Pin it. Pin it good.

  Attention all twenty something ladies, there is a new form of social media to curb your productiveness. The name is Pinterest and the possibilities are pin-less. Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board consisting of thirty two different pin categories ranging from "Sports" to "Wedding & Events." The site is invitation only with wait times ranging from 24 hours to 2 weeks. I had to wait three days for my coveted Pinterest invite email. But once that happy day comes all you have to do is accept your invite and you're in. The number of pin boards you can create are endless much like the number of hours you can spend on the site. I currently have eighteen boards with names ranging from "Charmed Life" to "Tiny Genius." And of course, there's an app for that. The Pinterest app is extremely user friendly and my go-to distraction. When my roommates told me the site was addicting they weren't exaggerating. I even got my mom hooked over Christmas break. 
  But wait, Pinterest isn't just for wedding obsessed co-eds. Pinterest is also a mecca for all small business boutique-esque owners. Just over Christmas break I helped one of Hendersonville's small businesses, The Blue Hydrangea, set up their Pinterest account. I've said countless times how our generation is the online generation. To us if it isn't online it doesn't exist. Pinterest is catering right to our handicap by allowing you to click on a picture of a necklace you like and have the ordering information or link to that company's website right in the description. I found and ordered my little brother's Christmas present this way. 

"monogram madness"

"#blackandyellow"

   But just like any form of social media you've got to watch what you post or rather I should say pin. Anyone can see what you pin. I have at least three or four people I do not know repin me everyday. Any HR department could get a nice little snapshot of you by simply scrolling through your pin boards. As funny as it might be to you, if a pin has profanity in it think twice before repinning it. At the same time have fun with it! Come up with creative pin board names that have a wide variety of pins.  Have boards that focus on your future. I have "Dreams" "Wishes" "Little person Big aspirations." Have boards that show the fun side of you. I love pinning to "Laugh til you cry" and my most popular board "Sorry I'm not sorry, ever." Have boards that show your wide array interests. I'm summed up pretty well by "#blackandyellow" "run run run" and "Charmed Life." Utilize Pinterest to show potential employers who you are outside of the professional network. By simply looking at me one wouldn't know my home decor taste or that I love love Harry Potter; and who knows the head of HR might love HP Facts too. Think of your pin boards as your virtual store front windows. Make them Bergdorf worthy.  


  My parting words would have to be if you're not already on Pinterest request your invite ASAP. And if you're already a pinner make sure to keep those pin boards very Pinteresting, you never know who might be repinning you.