Ten Tips To Get Connected Using Social Networking Sites

Posted by john March 18, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Internet Marketing

Hi and Thanks for checking out my blog again. Where there is always something new to learn.

Especially in a volatile economy, whether you are looking for your next client or a new job, it’s not what you know but who you know that makes the difference. I got my last client through a recent referral. Although what I knew mattered, who I knew had a much greater impact.

Online social networks provide an easy way to build a community of trusted contacts. The backbone of social interaction on these sites is based on individual profiles that you compile, including your interests, capabilities, and a list of contacts with which you share connections.

So in establishing your online network, go with those you know. Reach out to clients, colleagues in your industry, former classmates and coworkers. Knowing your contacts makes it easier to leverage your network and ask specific contacts for advice or for tips on how to get your foot in a new door.

Since these people know you, they are more likely to provide a reference or to understand if an opportunity they know of may be a good match for your qualifications. Whether you have an account on Facebook or LinkedIn, it’s a good idea to manage your social network accounts strategically. Here are ten tips to help you showcase your strengths and maximize your professional visibility:

Compose your profile with a professional focus in mind; include past companies you have worked for or businesses you have owned, your education, and any professional affiliations. Doing so will expand your opportunities and ability to connect with others.
Don’t post anything online that you are not comfortable exposing to the public. If your profile is public, everything you post is fair game.
Add keyword-rich descriptions to your profile, so it can be found by search engines.
Build your network continuously by connecting with others. More connections potentially mean more opportunities.
Leverage your expertise by listing helpful tips or advice. By doing this you will demonstrate the value you can provide to others.
Give and get recommendations. Third party accounts carry a lot of weight and are instrumental in a viewer’s decision process.
Only connect with those you know and trust. These are the folks who are best able to recommend your products or services and you are a good candidate to reciprocate on their behalf.
Include links to your website and blog. These links add more depth and interest to your profile.
Add a slide presentation to your profile using Slideshare, Google Presentations or a similar application. Use the presentation creatively to highlight an upcoming event or recent accomplishments.
Join groups, participate in discussions, and ask/answer questions. Doing these things will assist your online community in understanding who you are and the value you can bring to the table.

There are numerous social networking sites to choose from. However LinkedIn is the standard in terms of professional online networking. Many companies actively recruit employment candidates from LinkedIn, including Microsoft, Ebay, and Target.

Pam May is a strategic copywriter offering executive bios, case studies, white papers, and company histories: get the results you want and deserve from your marketing pursuits or media campaigns.

www.techscibecommunications.com

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