Alice Martin is the founder and president of ShroomSocial, a social media Web site. She sat down with AFM to talk about how to maximize both personal and professional potential through the use of social media.

AFM: So, how are you involved with social media?

AM: I have a business doing social media for brands and companies throughout the United States and in Canada as well.

AFM: Tell me more about ShroomSocial.

AM: It’s a marketing, social media company that I started a few years ago. I help write and create content for brands and companies; so, I’m their voice. I actually go into their account whether its Facebook or Twitter or whatever social we are pushing for that company. I will do some actual engagement as well. Sometimes, I will have to be the wine company’s voice or a whiskey company’s voice or a beer company’s voice. Sometimes, it’s something really girly and frou-frou. So, there are so many different profiles and a different voice for every single brand and account.

AFM: Is it difficult being able to change your voice to fit so many different brands and companies?

AM: It’s almost like you have to get into character and feel that brand; know the brand and what they are actually wanting to express and be that throughout the whole Twitter, Facebook and messaging. When you have been with that company and have been doing it for so long, that voice comes natural and can be expressed out there.

AFM: How can you best use social media in personal vs. professional life?

AM: So, I run profiles and I have my own personal profile. I don’t really solicit my business or anything like that on there and I use it as my personal “I’ll say what I want,” yet broadcast some news and other things that are happening to help support things I believe in. Once in a while, some of the brands, I will use my account and support it on there. But it is really good to have a personal account and a brand account as well.

AFM: How can using social media help a business or an individual looking for professional opportunities?

AM: Well, there are different social media outlets for everything. For instance, if I am looking for a job there is a different social media site to use. Twitter is “Hear Me,” Facebook is “See Me,” and LinkedIn is “Hire Me.” So people should be on LinkedIn if they want a job. There are different social sites for needs and wants of what you want to express.