Raise Your Profile in Networking
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There are many ways to derive benefits from business and personal networking. One of the best is to raise your profile within every group in which you are a member. Assuming leadership positions are the most obvious way to raise your profile. Sometimes that takes time, but often such positions become available not long after you join a group. In addition to being the president or moderator of a group, you can also volunteer for committees and committee chairs. There are often opportunities which require skills that you already possess. There is work involved, but often that work allows you to demonstrate your work ethic, dependability, organizational skills and other forms of competence. By assuming leadership positions and other forms of involvement, you are perceived as a nexus in a given group and get to make decisions about the direction of the group. Others will notice your skills and make positive assumptions about how that applies to your work in other situations.
There are other ways to raise your profile, especially related to social media. A judicious use of such social media tools as blogging, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and You Tube can give you a perceived expert status. Since I have become deeply involved in the various forms of social media, many people have approached me at events and commented on my various postings. In utilizing social media, it is vital to make valuable contributions, and not merely to post updates about watering the lawn. In addition to your status updates and regular blog posts, you should engage in online dialogues with your connections, friends, and people in your various LinkedIn groups. Posting a profile and adding connections are only the first steps. Follow up and offer your knowledge, insights, experiences and insights. The more that others see your name, the higher your profile, and the more likely you will be perceived as an expert and someone worthy of a referral or introduction.
The more you do, both in person as a member of a group or online will increase others’ awareness of you. As your profile increases, so will your success. Perception is reality, and if you act like a leader you will be treated like one. When opportunities arise, seize them enthusiastically and carry them out to the best of your ability. Show up regularly and step up to the various challenges that are put before you. If you take the time to join a group, you may as well maximize your involvement. The same is true of social media. There are many opportunities to go beyond the status quo. If you want to have a business with endless referrals and constant introduction, it is up to you.
