Thursday, March 17, 2011

Oh hey, new business cards. Good to see you.

by Social Media Working Girl

Hey there working girls! Sorry for being a little MIA. There have been a lot of changes on the work front lately. No, I don't have a new job. Yes, I'm at the same place, doing the same thing.

But my job title finally reflects all that I've been doing for the past several years. Hooray!

You see, the title "social media working girl" on this blog is very accurate. I run all the social media for the company that I work for. I manage the social media initiatives, contests, outreach, etc. I'm THE social media gal. But up until about a month ago, that was nowhere to be found in my professional title. It reflected my editorial responsibilities, which for a while, was sufficient. Yet there just came a point when I had to be like, "Listen up, people. I deserve a title change, stat."

In the midst of this realization, I gave quite a bit of thought toward the title I suggested. I came up with three options that:

a) Didn't sound entry-level;
b) Encompassed what I do in a concise manner; and
c) Made me feel accomplished and proud.

Thankfully, the response was positive. I now have two titles--one for the editorial stuff and another for the social media. Updated e-mail signature. New business cards. Success.

I'm glad that I can now add a title to my resume that accurately describes the many hats that I wear day in and day out. And while I'm not much for the whole corporate-bureaucracy-title thing, I do think that this updated will catapult me to new, exciting heights.

So my question to you is, in this ever-changing working world, do job titles really count for anything? Do they even matter?

18 comments:

Unknown said...

congrats on the new title.
I read your last sentence which posed the question with a Carrie Bradshaw tone :)

I have mixed reactions about job titles. I've had a big one and I've had a little one. The big one certainly helps in job interviews, but I can't say it's propelled me. Makes me feel better and more confident and sounds great but it's not yet sealed any deals for me.

Love being able to change the signature though, and the new cards...these are all bonuses!!

Donald Smith said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Yes, they matter, otherwise we wouldn't have them.

My current job title nowhere near describes all that I do. I'm also totally embarrassed to tell people what I do because of it. But there's no way I can change it. I just have to keep working at gaining a promotion in the next year.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being closer to world domination! Unfortunately, titles are everything! I would have loved to keep some of my business cards so that I can see the progression of the title. But it's the same as if you are in a relationship - you want the title.

The title I am striving for is Dr. Nessabirdie ... LOL, I want to get my phd. If titles didn't matter, I wouldn't want the prestige that comes with that.

Anonymous said...

I think it matters. My title is technically junior receptionist (which I refuse to use). My actual job consists of administrative and marketing work, my title has more to do with where I sit which is why I don't use it.

Jessica said...

Yes, titles are important in the type of world we live in. I am happy for you (YAY) and think it's great you pushed this change forward to get what you were clearly working for. Congrats!

diaryofwonder.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I think titles matter - I got a promotion about a year ago which came with a title, but it didn't reflect even 20% of how I spend my day. About four months ago I got it officially changed to a more "catch-all" title but even that can be good and bad. In my company title is directly related to seniority and hierarchy, so I think it does make a difference.

erinmakesitwork said...

Sometimes, I wonder about this myself. Since I am freelance, I wonder exactly how I should market myself. Freelance Writer doesn't sound professional enough.

Amanda said...

I definitely think that they matter and they make you feel good too. Congrats on your new title:)

Plastic Card Holders said...

I think many businesses these days are taking advantage of the benefits of using plastic business cards instead of the traditional paper business cards.

Adria Valdes said...

Congratulations! It's great to have a job title that shows people how much you actually do. I feel so many of us, especially nowadays, wear many different hats in the workplace so it's nice to get recognized :)

Anonymous said...

I never used to think that job descriptions mattered...until I started looking for a new job. Then, I learned that they did. The descriptions really only matter for your resume, in my opinion, but in those instances...they're pretty important.

Congratulations on your new business cards, if nothing else!

Anonymous said...
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Exfoliating Gloves said...

titles are important in the type of world we live in.

Anonymous said...

Business card is the most important element of your visual identity Your business card is one of your most important marketing tools.
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Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new job title! It must have felt great when you began editing your new business cards. Hearing good news in the morning helps make for a good day, right? Keep working hard. =)

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Hank Hendricks said...

I like older business cards.

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