Principles for successful Social Networking
Social networking is all about making contacts, building relationships and sharing knowledge. Just think of the possibilities – through online social networking you can make contact with people all over the world. It is a fantastic, cost effective way of building your network and finding new business partners.
But of course, as with face to face networking, there are several matters of social etiquette to bear in mind. To help you get started, I shall now reveal the 7 principles to successful social networking:
1. Make sure you have a reason
Never, ever make a request to connect without a reason. Just because someone visited your profile, doesn’t mean they want to connect. They may simply have been browsing but didn’t find what they were looking for. Wait for them to make contact with you – if you fit what they are looking for, they will get in touch.
2. Read their profile
If you find someone you want to connect with, don’t just quickly rattle off a request. Read their profile carefully. What is it about them that interests you? Tell them why you want to connect as this is more likely to get a response.
3. Be patient
Stop pacing up and down waiting for a reply. You are highly unlikely to get an immediate response. They could be busy or on holiday. If they want to get in touch, they will. Whatever you do, don’t chase them. By doing so, you will only succeed in annoying them and ruining any chance of a connection.
4. Testimonials are for real connections
Why give a testimonial to someone you don’t know just because you like their photo? This might sound like common sense but I have seen many profiles with loads of testimonials/comments even though the actual profile only comprises of a name and a photo. What’s the point? If you want to meet someone for ‘personal networking’ find a dating site.
5. It isn’t a sales opportunity
Trying to sell during your initial contact will have them heading for the hills. And don’t think you’re doing them a favour by offering a free membership or free offer – they aren’t stupid – we all know nothing is free in the long run. But there is one exception – if their profile shows they are genuinely looking for a product or service. But don’t jump in straight away, just tell them you can help and let them come to you if they are interested.
6. Don’t just go for numbers
Don’t collect contacts just to get higher rankings (see 1). A successful social networker won’t need to do this because it will happen naturally. By providing value to your contacts, your endorsements will grow and so will your requests to connect with other social networkers. If you just ‘collect’ connections you’ll simply end up with an oversized address book that is of no use to you whatsoever.
7. Make sure your profile speaks volumes
This is your opportunity to showcase what you can do. It has to attract attention and be interesting enough to make people want to connect to you. Be yourself, don’t exaggerate (you will get found out) and make sure you have a mix of personal and business details. If you are a web designer but your profile is uncreative, mundane and boring, you won’t attract any attention. Also add a few business links so if they are interested they can investigate further to see if a relationship with you would be beneficial.
By following these principles you will enjoy successful and rewarding social networking which will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you and your business.
2009, Roland Weiniger
(Director mephix KG)
Why mephix?
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Networks in Business, Politics
and Science
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Interndisciplinary and international contacts
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Can draw upon many years of experience
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mephix KG supports companies and organizations with communication-, customers- and partnermanagement since 2001.
Company owner Roland Weiniger is an international recognized networker and founded with his team more than thirty companies, associations or organisations.
mephix is your one-stop communication hub when approaching German speaking markets.
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Adresse (D)
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Wodanstrasse 73
90461 Nürnberg
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Int. Rufnummer
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0044 (0)20 3239 8806
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E-mail
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info@mephix.de
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Skype
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savenhawk
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