Week 17

Before this class, I didn’t think much about using social media as a serious tool for business. I saw it more as a place for personal updates or entertainment. But now my perspective has definitely shifted. I understand how intentional content, good planning, and strong visuals can actually make a big impact when it comes to growing a brand or promoting a service.

I feel much more confident about using social media to support a business. I learned that success comes from consistency, clarity, and knowing who you’re trying to reach. I regret deleting my Facebook because I didn’t realize how helpful the platform could be for researching other businesses and connecting with communities. I also wish I had spent more time exploring LinkedIn. The class did cover it, and I know it's a great professional tool, but I honestly didn’t have the capacity to learn it fully this semester due to some serious health issues I was dealing with. If I could go back, I would have pushed myself to make time for it, because I see now how valuable it is for building professional relationships and staying visible in the industries I'm interested in.

When we looked at other businesses, I noticed that the most successful ones had a very consistent brand and posted regularly. The content felt thoughtful and organized. The pages that stood out to me the most had clean, minimalistic visuals and a clear message. But more than anything, I found myself drawn to brands that had a clear purpose. It wasn’t just about the product, it was about what the brand stood for. That’s what grabbed my attention and kept me interested. It made me realize that if I’m going to build a business, I want it to have meaning behind it. Purpose matters to me more than trends or aesthetics.

I came across several businesses that I actually want to use or support. Some had products I would buy, and others had such a strong sense of identity and values that I felt inspired by what they were doing. It really showed me how powerful social media can be when it's used to share something real.

If I could suggest one thing for future classes, it would be to let students know early on that they should come in with a creative business idea. That would give us more time to brainstorm and build something meaningful from the beginning. I think that would make the whole experience more personal and give our projects more direction. This class really helped me see the connection between creativity, technology, and purpose. It gave me tools I will use for a long time, and it made me excited to build something that actually matters.