When you use social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, you're not just marketing the company or brand that you are part of, you're also marketing yourself. There is no distinction or dividing line between the two - you are who you are and what you represent in the online social media world, and people will always put two-and-two together.

I am what I am today, thanks to my seven years in-depth and hands-on experience in the three direct selling companies I worked for, the longest and best of which belongs to Avon. From a geek who often replied in single words, I can now express and describe a single term in multiple paragraphs and has no qualms speaking to large groups of people; besides the awesome people and sales management skills I learned. For someone who intends to be general manager one day, you’ve got to make “sales” part of your career itinerary because it simply goes a long way in molding you to the right future head of a company, large or otherwise. Direct selling is here to stay; you can’t discount the fact that it offers the lowly poor an invitation to succeed if he or she puts their heart and mind into it.

Like what the subtitle of Howard Schultz’s book says, “One cup at a time,” I strongly recommend going to Starbucks for the start of something great in your career, business and the things you do great! Why on earth would I say that Starbucks is a great place to do your work?

Online social networks are about conversations, besides being free, fast and (always available) forever. There are opportunities to use online social networks to market yourself, your organization, products and services. However, each one is distinct from one another and “overkill” will also drive your results downwards. This essay is based solely on my experience.