What is Periscope, and How Can it Help Your Career?

Scoping Things Out

In the ever-changing social media landscape, new app Periscope lets you connect with people in real-time—but how can this help your career? Kelly Ehlers, president of social media firm Ideas that Evoke, helps make sense of the social media new kid on the block.

Description in the App Store: “Periscope lets you broadcast live video to the world. Going live will instantly notify your followers, who can join, comment and send you hearts in real time. The more hearts you get, the higher they flutter on screen.”

Translation: Send a push notification to show people what you’re doing right now via video, and let them participate via asking questions and making comments. You can sign in through your Twitter account.

Who to follow: @ModernSalon, of course! We’re also loving @Guy_Tang, @StylistRebeccaT, @Phildoeshair and @HeatherChapmanHair.
“Make sure you’re following MODERN SALON and other manufacturers so you can be privy to when they are live broadcasting,” Ehlers says. “It’s a great way to gain a sneak-peek into their live moments—from trade shows to educational sessions!”

How it helps you: “I’ve seen students and stylists alike use Periscope to showcase their work in a real-time, live setting,” Ehlers says. “Another potential, unique use would be documenting your beauty school journey through live video—almost like a living portfolio of your skillset.” This “living portfolio” can show potential employers how you’ve excelled through your time in school—but make sure you save your video at the end of your session if you want to keep it.

Best practices: Share your experiences—while styling clients (with consent), learning new techniques, at events—live with your followers, but heed a few tips from Ehlers:

• Make your broadcast easy to find. “Make sure you share your broadcast on Twitter,” Ehlers says. “And share your location.”
• Respond to live comments. “One of my fave features about Periscope is the live interaction with your community,” Ehlers says. “Make sure you’re responding when they jump into your conversations.”
• Create a compelling title. “The title of your video is the only thing separating your Periscope from the next,” Ehlers says. “Catch the attention of potential fans.”

A big "don't": Inappropriate videos are a no-no; keep things professional. “Potential clients and employers could be watching!” Ehlers says. “Like with any social network, always keep your audience in mind.”