Member Spotlight: Kate Voth

Each month AWC Austin highlights one very special member making a difference in the communications industry in Austin, Texas. On a crisp November afternoon, we had the chance to sit down with Kate Voth, Senior Social Media Communications Coordinator for the Austin Board of REALTORS. Kate is the whole enchilada: friendly, talented, and in perpetual motion. Take a minute to meet Kate Voth and learn a bit about her philosophies, both on- and offline.

AWC AUSTIN: You recently renewed your membership with AWC Austin. What are your top reasons for returning?
KV: I became a member in 2008 and, although I enjoyed my experience, I regrettably let my membership expire in 2009. That was such a missed opportunity because you can make so much of your membership. Determined to not let that happen again, I rejoined in 2010 and began volunteering for AWC’s Banner Brunch. It was a great experience and really brought the membership value to life. I met so many stellar communicators who I could not only add to my professional network, but to my list of personal friends, as well. I just volunteered to be Marketing Co-chair for the 2012 Banner Brunch. I’m very excited to take on that roll and become more involved because what you put in is what you get back.

AWC AUSTIN: You have built a great name for yourself on the social media scene. How do you market yourself online? Define your personal social media strategy.
KV: When deciding what to share, my general rule is that if I truly find something interesting or useful, someone else probably will, too. I also sprinkle in a fair amount of personal updates. In my opinion, sharing experiences, thoughts, triumphs and challenges provides others an “in” to connecting with you more meaningfully on some level, ultimately making you more relevant and approachable. It’s not uncommon for Twitter friends who meet in person for the first time to say, “I feel like I already know you!” And that’s a great thing, because at the end of the day we make friends and do business with people we know and trust. On top of this, an important element of my personal strategy is simply being aware of what my Twitter stream and Facebook page actually say about me. I’ll review my social media accounts from time to time to make sure, for example, that my tweets have been including more than just cute cat pictures.

AWC AUSTIN: Was the decision to disclose your experience with cancer a difficult one?
KV: Yes, and no. My biggest concern is always that people might think I’m asking for pity or attention when I talk about my cancer. But, when I think about why I am sharing this information, I know it’s because being a cancer fighter is a huge part of who I am. It gives me a different perspective on many issues and on life in general. I’ve struggled with melanoma for years, and to act as if this aspect of my life does not exist is impossible. That’s why I tweet about it. I also want to be a resource to others who are struggling with cancer. It can be difficult for cancer fighters—especially young adults—to find people “like them,” so I make it known that, yes, I have cancer and I’m willing to talk about it. Some really wonderful relationships have come from this.

AWC AUSTIN: Congrats on your acceptance into the Leadership Austin Emerge program, by the way! Tell me what you’re most looking forward to in the coming year.
KV: At our first meeting, I felt so inspired and uplifted to be around people who simply want to work towards the common good. Even after a long workday, going to a four-hour Emerge session left me more energized than if I had taken a nap or gone for a run! One focus of the first meeting was whether or not we have found our “Ah ha!” moment or simply, what we want to do with our lives. I shared that I feel I’ve found my general philosophy in life but I’ve yet to hone that in relation to my career calling. I’m hoping that as we go through this process, I will come closer to finding that true calling of mine.

AWC AUSTIN: How has your battle with cancer changed the way you communicate with people?
KV: In sharing details of my fight against cancer via social media, I’ve learned that “virtual” support can make a very real and positive impact in a person’s life. The support I’ve received is incredibly moving and absolutely mind-blowing, and it’s a constant reminder that taking the time to reach out and support others through social media is always worth it (even better, take that relationship offline and turn those words into action!). I do my best to return the love and support I’ve been shown when I engage with others. I think social media is a great tool for people, no matter what they’re going through, to find others with shared experiences and develop key relationships.

AWC AUSTIN: Your job as a Social Media Communications Coordinator didn’t even exist ten years ago. Have you encountered any difficulties with this and if so, how have you dealt with them?
KV: I suppose the most difficult part of my job is also the most exciting: It doesn’t come with a playbook. Even though social media itself may seem like “old news” by now, there’s a difference between using social media and using social media well. This is where having a playbook makes a difference. There’s no one-size-fits-all social media plan, so we’re still experiencing the “wild west” out there as companies forge their own way in determining their unique goals and success metrics and discover their own best practices through trial and error. It’s both daunting and comforting to recognize that we’re all learning together! I do my best to stay informed by attending industry conferences and luncheons, engaging with fellow social media professionals and reading as many social media case studies and blog posts as I can get my eyes on.

AWC AUSTIN: What changes in communication have you noticed on the horizon?
KV: Communications professionals no longer have the luxury of communicating on their own time or their own terms. Conversations about your brand are happening in all sorts of spaces whether you’re part of them or not, and those conversations don’t end at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. In an age where information can be shared in an instant, people have come to expect immediacy and transparency in communications. For these reasons, the industry is changing in such a way that social media is becoming a crucial aspect of most communications plans. And it’s no longer recommended but critical that companies have a crisis communications plan in place; it’s not a matter of “if” you’ll need it, but “when.”

AWC AUSTIN: What advice do you have for other millennials looking to succeed in the work world?
KV: My best advice is to avoid stereotyping, treat everyone with respect, and engage with others having the mindset of, “I have something valuable to learn from this person.” At the same time, however, know yourself and the value you bring to the table, and be confident.

AWC AUSTIN: What does Kate Voth do during her ideal Austin weekend?
KV: I’m a pretty simple girl…it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy! My ideal weekend involves being outdoors, good food, music, and friends.

Want to know how Kate stays in the know?
Check out Kate Voth’s Blog Roll and be sure to say hello to her at the next AWC event!