Every time I go to a networking event, I leave thinking that if I could just attend a few of those each month, meet 10 people and get one new client or qualified lead, I could have 10 at least new clients in a year! When I get home I am always energized and fantasize about the opportunities…and then I don’t deliver. Sometimes, the barriers preventing me from attending include showing up to meet people I don’t know in a place I’ve never been to, and simply finding the time.
The alternative to facing those obstacles? The beauty and power of social networking (duh!)!
So my resolution for 2010 is to attend more in-person networking events and ramp up my social networking, which is not hard at all. I created a few tips to sticking to my social networking plan and using it to not only make great personal contacts, but to make business connections and potentially find others who can benefit from my services. I am nice enough to share them with you 
1. Look for social network accounts. If you meet someone and they give you their business card, take a look to see if they are on LinkedIn and try to connect. Since Facebook is still a little more personal, it might not make sense to friend them on Facebook until the relationship has evolved, but it makes perfect sense to track them down on LinkedIn, read their profile and make them a connection. When you request a connection, make sure you include a personal message (and not the standard “please join my network blah blah blah”). Use your personal message to say who you are, how you met, and thank them for their time.
2. Talk to someone new using Twitter at least once a day. Read your Twitter feed and pick out someone who looks interesting or someone you always wanted to know more about and send a tweet. It really is funny who you will find on Twitter and what type of information exchange can occur in 140 characters! I already received two business leads, which turned into direct opportunities!
3. Use video on your blog and Facebook page. Since I am the face and body behind my company, I need to be more visible (and by visible I mean people need to know ME and see my personality). By putting myself out there in a visual sense, I will have the ability to let people get to know me before they even physically meet me. That strategy could potentially break down one of the barriers preventing someone from placing a call to speak with me or setting up a meeting to discuss our capabilities. The same can go for anyone who has a little personality and a lot of drive to succeed!
4. Become more active on LinkedIn. I am on Facebook and Twitter daily, but still have not hopped into the daily LinkedIn updates or ensuring my profile is optimized. As LinkedIn continually makes changes to its platform to become more interactive, I need to be sure I am posting my work portfolio using that outlet. Since my Facebook friends are just that–friends–and I don’t want to abuse their friendship and market to them from my personal profile, it makes better sense to use LinkedIn where I have a combination of business and personal contacts, but the etiquette lends itself to some marketing (caution: some marketing).
5. Take risks. Not putting yourself out there means you are safe from rejection, potential criticisms or anything else that could scare you; but that also means your opportunities are limited with zero chance of expanding. Don’t take stupid risks, take smart risks where the benefits will far outweigh the potential challenges.
These tips will make you a better networker and social network guru! Good luck.
Jen Cohen is a social media and marketing maven knocked down many times in 26 yrs. Something Creative http://somethingcreativemarketing.com
Tags: community, Marketing, networking, Social Media, Strategy, the right way
