It’s a safe bet that many of you have checked your Facebook or Twitter pages today. Social media has provided great tools for connecting with family and friends. If you’re not using social media as a networking tool; however, then you’re not fully taking advantage of these sites.
Social media is the future of business networking.
Sounds pretty bold, doesn’t it? But it is not even remotely far-fetched. Millions of professionals are networking each day using social media. It’s your turn to get started, and begin using social media as an effective networking tool. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Become an active LinkedIn member. Maybe you set up half a profile a few years ago. That’s not enough. LinkedIn has become the top professional social networking site. With more than 100 million members, an active presence on this site is essential. Community and group discussions on LinkedIn can be a valuable way to meet professionals in your niche or area, and to establish yourself as an expert. Just meet with a new client or business prospect? Send an invite to connect on LinkedIn as soon as you can, following the meeting.
2. Start following people on Twitter. Twitter has become pigeonholed as a niche social media site, but it is growing exponentially as a professional networking hub. Look for market and industry influencers and “follow” them. Twitter etiquette dictates that more often than not, you will gain that person as a “follower” in return. Then, tweet regularly with industry insights, news, and other useful information. Re-tweet posts you find interesting, and don’t shy away from replying or engaging other professionals with tweets. There are great conversations happening across the Twitterverse – start getting involved!
3. Take advantage of Facebook. In all likelihood, you have a Facebook profile. Probably your co-workers too. So it stands to reason that your clients and potential clients (and potential employers) are also on Facebook. Start connecting. But, connect with caution. Set up a separate profile for your career connections, or utilize Facebook’s privacy settings to ensure your personal life remains personal.
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