SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING TIPS

Social networking allows you to increase your online or digital presence, in essence creating a free advertisement for yourself. I recommend that you select two or three sites to build your social network. Personally I place most emphasis on LinkedIn and Plaxo for my business-oriented social networking, and Facebook for friends and family (but also include selected business contacts). The most important aspects of social networking are as follows:

• Make your profile as detailed as possible, including your education, credentials and employment history – any of those categories can attract people to your social networking profile.
• Invite everyone with whom you have a business or personal relationship and accept invitations from others you know.
• Ask and answer questions to increase your social networking profile — it helps to join selected groups related to your interests and expertise.
• Peruse the connections of your network to determine if there are any potential networking sources.
• Take the time to acknowledge birthdays or the accomplishments of people within your social networking circle.
• Learn about people within your network to enhance conversation and deepen relationships.

Social networking is not designed to replace face to face networking, but rather to enhance it. It works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, by having people in your social network, you can enhance existing relationships.

Having a large and vital social network gives you more credibility and makes people want to get to know you. Social networking enhances your ability to make meaningful and valuable connections.