As much as I enjoy engaging and networking with other professionals on Twitter (@kpiper), I quietly wonder if social networking will ever replace face-to-face business networking. I certainly hope not because for those of you who are not yet hooked into the world of social networking, many of the same principles apply. Here’s just a few:
Talking
Whether you are blogging, tweeting or linking in it’s important to remember to only talk if you have something to say. Try to be useful and memorable. Be thoughtful and respect your audience. Be clever, be funny and be engaging.
Giving
A common mistake people make is getting on social networks with the sole intent of selling a product or service. This is the same mistake a lot of business networkers make. When you’re on these social networks, definitely don’t be “pitchy.” But, don’t hesitate if you can deliver a solution to someone’s problem.
Sharing
A network like Twitter is built around sharing information. And just like in face-to-face networking, sharing information about one of your contacts makes for great karma. Actively share and promote your friends and associates’ information and they will do the same for you.
Connecting
Introducing or connecting your social network to contacts or resources is equally important as when you do it in business networking. Networking in general is about discovering opportunity and if you are known as a connector you too will become a powerful resource to your network.
Listening
Listen to your audience to understand the information they like to get from you. When you figure that out, deliver it consistently.
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Tags: Public Relations Agency in N.C., Social Media in Wilmington N.C.
