Note: This post was originally published on our Medical Administrative Assistant Blog. Check it out for more information on the allied healthcare field!

Social media is a big buzz word right now.  From blogs to Twitter to Facebook, social media is quickly becoming part of our daily lives.  Analysts are predicting where it will go, whether the bubble will burst, and what effects it will have on other industries.

But here is what we know right now: We know that social media is a powerful tool to connect and communicate with individuals that share your interests and goals.  In the next week, take these three steps to ensure that you are getting the most out of your billing and coding career.

Create a LinkedIn profile and begin connecting with colleagues.

LinkedIn is a social network for professionals.  There is no “poking” or tagging of pictures, just a simple, personal business network.  You want to have a presence on LinkedIn because 75% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to research job candidates before making an offer.   Spend some time to create a real profile.  Having a profile with only your name and nothing else sends the message that you don’t care about your professional connections.

Once you have your profile, feel free to join the Ultimate Medical Academy LinkedIn group to connect with other professionals.

Start following colleagues on Twitter.

Twitter is a powerful tool for personally connecting with individuals in your industry.  Create an account and start following your colleagues, coworkers, and fellow students.  Begin sharing links that you find thought-provoking or relevant to medical billing and coding.  Mashable has a very comprehensive guide on Twitter.  Once you have an account, follow us on Twitter.

Start a blog.

Blogging requires determination, dedication, and a love for a specific topic.  If you have those qualities, then a blog is a great way to get your name out there and establish yourself as a responsible individual.  Your blog does not necessarily have to be about your career, but that doesn’t hurt.  David Spinks writes about the 14 Ways a Blog Will Help You Get a Job.  If you are nervous or don’t know where to begin, ProBlogger is a great resource.

Important: Keep in mind that these are opportunities to build your professional network, which means your profiles and conduct on these platforms should be professional in nature.  Get rid of “cutesy” names, inappropriate pictures, and highly personal information.