I sit within a cubicle, but it almost feels as if I don’t. Each and everyday I learn new things while exploring the vast reaches of cyberspace. I navigate infinite ions of gold released in an instant by individuals in the form of tweets. The things that I do not understand I research by means of Wiki and meme. Mashable is my bible, Hootsuite is my outlet and the internet is my muse. I am a Community Manager for a major player in the gaming industry.

When I started this job, it really wasn’t what I expected. I thought I knew a lot more than I actually did and even now after having worked here for almost a year I am always learning. I am lucky in the sense that the company gave me permission to mold my job into what I wanted it to be. At events my badge reads Exhibitor, but it usually falls somewhere between there and press. I always have a hell of a time trying to get information out there or talking to people because I have learned I am generally not allowed to go into press rooms. I work strictly from my phone and upload media from the comfort of my hotel room (which can sometimes be a pain in the ass).

Social media is like a playground and shares the same rudimentary rules. Be friendly, play nice, don’t kick sand and be bullied. I am nice to everyone I meet, but people aren’t always nice to me. I understand it’s frustrating when a product is defective and I was screamed at in a retail environment 2 year prior for that exact reason. I have been in your shoes filled with anger because my controller is broken and while I understand that I am the easiest person to contact, I usually can’t help you beyond shooting you an e-mail to customer service. I don’t have to help you, yet many times I go out of my way to try.

I don’t kick sand, I just stop talking to you. I don’t “come back at you” with shitty comments because fighting on the internet isn’t worth my time. I have learned to let things go, eat humble pie and have learned the worth of words. A person can say a lot in 140 characters so long as it’s worded right it can be a powerful thing. Saying the wrong things knocks you down a few steps, I have learned from my mistakes and learned what my demographic likes (not just Rick rolls & Keyboard cats… okay mostly that lol). I am positive, friendly and truthful in everything I say because I think before I post. Different things run through my head just before I hit “tweet” such as, “How will people respond?”, “Will I offend anyone?” and “Is this worded right so it doesn’t sound like I am coming off too harshly?”.

I don’t just “Tweet” for a living as some people assume. I am a also copywriter, manage all of the social media for the company, promote our brand and show the consumer what goes into making their favorite things. I am your eyes and ears into the gaming industry.

Social media is constantly changing, you never know what will be a hit and what will be a miss nowadays. Being careful about what you post and looking before you leap can be your greatest ally. It’s a job that is unpredictable and I have made some stupid moves that somehow worked out for the best in the end. Sometimes you have to use your best judgment and jump the gun, it’s all about timing. Like fireworks, something can explode in a flash and fizzle out as quickly as it came. It’s a job that keeps me on my toes and something you can never stop working on or you can loose your fan base. Keep things interesting, exciting and ever changing, most of all NEVER stop listening to what your followers have to say. Engaging your audience is your biggest advantage in the fast paced world of social media, don’t ever forget that.