Network MT MTSU's Student Networking Site By: A.J. Grande

Network MT MTSU’s Student Networking Site By: A.J. Grande and Ebon’e Merrimon

Table of Contents

Audience Analysis…………………………..3

Proposal…………………………………………5

Sample Messages…………………………..7

Message Testing…………………………..20

2 Audience Analysis

As partners we agreed on the idea of creating a website that would allow MTSU students to create an online portfolio distributing their accomplishments within their major. The personal profile will be viewed by other students, organizations, professors, and companies allowing them to network and communicate with those in their line of work. By providing this necessity, students will be able to outsource and network without the fear that their work is going unnoticed. Students will have the power of networking within their fingertips and can improve student connection within the university. Our targeted audience would be college students, because this website is based upon the idea of providing a way to improve the way they network and gain recognition. While forming a focus group we wondered whether our idea was a necessity and how it would be beneficial to our school. We want to not only provide a lending hand to college students, but for MTSU as well by improving the way they promote students and allow them to network. We gathered our storyboard of ideas, came up with a various group of questions, and reached out to find participants for our focus group. The psychographic and demographic build up of our focus group came to one basic premise, we just wanted to find MTSU students whom were trying to find ways to promote themselves. Due to us having friends who fit that criteria, we didn’t have to use a media search. Our participants were between the age of 18-24, from both small – middle town backgrounds, and EMC majors. They all shared the ability of being open-minded, use self-promotion, and spent an average amount of time online. The main social media usage they use to promote themselves was Snapchat and Twitter, though they do use other forms these were the most popular ones. Lastly, they all shared the opinion that university doesn’t provide a grounded way to network with others. By examining these psychographic and demographic similarities, we understood the necessity of our idea. For our focus group, we wanted to ask unbiased questions, allowing those involved to have broad-minded responses. We focused on questions like how may the site contribute to you as a student and, if it can, what ways can it be improved and much more. The responses we

3 received were direct, nonjudgmental, and insightful. For example, when asked how could the site help promote your work, one participate said, “I will post videos of myself working with other artists hoping to get noticed. There is no central place to network.” We want to be that central place for students, so by that comment we learned we were on the right track of making that happen. The focus group flowed well and we gained an ample amount of information we can use in order to improve our website. We did find that, consistently, the participants would state how they wish MTSU would promote their students and that organizations would promote themselves better. We learned how to broaden our website to assist the university and organizations to do so. The participants also suggested on opening our website to companies so by getting in contact with companies in the Nashville area, we can allow students to learn of opportunities that may help them in their field. The focus group was a major success and now we are better prepared to create our website. With all that we learned we feel that we are confident in the website we want to create. The site will put the power of networking in the hands of students and allow them to become noticed by the work they create. By placing your profile online, students can collaborate and companies can find what MTSU students are doing and how to get in contact with them for their business. The focus group allowed up to see that this is a major necessity for MTSU students and a definite need for our university.

4 Proposal

Our project is a website that will help improve the way MTSU students network. By creating a central place for students to network they can share their work. We want to allow students to have the power of connecting in their hands. No longer will they have to hope to run into someone in their major while in class now they can simply go to our site to access students in their major. Students will now know who to connect with and how to connect with them. Having a central area for students to connect is important because students don't have that at MTSU. Though our university cares for us greatly we hope that our site can enhance the way they engage students. By relying on just classmates most time we can't expect the work some students claim to offer. This will allow students to appreciate the work other students do and help them collaborate. Our target audience is obviously MTSU students, as we look to engage them and create this central area for them. The majority of them and 18 to 24 and are from or currently live in the Nashville area. Another characteristic of our target audience is those who are looking to network with others and get connected. These people usually very technologically savvy and are very connected on social media. Our project looks to engage these students and get them to put themselves out there like they have on other sites. But also, we want to target Nashville area businesses with our website, so they can be aware of the local talent in Murfreesboro, and the high quality graduates and current students we have! The theme of our project is to succeed. We hope to build up students with their resumes and portfolios. By doing so we hope to improve the rate of student involvement in organizations and soon increase students receiving a job after college. This will be done by organizations and jobs of the Nashville area having the ability to connect with MTSU. We run on a platform of succession and improvement. Our goal is to improve the way students connect and collaborate with others Using Wordpress, the idea for our website is allow people to submit information about themselves and we use it to create a basic profile for them. This profile will list all their work

5 plus their resumes if they have one, Then students can click on a tab to find who is within their major. Once on that tab students will be able to glance at other student portfolios and see who is in the same area of expertise they are in. Also they can click on tabs that list MTSU organizations that will best fit them. We show you who and how you connect with them and all you have to do is call. The way we increase traffic on the website is by using social media. That platform that we chose to use is FaceBook, because it is the powerhouse of the social media industry and almost everyone, whether students or alumni, have a profile. It also it is the easiest social media platform to connect on. Though this is a project now, we see this type of website as a need for the university, and we see this website being sponsored by MTSU in the long term. As for now, the website will be up and running in 3 weeks, and if it blows up quickly, could be picked up by MTSU in just a few years! I don’t see us spending any money on the website now, but if the university decides to sponsor it, the site would need a full time webmaster to monitor and keep track of the site. With these tools, we hope to create a community and culture here at MTSU of students helping students, and working together and bettering each other, while also bettering the university and the community!

6 Sample Messages About Us

NetworkMT was founded in 2016 by two college students seeking a better way to network with other students within their field. With an idea to connect and a goal to improve the ay students communicate NetworkMT was born. Created to link students with others in their major and also help how they network and build partnerships we hope our site help create working relationships. Our website was built on partnership and will provide that to all those that use it to connect.

MTSU is a growing school with many organizations and people to help guide those the right direction in order for someone to fully achieve. Many may feel this way yet don’t know how to connect with such people. Our site takes away that wonder and provides that missing link for students to become engage in the things going on at the campus. We also aim to highlight students within their fields and the skills they’ve acquired. By our social media platforms we expose the hidden talents within MTSU and students can feel that support MTSU has to offer.

Our site is just designed for all to feel as important as they are as a MTSU student representing true blue.

Designed to link college students our website gives them an easier way to build connections and working relationships. By simply creating a portfolio and providing basic information we guarantee students can find someone they can collaborate with to assist them in their field. No longer will students wonder if they have someone in their major in their class or if their are any organizations that can help build their resume because they can do all that here.

We provide detailed information on our universities organizations, certain majors, links to MTSU associated internships, third party employment aid, and a list of students within majors. Our website improves the way students network and connect with others.

7 Our website will forever be the central platform for students to contrive ideas with one another. We hope to help improve students network abilities as our university grows as one of the leading schools in Tennessee. Our website will create a culture of leading students striving in their field. NetworkMT is the future of networking for Middle Tennessee State University.

ORGANIZATIONS

WMTS 88.3 FM WMTS is MTSU’s student-run radio station broadcasting to Rutherford county on frequency

88.3, and is also streamed online. Students can intern for a semester learning how to operate station equipment and then apply what they learned to their own shows on the station. This allows students to get real world experience of broadcasting on a real radio station using real equipment. This is a great way for students to get involved as a student and put themselves out there.

Visit the WMTS 88.3 website

Like WMTS 88.3 on Facebook

Follow WMTS 88.3 on Twitter

WMTS request line: (615) 898-5051

Listen Online

Social Media Club Promoting networking more than anyone else, the Social Media club is a great place to meet other people, and get involved with some great opportunities. This club meets once a month discussing a lot of different topics pertaining to social media and it’s effects on society today.

Also, the club does a lot of field trips and volunteers at networking and digital media events in the Nashville area.

8 For more information, email Todd O’Neill, MTSU Social Media Club Advisor

 Like MTSU Social Media Club on Facebook

MT10 MT10 is a student run television station produced right here on MTSU’s campus. It is home to many different programs, including news and original content that you can’t find anywhere else.

It is always on the forefront of new technology, and focused on producing students ready to just into a career in newscasting. It is also a great organization to be involved in, because of the leadership that you can hold, and the people that you can meet. There is so much, and so many people that go into MT10, which makes it a great opportunity to again, meet people and build connections that you could end up using in the future. You can watch the station on Comcast channel 10 in Rutherford County, as well as online at MT10tv.com.

For more information email Rob Jasso, MT10 Advisor

 Visit the MT10tv website  Visit the MT10 News Website  Like MT10tv on Facebook  Like MT10 News on Facebook  Follow MT10tv on Twitter  Follow MT10 News on Twitter

Omega Delta Psi

Omega Delta Psi is home to MTSU’s first co-ed recording industry fraternity. Similar to our goal, ODP is all about the advancement of students by collaborating with others and continuing their learning outside of what they learn in the classroom. They want to create a place where recording industry students can connect and network with each other, while also learning from industry professionals. On top of supporting each other, Omega Delta Psi puts on concerts to benefit philanthropies and support local causes to give back to the community. Though this fraternity is focused on Audio Production, Music Business, and Songwriting students, people of all majors that are interested in the Recording industry are welcome to join the organization. If you are interested in getting involved with this group, or you want to know more about Omega Delta Psi, you can visit their website, www.omegadeltapsi.com. Also connect with Omega Delta Psi.

Omega Delta Psi on Facebook Omega Delta Psi on Twitter Omega Delta Psi on Instagram Listen to Omega Delta Psi on Soundcloud

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to create a profile?

Since this is a MTSU website only can the students of this school along with professors and organizations of MTSU.

Will companies be able to view my profile?

Yes, we actually host several companies on our site that sponsor us. If the company you want is not included in the vast list we provide we will personally send your profile to the company of your choice if provide us with the right contact.

Is my work protected?

Yes, when included in the list of students within a major a brief description is given or you and your work. In order for someone to view your work they hit a link sending an email to the one you want to connect with. If wanting to connect they will give you access to their profile.

How long does my profile stay active?

Our services don’t end once you graduate it ends when you want to deactivate your account. We welcome alunis to maintain their page to work with prospective students and or help mentor students.

Is this site monitored?

This is a university site so it's constantly monitored to rid any obscene or lewd behavior.

We do not support any profanity nor discrimination if seen we ask users to report and it will be given to proper authorities.

How will I be notified if someone wants to get in contact with me?

Since your profile has the option to be linked to either your phone, email, or both you will receive either a text or an email.

Submissions page

Our mission is to try to build a culture of people putting themselves out there and networking.

We want everyone to have a chance to me themselves available and have their own space on our website. As we try and create a comprehensive place to find the what MTSU has to offer we want to become the central place students exchange ideas and build partnerships. The missing link is YOU! We want you to be apart of our student driven initiative for success by submitting your info and some examples of your work to our website. Below, you can fill out these fields with your information, and we will add it to our website within 5 business days so that you can join this great networking campaign that we are starting.

Name:

Major:

Minor: (this field is by no means necessary, but if it is relevant, or want to in could it, please do)

Classification: (this is just your classification in hours, to get an idea of what stage you are in the educational process at MT)

Bio: (this is a space you can write this in any way you want. It represents you and your work and what type of person you want to display to your peers. Can be written in 1st or 3rd person)

Link to Work(s): (this is a place where you can link to your best work from our website. Feel free to also any social media accounts that you choose to link to your account.)

Profiles

Name: Anna Waggoner

Major: Songwriter

Minor: Entrepreneurship

Classification: Freshman

I am a songwriter and musician at MTSU looking to connect with other musicians no matter the genre. I am a DJ for WMTS and own my own show Around The Waves. There I play not only my original work but also the work of other local artist. To check me out just visit my pages:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/anna.waggoner.96

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/anna-waggoner/gatsby

Name: Ebon’e Merrimon

Major: Media Management

Minor: African American Studies and Communication Studies

Classification: Sophomore

I'm a Spoken Word Artist, beginning videographer and writer. I've been working with WMTS since the Fall of 2016 and I am the soulful owner of Deep Soul Radio. I play Neo-Soul, Gospel

Rap, local artists, and spoken word. I would love to connect with not only other writers but also local artists looking to promote their music.Please get in touch with me on any of my social media platforms to collaborate and with an old school flow.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deep-Soul-Radio-1701938466719591/?fref=ts

IG: ebbie.m and Twitter: DeeoSoul_E

Poetry: http://www.powerpoetry.org/users/deeplyplanted17

Name: A.J. Grande

Major: New Media Communications

Minor: Music

Classification: Junior

In my time at MTSU, I have been extremely involved in many different organizations on campus, holding leadership in them. I am currently the Vice President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and also the Co-Vice of the MTSU Band of Blue. I am a social media guru, nerd for new technology, and love meeting people both online and in person. Sports and music are passions that I hold in high regard, and I love writing and talking about them with other people. Check out my website and social media websites.

Twitter and Instagram: ajthehornplayer

Website: https://ajthehornplayer.wordpress.com/

Name: Joseph Bagwell

Major: Audio Production

Minor:

Classification: Senior

My name is Joseph Bagwell. I go by Joe. I am 21 years old. I am an aspiring guitarist from south

Mississippi. I've played and recorded with many bands and solo acts such as; Sam Mooney and band, Cole Powell Band, Deez Notes, The Sojourners, The Wolfpack Ramblers, TBR

Band,Grady Whalens, Chad Perry, Greg Smith, and Tony Norton. Just to name a few. I do have experience playing solo. I play a wide variety of genres with my forte's being: Blues, Jazz, Funk, and Rock. I will have a professional page back up within the next month. If you have any inquires contact me at [email protected]

Name: Connor Ulrey

Major: Journalism

Minor: Entrepreneurship

Classification: Junior to be a Senior

I’m Connor Ulrey. I’m a sports writer majoring in Journalism at MTSU. I’m originally from

Southern Illinois, I’m in a love/hate relationship with Chicago sports, and I’m very opinionated.

I write for not only Sidelines on campus, but also Cleat Geeks, Northside Manner and Has Been

Sports. I also cover lifestyles on occasion.

16 Links: mtsusidelines.com, @connorulrey on twitter, @connorulrey on Instagram, cleatgeeks.com, hasbeensports.com and northsidemanner.wordpress.com

Social Media

NETWORK MT

Facebook Bio: Network MT is a new, student driven campaign to encourage networking and collaboration both on the campus of MTSU and in the Nashville area. We want to help support students and help them put themselves out there by fostering an atmosphere of students helping students by collaborating to better each other and create excellence. We also want to highlight people that represent what our brand is all about, people who are putting themselves out there and making a name for themselves just by networking.

Posts: 1. NETWORKMT has finally launched a Facebook page. We look forward to using it as a communication tool with users so we can grow together. We will be asking questions and mentoring students to the best of our abilities.

2. As students, we want to focus on others and helping them succeed, and represent MTSU.

We accomplish this goal by working together, and in the process we better ourselves while helping others.

3. MTSU is a great place because it's full of talented people who are looking for others to work with. Tell us some stories you have where

4. We support all of the many students that tread upon MTSU campus and support each of their dreams. We hope to bring a culture of talented students taking the hand of others pushing others and rising to their full advantage.

5. Alumnis are welcome to keep their page and help assist and mentor students as they climb the same ladder of success they once climbed.

17 6. Our university offers many organizations to help prepare students not only in their fields but also in acquiring and improving interpersonal skills. Check out our many organizations and get in NetworkMT.

7. You have any good Ideas to improve our campaign, we would love to hear them and incorporate them into our website. All contributions are welcome, and we would love to recognize you for your help. You can send all questions and inquearies to [email protected] or [email protected]

For our social media we don’t only want to advertise ourselves but the students on our site. We want to make sure students feel what MTSU makes us feel like an asset to our university.

Instagram

NetworkMT student of the day is Melissa Garner. She is a junior majoring in Songwriting hoping to become a country singer and a songwriter. She has already interned for SiriusXM and is a committed member of CMAEDU. She can be heard Soundcloud and you can find that link in the bio on her NetworkMT profile. We celebrate our members and we are happy to have her at

MTSU.

Check out MTSU student Aaron Maverick. He is a senior studying Audio Production by day and a soulful blues singer at night. He mostly hangs at local jazz bars singing to crowds as he aspires to make his music heard by all.Aaron can be heard on not only MTSU’s own WMOT he can also be heard in front of the library every Friday at 3pm. Check out his profile for a direct link to his music and more.

(Insert Video of Anna Here)

Check out student Anna Waggoner soundcloud as she performs her original song Gatsby. She personally wrote and performed this song as well as her other works on h

19 Message Testing

For our second focus group we wanted to go outside the confinements of a four wall room and take it to an online audience. We took this approach hoping to better communicate with people and to get a much broader response on our project. Though it proved that our personal review was more successful than our online review we still received some responses and were able to gain a general feedback people had towards our project. By analyzing both focus group we learned that our basic premise was right, Network MT would be a valuable assist to MTSU. It would be a great contribution for present and future students to use and contribute towards. When forming an idea for our online focus group we didn’t see a need to change our demographics. We wanted to use our Facebook page to post questions on it and just let people answer at their own pace in an asimultaneous fashion because we felt that since our site would be a MTSU page, it would be for MTSU students who are busy just like all college students. We stuck to the same demographics of college students within the age range of 18-24, because the majority of students fall into that age range. We outsourced to not only our friends but the MTSU Class pages hoping to gain the interest of students who believed in contributing to the growth of our university. We also decided to open our online survey to those who participated in the first focus group since they are the demographic and seemed to have a lot of interest in our project. The response were few but enough for us to gain a general consensus. The questions we presented for our second focus group basically steamed from our first focus group. We asked questions pertaining to the make-up of our site, the necessity of our project and even the accessibility of our website. By the responses we concluded that this can be useful for all current and past MTSU students. This site can allow people to generate and broaden personal ideas by connecting them with others who may share their ideas allowing them to collaborate. The insights we received from our participates allowed us to understand that we are creating a central place for students to network and collaborate amongst others, we displayed our copy as a Facebook page since its one of our main social networking platforms. By doing so we were able to show a layout of what our website would be and how it

20 can contribute to MTSU. This was effective because people could finally view what we’ve been saying instead of visualize what we try to put forth. For the website in itself we received feedback that it was functional and easy to navigate. We learned that people didn’t find it to be busy nor too extreme of information. When wanting to find any changes to the site there was no comment. It seems like people have no problem with how our website is laid out nor with how to navigate through it. Our second focus group was successful and highly productive. We were intrigued by the responses we received and understood what few changes we may need to change in order to accommodate majors outside recording industry, photography, videography, and journalism. We value those that were able to take the time out to answer our questions because it allowed us to expand the idea for our project. We now believe this can be the central networking site for MTSU students.