6 social media tips from an Air Force general

According to retired Brig. Gen. John Michel, a few of the keys to a successful social media presence are true engagement with followers, having a strategy, and respect.

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Toward the end of his 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, now-retired Brig. Gen. John Michel led NATO’s 14-nation effort to build an independent air force in Afghanistan, so you wouldn’t blame him if he hadn’t spent even a second on social media.

To the contrary, Michel took to Twitter every day to bring people along on his journey.

“I shared pictures of our triumphs and, at times, even our trials,” Michel recalls. “I shared photos of our Afghan and coalition partners making small, daily contributions to creating something meaningful and important, and people across the globe loved it.”

Michel certainly felt the love, as he now has more than 344,000 followers on Twitter. In August 2014, the Air Force Times spotlighted Michel as one of the top Air Force leaders on social media.

Since his retirement from the Air Force in January, Michel has continued to nurture his social media presence while building his career as a speaker, author, blogger and leadership expert.

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