Between Facebook, twitter, and LinkedIn we each have the opportunity to build vast networks beyond those we regularly see face to face. Who are you adding to your network? Why those people? How are you using your network?
The Who
As with anything that can be measured, some people add to their networks just to have a bigger number than those who they “compete” with. I know of one person on facebook who looks for any attractive female to add to his facebook network; obviously to feed insecurity and feel good about adding the ladies who are his facebook friends. Some people use social media purely for a business networking system and post information and comments like Jack Webb of Dragnet – just the facts.
Using social media as a competition of numbers, to feed insecurity, or to simply sell yourself are all missing the greatest opportunity of networking.
Who are the people you want to stay in touch with on a personal level? Who are the people you want to build working relationships with? Who are the colleagues you enjoy sharing a few words with periodically? Online networking is more like a cocktail gathering. It’s about the personal points of interest, the links or sharing of information you find valuable or enjoyable and for some there is a business component to inform, engage, or involve people in your occupational activities. The key is to have a reason for your network and then fill it accordingly.
The How
Online networking is about the mixing of the personal and the professional. Too much business and you are known as a spammer only looking to sell something. This doesn’t work in the online networking environment anymore than the person at a business cocktail party, who is aggressively passing out business cards and cornering people to talk about his latest and greatest ideas. Find the balance.
The Resource
Networking is all about connections and knowing who knows what, and who to go to, to learn about what they know. How are you positioned in your network? Are you the person who is the first to post the funny joke, video or picture? Are you the person who is the trivia expert? Are you the person who sends out great information on the niche you serve? The way to be valuable to any network is to be known as the source for something specific your network finds value in, and to be a good online friend. Understand the rules of online networking, be active, and add benefit. What is the value you bring to your network?
Posts
