46. Navigating the Hazards of Social Media with Trevor Nielsen

Social Media can be a wonderful place to learn and grow… If you use it wisely.

If you spend any amount of time on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter 𝕏, TikTok, Threads… etc. etc., you’ll start to hear people telling you to “put yourself out there” or “you need to stand out.”

Deciding to start posting and sharing online regularly can be a challenge, especially when your goal is to share content related to UX Design.

If you do finally decide to start creating some kind of content, you’ll very quickly realize that it can be a challenge to keep up with it consistently. You may find that you’re getting anxious about the things you’re sharing, or you may start to second-guess yourself completely.

If you’re job hunting, or think you may need to be job hunting soo, LinkedIn, especially, is a great way to share your insights about UX Design with future hiring managers.

Engaging on places like LinkedIn is a great way to build a strong network of like-minded folks who share your passions. And it’s a great way to find new information and build meaningful relationships that can spill over to the real world.

The reality is that If you’re not careful, social media can eat away at your mental health and leave you much worse off.

This week, UX Designer, content creator, and all-around swell guy, Trevor Nielsen shares his perspective on how he gets past some of his insecurities when posting online, what he does to make sure his mental health doesn’t suffer, and he shares some tips to make engaging on social media a rewarding experience that can benefit your career.

Topics:
• 09:37 – You are the product to sell to recruiters and hiring managers
• 10:33 – There are a lot of negative aspects of “putting yourself out there”
• 14:50 – It’s about posting to have a conversation with others
• 17:03 – Starting to post online is like showing up at a party that’s already started
• 18:59 – It’s too easy to compare yourself to others.
• 20:35 – See everyone else as inspiration, not competition
• 24:18 – How do we deal with the criticism?
• 36:49 – How do we find our party or community online?
• 45:04 – Improving mental health while using social media
• 48:30 – With such big numbers, chances are good lots of people will qualify. What sets you apart?
• 51:16 – Start now, not when you need it!

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn
• Follow Trevor on Instagram
• Follow Trevor on Threads

Trevor Nielsen
Product Designer and Content Creator Extraordinaire

About Trevor

Trevor Nielsen is a seasoned designer with a decade of experience in the industry. He has spent half of his career working in branding + marketing and the latter half on product. Having spent significant time working in startups, he relishes in the fast-paced environment and the ability to make a significant impact as a designer within small teams. Outside of work, Trevor loves basketball, both as an active player and an avid spectator. In his spare time, you’ll often find him hanging with family & friends, hitting the gym, struggling on the golf course, listening to audiobooks while doing yard work, and creating content for the design community on the internet.

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn

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