Who do you know? How often are you interacting with your contacts? If you needed an intro to someone at another organization/business is there a good chance you will know someone who knows someone? Individuals who develop strong networks offline have traditionally done so because they see the value of having personal connections to turn to when they need information, an introduction for a sales lead, an introduction for employment, an introduction for a potential partner or an assessment of another person or organization. If you understand the value of networking offline, what is keeping you from utilizing online social networks?
Let me guess. Uncertainty of the value of social networks, uncertainty of the time required to participate in social networks and uncertainty of how to participate.
Value:
First, the most important value is in the increased number and depth of relationships created or developed from social networks. You will get from those relationships what you put in. Just as you do with offline relationships. Specific outcomes you can generate with a solid network and solid methodology for engaging with your network:
- Generate new leads
- Increase client/member/public engagement in your organization/business/project
Time:
The time you spend on social networking tools is completely up to you. The more wisely you use the tools, the less time will be required to realize results.
Examples:
- Integrate your social networking applications wherever possible (ie, twitter stream to Facebook and Plaxo).
- Do not enter new contacts individually but rather upload your address book and invite new contacts weekly or every other week within one mass request.
- Install a Twitter mobile application on your phone.
How:
If you understand offline networking, you understand the process of developing and keeping relationships leads to opportunities. To receive, one must give. This is true with offline networking and it is true with online networking.
- If you are providing useful information from within your area of expertise (and your hobbies and interests) then others will listen to you and want to interact with you. Note – yes, they will listen to you but only if you interact with them.
- The more active you are in the community, the more the interesting contacts you will make and the more interesting you will become.
- The more genuine you are, the more appealing others will find you. Salesy – bad. Interested in others – good.
Today one can develop those relationships through both offline and online strategies. An integrated approach of interacting both online and offline with the same individuals will produce the strongest results. How do I know? I live it.
