7 Social Networking Rules to Live By (part 2)

Continued from 7 Social Networking Rules to Live By (part 1)

NETWORK ONLINE AND OFFLINE
My networking efforts were initially limited to business and marketing forums, newsgroups, and social community websites. When I wanted to make connections with key influencers I would send out a few emails, but the buck stopped there. While websites and emails are a good place to start, there is no real guarantee that people see, follow up, or in some cases completely get your vision from one chance encounter on the web. My strongest professional relationships to date have been built on calls, extensive professional conversations, and the kind of one-on-one interaction you can only get when you meet face-to-face.

On the flip side, you can also limit your exposure if you strictly depend on local events or phone calls to make connections. You don’t want to exclude yourself from the population that communicates mainly through social / mobile media platforms. Understanding how to use social spaces like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can help you expand your visibility in a unique and highly beneficial way. Being able to connect with like-minded industry professionals, celebrities, and individuals from all over the world in real-time is why social media marketing is so popular today.

HAVE A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION
Networking at events goes beyond giving out business cards and networking on social media platforms is more than getting ‘likes’, ‘friends’ or ‘follows’. Whenever you are presented with an opportunity to network, you need to ask yourself three questions: Why am I here? What can I share? Who do I want to meet? Are you networking for knowledge and resources? Are you looking for contacts and customers? Are you hoping to share your solutions and areas of expertise with others in need?

Networking isn’t about spending 5 hours on Facebook because it’s the “place to be”, nor is it about attending every conference because “everyone else” is going to be there. Again, all your networking efforts should begin with a valid reason for participating and clear objectives for interacting. You always want to walk away with a sense that your time or money was well spent and you got something done in the process.

NETWORKING IS A TWO WAY STREET
In any networking situation, all parties are looking to get something out of the experience, which means all parties have to put something in. If you want to ask people questions, also be open to answering questions. If you want to get opportunities, think about opportunities you can create for others. If you want people to showcase your work, create a place where you can proactively showcase the work of others. Experienced networkers understand there is a great deal to be gained when you strategically make it a priority to give.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SOCIAL BLIND SPOT
As an ambitious entrepreneur it is natural to seek out big networking opportunities and keep a look out for any key influencers in your social circle. I personally make it a point to go through my comments, new network members and social profiles so I can see who is actively watching me, but it is important to note that we can’t see everything.

There is a blind spot within your network and it’s filled with watchers. Watchers are people who silently follow you. They read your blog, your tweets, maybe watch your videos or participate in conversations about you, but they never leave any visible proof of their existence. They never befriend you, post comments, send emails, or talk to the people who you talk to so you never know they are watching.

While driving, you need to turn your head to check your blind spots. While networking, you need to check your personality, so that everyone sees the best you possible. Always remember to work with purpose, remain positive, infuse others with your passion, defuse all issues as professionally as possible, go above and beyond what is expected and fill your visible circle with driven, like minded individuals because you never know who is watching you.

Keeping these seven rules in mind should provide you with both clarity and direction as you increase your networking efforts. Remember that being social is one big game that we all have to play. Try your best to be a good sport, a team player and have fun! The more you enjoy the process, the more others will enjoy being around you.

This post is featured in the Socials and Sales September 2011 Issue of SistaSense In Print Magazine. To Download and or Order a copy of this issue go to http://mag.sistasense.com.

Are you a North Carolina Woman in Business? Click here and learn more about SistaSense Socials, local meetups for NC Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.