THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO: SOCIAL NETWORKING Life is like posting a selfie when you’re bored, it never ends well.
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ong gone are the days twenty-somethings would read the newspaper over breakfast. Instead, young men everywhere can be seen browsing Instagram, Twitter and Facebook in an attempt to remain relevant and interact with those closest to them. Daily questions arise as to whether or not you’ve seen that hilarious video on Facebook or a specific person’s controversial Tweet last night and if you’re the only person in your social group that hasn’t you wouldn’t be forgiven for feeling behind. Men gone by would share thoughts and ideas with each other. They would all contribute to one another understanding of each other through basic conversational skills. Your personality was your social network feed, it was your outward profile which was their to be judged and pulled apart by employers and friends. Now the likes of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are unfortunately the first port of call if someone wants to dig up parts of your life that you might not want them to. Inherently active young men consistently post content online that jeopardises their self-image unknowingly, both from a social and professional standpoint. Luckily for some a digital profile can be easier maintained and controlled than personality and image, in most cases it is the defining factor as to whether someone relates to you or not.
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Being a metrosexual and hilarious today isn’t frowned upon, but not living up to your responsibility to maintain your own image as a man effectively and avoid a social stalemate is unacceptable. Here are the three social networking sites you should be using and
What is the purpose of your Instagram? Who is your target audience? Are you a selfie queen? If these questions intimidate or baffle you then it’s time you examined your social media presence. Instagram doesn’t have to be as serious as LinkedIn, it wasn’t designed to be a professional environment so there is more room for ‘self-expression’ and ‘humour.’ Instagram is however a visual representation of yourself. It is the visual element of your brand, your brand being you and as such you should remain aware of employers using it to understand who you are What’s important to note that Instagram was designed to house “visual storytelling” so if the image being posted isn’t telling a story to any degree that it’s likely it won’t be noticed. A visual story can be as simplistic or as obscure you’d like but please understand it isn’t a picture of yourself with no caption similar to one you’ve already posted. You might look half-decent after a trip to the barbers but the other ten pictures you posted of the same thing covered that pretty well. Variety is the spice of life and producing content that is entertaining and informative will put you in good stead with your followers. Know that it is okay to post images of: yourself; of your morning coffee; of your dog or your feet up in front of a television screen but employ balance, question whether or not it’s been seen before and understand that it might be used to assume things
If Instagram is a visual to your brand then Twitter is the verbal means by which your brand communicates. If it’s not on Twitter it isn’t news, whoever you follow is going to disseminate information to you and it’s your responsibility to make sure that information contributes to your life or not. Following your ex on Twitter might seem like a good idea but if you wouldn’t ask how they’re doing in a real conversation you shouldn’t be interested in what they’re doing.
The same can be applied to companies that you might follow unknowingly, if you wouldn’t walk into their office or shop and either buy something or ask for a job then it’s not a part of your life. Stay interactive with others but like Instagram, don’t post anything that might sound repetitive or dull. Your Twitter isn’t anything like a bland conversation, no one needs to know that you’re tired or that you can’t wait until payday. Practising quality control on Twitter will encourage you to do the same in everyday conversations, engaging in ways that interest both parties.
LinkedIn is a tool every professional and aspirational young male should have LinkedIn is the singular most effective means of presenting yourself in the right way to employers. If you take one social network site seriously, please make it this one. It’s important to fill LinkedIn with as much content about yourself as possible, play a game of “see who can get an all star profile strength first” with your colleagues or peers to liven things up, the loser gets unemployment and the winner gets selfgratification. According to various sources, you’re almost ten times more likely to be viewed if you have a profile picture. This isn’t the typical Facebook-esque profile picture of you surrounded by girls in a damp, overpriced nightclub. Your profile picture should be from the shoulders and you should be wearing attire suitable for the job role you’d like, dress for the job you want and not the job you have.
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Connect with others around you but favour quality connections over quantity, the purpose of networking is to surround yourself with others that add to your life. The aim is to be endorsed for skills you claim to have, add social media to that list after reading this. Connecting with those you have worked with in the past or know you in a professional environment is key to maintaining integrity. Lastly, don’t be afraid to interact with your connections. Share things that might be relevant or beneficial to those around you because one day the good karma might prove to be a defining moment in your career. Update your profile consistently and fill gaps where needed with real world experience or betterment.
Man has thrived to put themselves out into the world since the dawn of time but our methods have changed. What we post now can be hidden from sight or deleted as quickly as it’s put up, which benefits a lot of people who have lost the definition of permanence. We do not accept responsibility for embarrassing things we posted five years ago but we accept responsibility for things we post now, there is no difference. Five years ago you had the same opportunity to post quality content with undertones of humour as you do now but instead you chose to post something embarrassing, at the time it might not have seemed so but now you’re experiencing a degree of permanence.
Social networking is a gift that should be embraced, you have the resources to make yourself look good to those around you and to display the version of yourself you want employees and friends to experience. With careful moderation and consideration your social media feeds will make you look less trivial and more masculine and someone who expresses their own interests in a manner that is both unique and entertaining. The same methods we apply to an online presence can be applied to our offline presence, ingesting things that interest us and expressing things that interest us in a controlled manner will benefit us on a social and professional level.
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CARS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR FIRST PROMOTION You might not be CEO yet, but after getting your first promotion these cars should mark the start of the career.
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veryone has an idea of where they’d like to be but rarely who they’d like to be and cars are a statement, not only of our success but our attitude and trajectory.
A man’s car should be the physical manifestation of his successes on a professional level. Seldom do you see an Executive driving around in a car that doesn’t slap you in the face and tell you he’s an Executive. Everyone has to start somewhere, that’s why it’s understandable an entry level graduate might do menial jobs for a wage. It’s understandable that it might involve hustling their way onto a diseased ridden train everyday. It could even be forgiven that they haven’t constructed the most respectable wardrobe. But when surpassing that level, it’s important to mark your newfound success with tangible accolades.
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Buying a car for each promotion is a practical means of progression and as your car improves, so too will your professional success. People will be made aware of the opportunities you have seized. Working towards something like a goal makes progress trackable. When getting your first promotion you should already know what car you’re going to buy and be on your way to getting it. But what cars are the most appropriate? It’s easy to get sucked into the cheapest and most economical option as it is easier to purchase something impractical and overcompensating. The truth is an understated but executive car will subtly scream sophistication and success.
VW PASSAT - THE TECH GUY
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ptly nicknamed the spaceship on wheels. If the prospect of dismantling a computer and putting it back together excites you then look no further than the Passat. Whether you’re a tech genius or just an enthusiast the Passat will appeal to you because it utilises technology to make the driver’s life easier, considerably easier. There are three assist functions to help you in three different situations, lane assist, park assist and even traffic jam assist. Lane assist and adaptive cruise control will not only keep you in your lane but will keep you at a reasonable distance from the car in front. Park assist will guide you gently into unrealistically tight parking spaces effortlessly.
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Traffic jam assist will take control of the cars major functions when slow moving traffic appears although this isn’t an excuse to catch up on emails. If hill starts are too taxing, Volkswagen have included an auto hold function on the Passat which allows you to pull off on a hill without needing to manually hold the car in place with troublesome revs and clutch control. Volkswagen have also included car-net, an infotainment feature that provides up to date useful information regarding traffic, news, weather and navigation powered by google. Car-net compares the price of local petrol stations and finds vacant parking facilities nearby.
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BMW 2 SERIES COUPE - THE SALESMAN 7
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etworking with bosses and clients is an important aspect of sales, if not the most important aspect. Nothing says i’m good at what I do more than a brand people can relate to and BMW is that brand when it comes to cars.
The BMW prices close to the Scirocco but the BMW brand would benefit those seeking to improve their reputation in a non-creative environment. BMW as a brand as a connotation of success and drive, qualities individuals involved in sales seek. The 2 Series Coupe is a realistically obtainable junior executive car.
The 2 Series Coupe was designed to suggest hints of rebelliousness and vivacity, but it’s array of available engines back up it’s claim at rebelliousness. BMW’s reputation does not precede them with features such as the iDrive system, climate control, driver performance control, rear parking sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirrors.
3. VW SCIROCCO - THE CREATIVE GUY
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he meticulousness of creative types would typically be an obstacle when purchasing a new car, the need for something that sets them apart might have been challenging but the introduction of the VW Scirocco Coupe means that is very much past tense. It’s uniqueness in nature compliments those in the creative industry whilst maintaining respect with a well rounded and versatile car that is ergonomically sound and performs as well as those in the same class. The Scirocco’s subtly plunging roofline and flat-bottomed steering wheel are elements set this car aside but the automatic lights and wipers, BlueTooth, USB and 17inch alloys means its found its way among other junior executive cars. The Scirocco competes with all vehicles listed in both price and performance but the strong resale value of the vehicle is something most would struggle to ignore. VW habitually produces cars that separate themselves from their competitors through whichever means but in this instance they have produced a coupe that ignores the convention of all others.
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Ford Focus ST-1 - The Delinquent 11
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racticality, coupons, body warmers. If these three things make your blood boil then maybe the other four cars lack your wild and unpredictable nature.
“Underneath it’s very tame and very respectable”
In all of the featured cars you know what to expect, they’re sensible choices that appeal to specific types of people but for those that enjoy massive change, shock value and thrills the Ford Focus ST-1 is the only car to consider. The 2.0 EcoBoost engine delivers 250bhp, power that young men everywhere crave but are always encouraged to compromise for something more practical or economically sound. Enhanced torque vectoring control and sports suspension also improve performance but increases the cars physical presence but
not more-so than the wide bodykit and rear spoiler. The Ford Focus ST-1 demands attention, the exterior sound insists people take notice but none of this is the car’s defining factor because it is in fact one of the most practical cars on the market. Being a hatchback it has a lot of room at the rear, but unusually the ST-1 has a considerable amount of room in the front. Running costs are low despite being in a higher insurance bracket and the touch sensitive lock/unlocking system is as useful as the 2.0 engine. On the surface this car might look like a delinquent but underneath it is a very tame and respectable method of transport, the same could be said for it’s owner.
The Audi A3 Saloon may be a vehicle to consider if you spend more time on the road than in your bed. In fact it would suit most modern car users as it is one of the most well equipped and affordable cars on the market. Audi have consistently provided the public with executive cars at a fraction of the price and the A3 Saloon is no exception. It is among the best in it’s class at fuel and co2 emissions so customers will see even more of their money. Power steering and sports suspension come as standard,
as well as Audi’s rest recommendation system all make longer trips easier.
The high quality, minimalistic interior has an integrated multi-media interface that controls all of the cars major functions including driver select, Audi’s own music interface and climate control. The interior boasts two cup holders, essential for avoiding Latte accidents and eight speakers that surround the car. Sports seats come as standard in the Sport line as well as BlueTooth compatibility and a USB port whereas the S line comes with part-leather seats, bigger alloys and xenon headlights.
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“The Tarzan of the Urban Jungle”
AUDI A3 SALOON - THE CITY DWELLER/THE COMMUTER
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lambering from meeting to meeting, endless coffee runs, fluctuating fuel prices. These are concerns of the commuter, the Tarzan of the urban jungle.
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ON-TREND, ON TARGET
Your wardrobe has the power to influence and Michael Spriggs, fashion buyer for Ark, is here to tell you the importance of not taking yours for granted.
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I sat outside a small Italian cafe in the heart of Yorkshire the hottest day of the year was bowing out. Michael Spriggs, a menswear fashion buyer had insisted we meet at this specific venue in spite of me suggesting an array of popular venues. The cafe was small, hidden from plain site down an archaic backstreet. Without knowing this cafe exists one would struggle to find it. A young man in his early twenties approached my table wearing Khaki shorts, a black and white striped tee and a Ralph Lauren classic fit white shirt carry an EastPak backpack with him. “Ryan, right? Pleased to meet you man, i’m Mike.” “I thought this place might be a bit more suitable for you to interview me. Starbucks doesn’t do it for me anyway and I kind of appreciate the Italian vibe.” Today’s weather, combined with his open shirt styling all reminded me of Italy although Mike insisted he never rode a Vespa down. “I’m more of a Northern Rail man if i’m honest.” Ark has been at the forefront of northern fashion retail for twenty years and Mike is the latest recruit to be drafted in to the head office set up as part of a menswear buying team. Buyer’s are responsible for deciding which stock and brands are sold both in-stores and online. “It isn’t as easy as having an allocated budget and buying what you want into store, there’s a lot of data analysis that needs to happen before any decisions can be made. There are four or five brands that i’d buy in right now but the data just doesn’t support them” Being able to identify trends is an attribute many fashion buyers consider the most important in fashion. There are resources available to commercial companies that provide reports about seasons almost two years in advance. “We use WGSN, all of the highstreet stores use similar websites to make educated guesses”
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The reports contribute to a buyer being able to make educated guesses about which brands to stock and which product types would best suit their customer but this removes any interaction one might have people in the field of fashion. “Our approach is a bit more physical, we prefer to get out there and see what’s trending ourselves. My manager and myself both noticed a t-shirt six months ago that seemed like it would do well. He was in London the other day, he called me because everyone wearing it. That’s our que to do get some data and research together to see if we can get it selling up North” Buyers and fashion enthusiasts are naturally drawn towards London when they’re wanting to expand their wardrobe because of it’s dominance in recent years. The capital is the hub of fashion in the UK and it’s forward thinking separates it from the North which has typically been delayed in keeping up with trends. “London is still ahead of the North unfortunately. Longline t-shirts came to London six months before it started to move up here but the gap is closing and I think Manchester is leading the way for us. I’ve seen a lot of young lads particularly in the Northern Quarter dressing really well, you can tell they’re not just following trends but setting them. It’s encouraging” “I’m frequently in Manchester because most of the brands we buy in are based there now but i’d encourage anyone wanting inspiration or ideas to take a trip there. Manchester has some really interesting vintage shops which are well worth a visit, every time I go I pick up a gem.” Mike openly admits his own style might not match a lot of other peoples but he suggests people can benefit from making bold statements with their wardrobe. “Usually i’ll do something thats completely out of the ordinary that makes someone say ‘what the fuck are you wearing?’ but twelve months down the line they’re wearing the same thing.”
“People have become more open minded in regards to mens fashion, there is less judgement than what there was a few years ago. You will always have the hardcore scallys who will wear tracksuits but people who are open minded are becoming leaders in fashion wherever they are in the country, it’s amplified by the power of social media” “Social media is a powerful tool that has been used by female bloggers to improve the online presence of both themselves and clothing brands.” There is room for more male fashion bloggers and this is something Mike has identified “I was going to start fashion blogging myself, there is room for it in the male fashion industry. It’s opening the fashion industry wide open which is why other cities are catching up to London but bold statements are definitely important in fashion.” Not everyone, however, is interested in making a bold statement and having people notice them or being identified as a leader in fashion but fashion has it’s place in everyone’s life just to different extents. Outward appearances are an important part of professional and social environments now, both of which leave people open to judgement.
“USUALLY I’LL DO SOMETHING THAT’S OUT OF THE ORIDNARY, THAT MAKES SOMEONE SAY “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WEARING?”
“Your outward appearance is a statement, a statement that unfortunately can influence some peoples decisions and impressions. I love tattoos, I always have done and I always will do but i’m hanging fire on my hands and neck because I don’t want to be judged unfairly for having long hair and tattoos if I ever go for a job in Dubai or London. I’d implore anyone to have a think before they do anything permanent to their outward appearance. Fashion, clothing and your outward appearance in general can be used to steer opinions of you in a particular direction.” Both individuality and staying on-trend are important aspects of male fashion but can sometimes conflict with each other. Usually one can only be achieved and the other is sacrificed. For instance staying on-trend usually means wearing something that everyone else is wearing and separating yourself from the crowd usually means wearing things that aren’t considered on-trend.
“I DON’T WANT TO BE JUDGED UNFAIRLY FOR HAVING LONG HAIR AND TATTOOS” me to find alternative products that are similar to commercial products.” “My favourite brands are brands I can’t really afford. I really like Scandinavian brands. Folk are a really cool Danish brand, I first spotted them about eight months ago because they produce really clean simple garments that focus on quality. They don’t believe in trends they believe in making something that’s right for the customer, no one ever returns their products. At £65 a t-shirt it can sometimes be a little steep but I found a brand new Folk jumper in a charity shop in Manchester. Patience is a virtue.”
Mike’s enthusiasm for the male fashion industry is an example of it’s increasing popularity and Obviously tailored suits and custom acceptance among men today. products will create a winning Men’s fashion buyers everywhere combination of individuality are realising the potential of the and substance but it’s not always market and there is room for practical for it to be the bulk of improvement. The fact remains your entire wardrobe. “The best that it is beginning to compete way to express individuality whilst with the female fashion market in staying on-trend is to identify both contributors and enthusiasts what trends you identify with and and buyers at Ark have been then finding similar alternatives. made aware of this because of Sometimes i’ll find a different the intimacy of their approach to colour or a little twist in a product fashion. that’s already out and that’s where you can create your own identity, The fashion industry both male that’s also how you start setting and female will always be about your own trends. I like to work on a expression of self, it’s the job budget because I find it encourages of people like Mike to identify ways we can express ourselves more effectively whilst exhibiting prudence RALPH LAUREN SHIRT: VINTAGE SHOP, £20 T-SHIRT: ONLY AND SONS, £10.99 SHORTS: FOLK, £90 BACKPACK: EASTPAK, £40 WATCH: CASIO, £35 SHOES: DOC MARTINS, £70
It is our responsibility to make sure we omit the impression on others that we want to omit, dressing well is the most important technique to influence others.
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