unique perspective. Just like every ‘tools’ in a garage, every digital platform has its strength and shortcomings in areas of recruitment.

Source from: http://buytheway.annenbergcourse.org/integrated-marketing-communications-then-and-now/

For example: Blogging might had opened up potential spaces for you to ‘present’ more of yourself, but just like a double edged knife, the probability of you posting something negative increases and what are the chances of you really getting noticed by a chief executive of a big firm at the first place? Could it be that a certain mix of digital platforms create a better synergy such as the theory behind integrated marketing communications? An intriguing thought.

A linkage to Topic 2

To end off my reflection, I would like to link back to my topic 2, where I had mentioned about authenticity previously. From a marketing point of view, anonymity and authenticity would result in positives outcomes and hence should be encouraged! On the contrary, from an entrepreneur and job recruiter’s perspective, it is a must to display an authenticity and professional online identity.

-Comments-

Read my comments on their blogs by clicking on the link below:

Edward – https://edwardting.wordpress.com/2015/11/05/how-professional-is-your-online-profile/#comments

Siew Woon – https://eatgoodicecream.wordpress.com/2015/11/05/pay-attention-to-my-profile-please/#comments

References:

Blogging can help and hurt your job search (John O’Connor)

Referenced from:
http://info.theladders.com/career-advice/blogging-help-hurt-job-search

Recruiter says: Avoid LinkedIn at your Peril (Allison Cheston May 11, 2012 )

Referenced from:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/05/11/recruiters-say-avoid-linkedin-at-your-peril/