Gist.

We are sponsoring a series of posts over on Mashable about how people are seeing real results from using social media.  The first entry was published today and focuses on job seekers.  It is a great write up and be sure to read the comments – lots of additional great perspectives.

Social media gives you various platforms to publish your own thoughts, ideas, and observations as well as amplify the work of others.  You can demonstrate your expertise and create a more complete picture of who you are beyond a resume or a LinkedIn profile.  It also allows you to spot new opportunities and even create one where it may not have initially existed.  Pay attention to what key people are saying and the questions they are asking.  Engage intelligently and you have now separated yourself from the others (and, of course, use Gist to help you find the most important information to act on).