Learn ins and outs of social networking at Harper

Social media can be a magnificent asset — or a cumbersome and confusing tool. Harper College this month is offering two free seminars aimed at helping local residents better navigate Twitter, Facebook and other popular social networking sites in an era when the platforms are being used for everything from reconnecting with old friends to marketing businesses and getting hired.

The “Social Networking 101: Communicating Through the Cloud” sessions will tackle social media basics — including the different available networks and their uses — and suggest tips for building a viable network and avoiding common pitfalls.

“Social media can be extremely valuable, personally and professionally, when it’s done right by people who recognize its potential,” says Harper College marketing director Mike Barzacchini, who is leading the session. “We’re here to show you how to make it work.”

Barzacchini helps manage the college’s growing social media presence and brand, and also uses social media actively in his personal life — particularly for interests related to family, music, fishing and food. His seminars will offer tools for establishing social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other common platforms; tips for managing your privacy on those sites; and suggestions for making the most of social media to market yourself or a business, from using Twitter to drive Web traffic to relying on photo and video uploads to increase online visibility.

The seminars will be offered at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, in Room X210, Building X in the Avanté Center and at noon on Thursday, June 23, in room Z119, Building Z in the Avanté Center. They’re the latest in the Harper Heritage Seminar Series, a collection of free sessions sponsored by Harper’s Educational Foundation.

To register or for more information, call (847) 925-6490 or visit harpercollege.edu/foundation.