Social Media Networking. What at first seemed to be the secret password among the hustlers of the industry has slowly morphed into a mystical and ever attractive concept that some of us attempt to utilize in our careers. Sometimes successfully.But mostly are futile attempts get lost in the great big black void of the "lost connections" section of the internet universe.So here are a few pointers and lists of sites that should be of interest.
First of all,think of online networking in the same terms as dating. Once you look at it in those terms,a few basic guidelines will (hopefully) form:
1. Know what you want and know how to ask for it. Writing to everyone you can find on linked in "Hi,how are you?Lets connect" with a cute "smiley face" is pointless,unless of course you were going after relationships that will go no further than an online add(if you are lucky). Not having a plan,will bring predictable results-none. Know what you want to achieve from networking,who you need to contact,how many people you need to befriend to get to that person,what you want to sell yourself as.
2.No spamming! And by that I mean specifically no "copy and paste" messages.We are all alike in one thing-our desire to not only feel that we are special but have this assumption supported by those around us. Court your person of interest by having at least one paragraph describe their awesomeness and why your world will change,if they get back to you. Which leads me into the danger zone of the second rule...
3. Desperation repels. Yes,yes. Half of you have been repelled,and the other half-"for cryin' out loud,snap out of it!"Be ware of sounding desperate by the means of too much flattery,being too persistent,too aggressive. What's even trickier is that some people,who are genuinely passionate about what they do,might come across as trying too hard to sell themselves.
So what's the solution?Moderation. Foremost,remember that this is all about business,and this implies a certain degree of composure and distance. Secondly-be curt. Being able to say a lot with few words(while still keeping the grammar in tact) is a great skill and also minimizes your chances of saying something stupid. Thirdly-ask a friend to read your letter and give you feedback. Compare if the impression you were hoping for is what others feel from your communication. Adjust accordingly.
4. Stay focused. Having the time to send out a hundred emails in one sitting,does not mean you should do so. Actually lets nip this in the bud right this second-don't do it,ever. Why?Let's say the stars were aligned,and eighty people wrote you back and all of them want to either hear more sweet nothings about themselves,or talk on the phone some time this week,or have a lunch date,or skype about the weather. Suddenly you have 80 connections you are trying to turn into meaningful relationships. Ever tried dating 80 people at the same time,in hopes of finding "The One"?See where I am going with this?
5. Business only please. People on business related networking sites are not on there to find peeps to drink beer with and most importantly-they are not looking for a date. Keep your cool and stay professional-there are certain things in life that should be separated and never combined. Your failed romantic online escapade might one day cost you a job.It has definitely been known to happen. Too many times.
Stay tuned for part two,with the list of professional networking sites.
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