One of the most exciting things about creating a company today is seeing the role social media can play in reaching customers – a role that wasn’t even available a few years ago. We met Meghan Wolf, Chicagoan, new mom and IBM’s Social Business Manager, on Twitter and were intruiged to see that she tweets full time, like for a living! Today she gives us some insight into how she’s made being on Twitter into her job, (alongside Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and every other social platform under the sun). Meghan shared a little bit about her role as a social business manager for IBM and how she’s made the transition to mothering her little guy Connor.
Tell us a little about you and your background.
Hi, I'm Meghan! By day, I'm a mom to four-month-old Connor and a Social Business Manager for IBM. By night, you can find me shopping (mostly online these days. How did moms survive before Amazon, Instacart and Postmates?!), trying out new Chicago restaurants or creating reasons to get treats from Sweet Mandy B’s.
I was raised in the Northern suburbs of Chicago and returned to the city after college. I currently live a few blocks away from Wrigley Field with my husband and our son, who will grow up to learn the pain that comes from being a Cubs fan!
What do you do professionally and how did you get there?
I'm a Social Business Manager for IBM. I help develop social strategies, manage social media accounts and educate fellow IBMers on ways they can use social media. I joined IBM just over two years ago after spending several years at a public relations agency.
I started my career doing more traditional PR, but shifted my focus to social media right when brands started to become more involved in social media. It's been amazing watching the industry change so quickly.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I was an early adopter of social media and I love how it has enabled me to stay connected with friends, become part of communities based on niche interests and get instant feedback or answers from brands. It's fun to be able to take my experience in public relations and use technology platforms to communicate to broader audiences. I've really been able to take my passion for communications and turn it into a career that will continue to evolve.
How have you successfully made the transition into being a working mom? Does IBM offer any unique services/opportunities that have helped with this?
I make a lot of lists!! Actually, I'm not sure I can say that my transition was a total success - there have been a few bumps along the way. I'm extremely lucky because I primarily work from home. I highly recommend other working moms take advantage of options like that. If you’ve had a rough night, it’s much easier to balance work and life if you can stay in your pajamas! I’m also really fortunate to have supportive colleagues, many of whom are parents or grandparents. They constantly remind me about the importance of work/life balance! I’m much more productive during the day because I want to be able to focus 100 percent on Connor in the evening.
Tell us a little about your baby boy. What's your favorite thing about being his mom?
Connor is the happiest little guy! He is really expressive and while his smile is infectious, his frown is equally as persuasive and totally melts my heart. He's also very observant and always wants to be part of the action.
Being Connor's mom has made me slow down and appreciate the little moments in life. There is nothing better than going into his room each morning and watching his face light up when he sees me.
What are some of your favorite things to do as a family in Chicago?
It feels like we're finally coming out of hibernation! We survived the cold winter by going to a lot of weekend brunches and window shopping in 900 N. Michigan Ave.
Now that it's warming up, our favorite thing to do is go for a long walk along the lakefront or through the Lincoln Park Zoo. Once Connor is a little older, we'll start exploring all of the parks in our neighborhood.
What was the best advice you got as a new mom? What was the worst?
The best advice I got was to trust my instincts. So many people want to share their experiences and give advice, but at the end of the day you really need to trust your gut.
The worst advice for me was to sleep when the baby sleeps. I just couldn't do it, no matter how hard I tried. I commend those who can though! A more effective piece of advice for me would have been, "try to check one thing off your to do list when the baby sleeps, not five." It took me a while to realize that it's okay to be less productive; a baby is a full time job!