[MUSIC] Hello, and welcome back. In our previous video we discussed positioning strategies. In this video we will discuss distribution strategies. Now, distribution strategies by definition is an effective way to use alternative distribution of channels versus a direct channel. And so let's discuss, let's delve right into this. So as we think about traditional channels, it could be going directly to a company speaking one on one. And so, what are some alternative ways that we can utilize this distribution strategy for our benefit and ourself marketing ourselves? Number one can be social media. Social media, things to come to mind are mediums such as Facebook, Twitter, a blog that you might create, as well as a personal website. Now utilizing social medias, how can I take the information, you're high proficiency, at different competencies and skills. In market, how can I let employers know about my skills and that I'm very good at what I do. For instance, we could start off with our e-portfolio, by using Facebook or any of these other social medias. If I have an electronic format, that's what the e stands for in the portfolio. E portfolio, then I can upload my portfolio on some of these different sites, such as my personal website. Or maybe I create a blog. So not only am I talking about my skills and maybe even some tid bits or factual things that can be helpful to others in regards to this industry but I can also upload my e-portfolio. I can show evidence of my high level proficiency at a skill or competency. Also it gives me the ability to begin to brand myself and being known as someone who is expert or very proficient or have high skills in this particular industry or market. I can increase my networking, Facebook, and most of us have several hundreds of friends. But the more people I let know that this is my industry. I am very good at it and I'm even seeking a position, begin to increase my network or what I like to call my concentric circle of contacts. Again I can post my resume on a website, personal website. I can post my resume and cover letters on blogs. And also I can Tweet different information where I can Tweet a URL to show my ePortfolio. Or maybe a YouTube video that I have created marketing myself or my brand. These are just some ways that I can utilize social media as a way of distributing through alternative channels, my skills, my competencies, what I'm very good at. Another way that we can utilize the distribution strategy is through volunteering. And so by volunteering, I can showcase my skills. I can choose an organization or a company that might be looking for volunteers. And it could be in regards to something that I'm interested in, or as a stepping stone to a position that I'm looking for. And by volunteering it gives me a couple things that I can do in this organization or position. Not only do I showcase my abilities, but I also can strengthen certain skills because now I can serve, and by serving I'm getting practice at a particular skill or competency. I also can look for sponsors and or mentors. Now what' the difference between a mentor and a sponsor? I'm so glad that you asked. A mentor is someone that you might go to when they're kind of giving you advise. You know you need to take this step, go see this person, look into this particular industry or look into this particular field. A sponsor is a person that can help make contacts, who can sponsor you into a position. For instance, a sponsor can make a phone call on your behalf and put you at the top of the list of getting a job. A sponsor can contact another person and give you some experience and something that will help your resume or credentials. Another thing that we can utilize distribution strategies is internships. Internships is a great way to increase access to professionals within the field. Again, it might give me access to more mentors and sponsors. Through this internship I can increase the experiences I'm listing on my resume. As well as if I'm doing a project or writing something or presenting, I can add these evidence or artifacts to my e-portfolio. So these are just a few of things that we can utilize in an alternative way versus your direct access for distributing your information. So what have we learned? We learned distribution channels and distribution strategies such as social media, volunteering for an organization and internships. Now to remember, these are just a few. You can be very creative in you discovering other distribution channels that you can utilize for your strategy. What next? What's coming up next is contact strategies. And so I look forward to seeing you in our next video.