Social networking is a skill that anyone who wants to advance in their career should learn. Your potential clients, employers, associates, etc. are online, and it takes some skills to know how to approach them, start a conversation and in some cases, make offers. Social networking has helped a lot of people land good jobs, gain high paying clients, and make the connections they have been seeking. It can help you too.
To help you navigate the new world of social networking, here are some tips:
Choose your platform
Don’t jump at every offer to join a social networking service. Some focus on dating, while others are devoted to professional interests. Choose a platform that has the people you wish to connect with in them. If you are a job seeker, its good to join a network of job seeker. But more importantly, you will need to join a network of employers also. Those are your primary target.
Understand site culture and rules
Social networking sites can come with arcane social customs and rules. Before contacting the colleagues of the friend who invited you to the site, get to know the site’s culture. A casual email introduction may suffice at one site but could peg you as gauche or worse at another.
Optimize your profile
Even social networking spots devoted to fun over work can lead to career connections. Make sure your profile doesn’t include anything you wouldn’t want a would-be boss to see. This is especially true if you are using a site primarily for professional purposes. Potential employers may find your online profile and make judgment calls based on what they find. Keep this in mind and tailor your profiles based on what you would want potential employers to see.
Don’t be pushy
Many members of social networking groups have had bad experiences with pushy types. Be sensitive to individuals’ networks. Do not be overly aggressive in trying to ‘get in’ with someone’s network. Someone who is too persistent can be annoying and actually will damage their own reputation if they try too hard.
Prepare for face-to-face introductions
Just because your network is developed online doesn’t mean relationships stay there. Social networking sites often connect people offline through individual meetings or group events. Just remember: A face-to-face meeting requires you to respond without the time afforded by email to craft your message. Know what you want from a meeting.
Networking is reciprocal, so do unto others as you’d want done to you. If you’re able to help people, they’ll be more likely to remember you and return the favor.
Also, remember to protect your reputation in the network. Always make reasonable comments when necessary, and keep to your word when you offer to perform a task. Other members are watching and they are noticing it. Bad reputation might negatively affect their response to you, whenever you reach out.
My name is Chigozie Japhet. I am a content writer, and a brand strategist. I like writing, reading, researching and watching football, especially my team, Man United. i believe in working hard, and also in relaxation as all work without play, makes Chigozie a dull boy.
