The Internet era and social networks have digitalized the live of the modern man and have greatly influenced changes in the patterns of interpersonal relations. Even though Internet activities and social networks have been a popular sociological phenomenon for a long time and one where there are opposing views even critics of social networks introduce themselves to other people through them. Content creator, content strategist and copywriter Aleksandra Petrovski provided aid in recognizing the advantages of social networks for personal marketing at the second workshop – “She knows!” Managing personal finances and planning a budget were equally important topics as most were very familiar with the common problem of always needing more money as well as the problem of not having it when it is needed most. Karolina Herbut, financial advisor and business consultant, helped out in the second part of the workshop, providing both theoretical knowledge in personal finance management and practical advice for personal savings and investment. The second workshop – “She knows!” – part of the “Share Your Knowledge” program was held on April 28th at the Parobrod Association of Culture.

The first part of the “She Knows!” workshop, led by Aleksandra Petrovski, named “Personal presentation through digital marketing” started out with asking “what is your story?” Why is it important for other to know out story and why it is even more important how we convey this story. Whatever our opinions on tools of online communications with other people might be, it is important that we, while not changing to our core, adjust to the methods of modern communication so that we can convey appropriate messages about ourselves, messages we really want to send to other people. People often decide to be completely inactive or just passive participants on social networks, being convinced that they “have nothing to say, as no one else cares”, “they do not want their lives to be reality shows”, that “it is a space for entertainment personalities”, that “they do not know how to use social media” and that “it is just a waste of time”. Even though attitudes on social media are, like most things, determined by one’s overall views of the world, the rule that “you’ll be branded if you don’t brand yourself”. What does this actually mean? It is hard to give up the impression that the question of being active and visible on social media is a question of how ready are you to invest in yourself and your presentation to the outside world. During the workshop, numerous examples arose on how people were often contacted for cooperation or work through social media and that activity on social media was often the criteria over which people chose or were chosen for work of for other causes. Also one of the conclusions was that social media brings with them much space self-expression so we chose what, how and to whom we post as well as that we choose what we follow to what do we react to and how. Such room for maneuverability in personal presentation is a helpful circumstance and says that only we decide whether or not we present ourselves to others or, if we do not understand the failing of anonymity in the digital age, we give away spaces for conclusions to be made about us, often on the basis of prejudice and stereotypes to other people. In that case, we become branded as we have simply given away our space for self-expression to other people.

So what are the advantages of the consistent and active participant in the arena of social media? Aside from personal presentation, expressing stances, exchanging of opinion, getting closer with like-minded people and reconsidering when faced with people holding different views, an active status is also important for young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs. If you run your own business, how good a person can bring a wide circle of property around you, feedback from other people about your product or service, testing your idea, information about differences over competition, space for creating relationships with the audience, and building credibility in the field of expertise. In the end, these are the criteria that are related not to the field of work, but to the character and ambition, as well as the degree of striving for the personal development of each of us individually.

Aleksandra Petrovski has helped master the topic of personal representation through social networks, and gave some of the most important practical advice on personal expression. It is important that we know the target group we are sending a message about ourselves, it is important that our message is authentic, supported by knowledge and expertise, as well as clearly expressed. No less important than the above is also knowing how to distinguish purely personal content and why sharing this is useless, and often harmful. In the end, it is very useful advice not to publish any content impulsively.

Karolina Herbut was of great help in the second part of the “She Knows!” workshop, held a lecture on “Managing Personal Finance and Budget Planning”. Karolina gave mentors the answers to questions such as “How do I save more and better manage the saved money?”, “Where and how can I invest my money?”, “How do I know what appropriate savings are?”, “Is this investment product for me?”, ” How can I control my finances instead of them controlling me?”, “How do I track revenue and expenses?”. And finally, “How do I achieve my financial goals?” As in any other area of ​​life, we need to know our needs and desires, by defining them as goals, and then setting priorities among them.  One of the conclusions was that the attitude you have towards finance is crucial, as it leads to either errors or successful stories when talking about money. As modern people, we are often inclined towards impulsive shopping, without considering real needs and we are also prone not having a financial plan we adhere to because thinking about finances is one of the main triggers for stress. Carolina provided advice on eliminating impulsive spending and making personal financial plans and personal budgets. This attitude towards finance facilitates easier management, as well as fostering savings and generating capital for further investment. There were also words on how to save and where to invest. Karolina talked about what investment options are available in Serbia, like pension and life insurance funds, what are tax savings schemes, explaining all of this through practical advice and examples. She helped mentors master the management of personal finances and budget planning, within a workshop within the “Share Your Knowledge” project and more information on this and other topics from related areas can be found on Karolina’s blog.

The second workshop within the “Share Your Knowledge” project helped mentors gain or refresh their knowledge in the area of ​​digital marketing and financial planning, and through exercises and practical advice they master methods of personal presentation and personal budgeting. The problems of the modern man for the participants in the project have become much less daunting and maybe even completely overcome after April 28, because we shared knowledge and learned something new together!