By Leah J. Mahoney

Quincy Harris, day-time talk show host of “The Q” on FOX 29, hosted a seminar titled, “Social Media 101” on Jan. 31, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the STEM auditorium to educate students on social media etiquette and the importance of marketing their brands, professionally.

During the event organized by Campus Life, Harris, formerly known as Q Deezy of Philly’s Hot 107.9, told students, “Marketing yourself appropriately is a key factor in determining your long-term success.”

Harris incorporated a slideshow presentation and discussed three social media rules. The first rule was “You are What You Post.”

“Be aware of your content’s message,” Harris said. “Stay away from emotionally charged posts, because they can damage your career.”

He warned students to be careful of who they follow, if distasteful in nature. The type of posts students comment on and like play a huge role in social media etiquette, he added.

Harris also emphasized checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc., before students hit that ENTER key. Professionalism is necessary, and the way they word their messages can show the public they exhibit this characteristic, he explained.

The second rule, “Follow the Greats.” Harris advised following and conversing with successful people in the industry.

According to Harris, this is a great tool for networking, and an opportunity for free exposure in the public eye. It will also give students an idea on who’s who in the preferred industry, and how they could mirror these “Greats,” in their own unique way.

“It is people like Oprah and Sean Don that have paved a way for young entrepreneurs,” Harris said. “Following in their footsteps isn’t a bad move, by any means.”

The third rule of Harris’ social media etiquette is, “staying consistent with one’s message.” Don’t be afraid to define one’s pillars clearly, he emphasized.

A pillar is one’s message. It is what one represents, who one is as a person, and it’s something one’s social media should align with, concerning one’s marketable brand, according to Harris.

“[Social media]” is your number one tool if you have no cosign, and this seminar is important for people our age, especially when marketing a brand,” said Anthony Cooper, 27, a professional truck driver who attended the seminar.

Communications Professor Maria Boyd and Allyson Gleason, director of Campus Life, said they organized this event to better educate young adults towards positive media presence and establishing themselves in a professional manner.

“The big takeaway of this seminar was that using social media will either create or limit your opportunities,” Boyd said.

Harris answered questions towards the end of his seminar and offered a piece of advice, concerning social media etiquette.

“Be consistent and be uniquely you,” he said. “This is the time to reinvent yourself.”

Contact Leah J. Mahoney at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu