There’s a line in the documentary, Miss Representation, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Whether you buy into the concept of “lean in” or are just committed to living live on your terms, you may find yourself in unchartered territory. While energizing and exciting, this can also be overwhelming at times. And, for those of us in PR, known for being a stressful career path, you may sometimes feel isolated … or like your “normal” friends just don’t get it.
That’s where virtual role models or mentors can be especially helpful.
Twitter — and other online networks — opens up a whole world of people to learn from. It’s so easy now to strike up a conversation with someone and, over time, build a meaningful relationship 140 characters at a time. Eventually, you may want to move that relationship beyond just Twitter and meet online if possible, but I don’t think that’s a requirement. You can learn a lot by identifying people who seem to share your worldview and just following their speaking, writing and activities online.
Personally, I’ve found virtual mentors to be incredibly helpful, as I explained recently to Fast Company. As I embark on this a journey as entrepreneur and mom-to-be, I’m particularly intrigued by people who are figuring out how to achieve their career aspirations while still being hands-on parents. Two people who immediately come to my mind are Peter Shankman and Sarah Evans. Not long ago, Peter posted that within 15 minutes, he’d gone from changing his new daughter’s diaper to being camera ready for a CNN interview. That gives me hope! And, Sarah Evans, who shares the most adorable photos of her son — has been very open about making career choices that let her put her family first. But, just last week, she served as social media correspondent for Cox Communications. The associated Twitter chat hit Twitter’s Trending Topics — not bad, right? While I’m sure both face tough choices, they seem to have figured out how to make time for work and family.
How can you stay connected with your virtual role models? Private Twitter lists do the trick for me. For example, I have a private Twitter list called “Leading Ladies” filled with a wide variety of smart women. I’ve met some of the people on that list in-person, but most of them I just know through Twitter. I’m intrigued to see what they’re working on, the kind of information they’re sharing, how they approach networking and building their businesses, while still maintaining some semblance of a life outside work. Lists work for me. You may find a better way to “creep” (in the non-creepiest meaning possible) on your role models. Just find a system that works for you, so you can find yourself constantly surrounded — even virtually — by people who share some of your values, goals and general outlook.
You have an open invitation to learn from such a wide variety of people in a way that wasn’t possible even a decade ago. Whatever stage of life you’re in, you can meaningfully connect with people in a similar position via social media. Then, anytime you start to doubt whether you can “have it all,” think about these people who are innovating their lives in a way that aligns with your approach. It can be done. Whatever your definition of all is – and whatever stage of life you’re in – connect with people “IRL” or online who share similar values. All of a sudden, you’re on your way to creating a virtual support system.
Do you have virtual role models? Give ’em a shoutout in the comments and/or share how you first discovered and connected with them. The comments are yours …
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Photo credit: Ben Fredericson, Flickr Creative Commons