In the business world, technology is a good thing to have.  It makes connecting with others easier and can make your business seem fresh and current.  However, a business that relies solely on technology and cuts out the personal aspect is frowned upon in the eyes of customers.

Lately, it seems that businesses and corporations are hiring recent college graduates to help conduct their social media or technology resources. While this creates great job opportunities for the students, there are three lessons new employees should keep in mind before starting.

Make technology personal

If your new job involves a lot of technology or social media, be sure to still be personal with your customers and fellow employees.  If your focus is social media, listen and pay attention to what the customer wants from your company and answer them personally. Stay away from automated replies and do not bombard their email accounts with newsletters and other junk.  Treat the customer like a person, rather than a number.  If your job includes heavy technical work such as web designing, find out what appeals to the customers. Always remember, ask and you and will receive. Ask the customers what they want, and they will tell you.

Don’t get caught up in the competition

A company’s goal should always be to “be the best.” But when the competition becomes the main focus rather than appealing to customers, then the company is no longer “the best.” Instead of focusing on what the competition is doing, listen to what your customers are saying. Don’t be afraid to play the “young cutting edge employee” card if you’re going to use it for good intentions.  Sure, the competition is the rush of excitement every twenty-something-year-old day dreams about in the middle of a boring lecture, but in the end, is it truly rewarding or unique? Bring something new to the workplace, something humble and smart. Don’t worry about what the competition is doing—worry about the voice of your customers.

Be Fearless

Do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.  The world has far too many crooked professionals who have lost the message they were trying to create before they were influenced by money and power.  If your employer asks unethical things of you, walk away. There is no amount of money that is worth your trust or dignity.  And now with technology and social media, scandals and corruption can be displayed easier and brought to the public’s attention quicker. Employers may try to take advantage of you because of your age and experience. If you are asked to do something that you are not sure is ethical, research and ask questions before. Having a solid reputation is worth more in the long run than a large bonus. Be honest, be true, and be fearless.

Of course there are many other lessons that need to be learned before entering the workplace but these three are imperative to a start successful career.  Being a great employee is always important, but being a good person should always come first. Remember to always treat people with respect, listen to what they want, and to be honest with customers and other employees.  These are the values that will make your career go places you never thought it would and are priceless.