Online Networking for Business Value
Don’t waste time online, plan to make the most of your connections.
By now, you’ve either been invited, have signed up or are passively or actively using an online networking site such as Linkedin or even Facebook. Like many people, you’re wondering how to benefit from spending time on these online tools beyond finding former colleagues, posting comments and occasionally seeing what the kids are up to.
The main benefit of participating in online networking is that you gain access to communities which were traditionally closed to you. Social media sites create interconnected webs of individuals, meaning that millions of people of relevance are now just a few clicks away from receiving an electronic message from anyone within the network; possibly you.
As an avid and active user of online networking, I’ve developed some guidance for professionals to get the most out of the experience. Here are the 4 Ps according to Iggy!
PURPOSE
It’s been said that the internet is either a time saver or a time waster. Before you begin, decide what you want to achieve from using these tools. For me, it was about expanding my network by reconnecting with former and current customers, business partners and colleagues. I also used them to introduce myself to people with interesting profiles around Australia and overseas by identifying groups with shared interests. Once I’d establish my connections base, it was about sharing information and ideas. A clear understanding of what you want to achieve will determine your focus and how much time you devote to online networking. Managed properly it should be a productive exercise which allows you to identify new opportunities.
PROFILE
The advantage of online networking is that it makes your connections visible. Once you sign up, you effectively create your online personal and/or business brand on the web. By building a compelling profile, you provide others with the ability to find you and attract other users who want to know you, potentially employ your products and services, sell you something of value or even establish a prospective business relationship. So make the time and put in the effort to develop a profile that best represents you or your business, including your key achievements and your competencies.
PARTICIPATION
I regularly hear comments from users saying that they signed up initially, didn’t get anything out of it and so they left. In my view, this is like going to a function, spending the entire event talking to your colleagues and then complaining afterwards about how you didn’t meet anyone. Once you’ve got your profile up, be a participant – not a wallflower. The same social principles as in the real world apply; introduce yourself to others, start a conversation, share your perspectives, ask questions and present your business card. My advice is to publicly show that you’re actively interested in others and that you want to be there.
PERSISTENCE
Get into the discipline of setting time aside regularly; some, not so much that it consumes you, to participate in networking activities. There may be times when you don’t get a timely response to an invitation, posting or some other message. My advice is to persist. Some people may not be at the same level of adoption as you are and are learning about the tool as they go. So be patient, stay on, don’t give up and eventually it’ll pay off.
To get the most out of online networking, you need to work on it. Make the time to clearly articulate your purpose and goals, get into the discipline of refining and enhancing your profile, actively participate in network initiatives that support your goals and most of all – keep at it.
Iggy Pintado is CEO and Chief Networking Officer at ConnectGen, a business networking consulting firm. His new book, Connection Generation, is available now on Amazon and at www.connectiongenerationbook.com
