Source: NetworkingWave.com
I recently gave a talk for CoreNet Global young leaders and – while interested in strategy – what people really wanted to know was how to virtually network. How to keep personal from professional and vice versa.
As just about every person I know immersed in social media as I am will tell you, after a certain critical mass of connections, it’s probably silly to try and keep these things orderly (read: separate).
However, I can appreciate the need to do so, especially as you’re getting your feet wet or certain business (or personal?) relationships represent a conflict of interest.
Well, if you think of the analogy of social networking being like a cocktail party, at a bare minimum, anyone can know you’re there. You don’t really want to draw attention by avoiding conversation…
That said, here are my top 20 dos and don’ts when it comes to social networking for business:
- Do have accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or face looking clueless. It’s the expected that Gen X is Internet-savvy. While you don’t need to be a power user, you do need to be able to engage.
- And, while we’re talking accounts, don’t create multiple accounts; it’s 9 times out of 10, it’s against the rules, and if it works – connecting with each half of your life successfully, you’ll never have time to manage each account well. In fact, if you won’t use any given account more than once a week, don’t create it. So use them at least once a week. It’s that simple.
- Do use privacy settings on Facebook to keep private information, well, private.
- Don’t connect on LinkedIn unless you want those you connect with you to be able to reach out to you. Learn what privacy settings are available to you were as well. While they might not be a robust as Facebook, they exist for a reason.
- Do expect anyone to connect with you – whether your business card lists social networking addresses or not.
- Don’t refuse invitations unless you feel the person trying to connect could harm your reputation (it’s considered rude). In those cases where you do not connect, send a note (via email or text) to the person explaining that you need to be selective about who you connect with for business reasons and if you were to business, you would feel more conformable connecting.
- Do reach out to your business and personal contacts on LinkedIn and Facebook. Most expect it. Besides, you need know know how social connected your network is and interact appropriately).
- Don’t preach to them how you use each social network for different kinds of contacts. It annoying, makes you look like a control freak and is unnecessary.
- Do explore Twitter and connect with the connections most relevant to you – look for people you’d like to develop a presence similar to and emulate their manner.
- Don’t – in fact never – cyber-stalk (need I say more?).
- Do determine what content you are going to post about yourself on any social network before you sign up (or now if you’re already there).
- Don’t be boring. The basis of social networking is to be social. Again, remember you’re at a never-ending cocktail party. You can only escape to the veranda – or the bathroom – so many times… and conversation should avoid the same themes: politics, religion, etc.
- Do tell those of us listening what you do. No, what you really do. As a person. Business has come by way because I – gasp! – sing. Lesson here: Hone your profile so you’re interesting, but not offensive.
- Don’t tell us you’re not politically incorrect or say things that fly in the face of what are acceptable norms. Remember: Even your trusted contacts could chose to make statements like this public. Unless you have Bill Maher’s clout, keep it to yourself (even he gets heat for some of the things he says in San Francisco and was fired from ABC for his remarks several years ago).
- Do remember that your email marketing and signature are an essential part of your online presence, too. Incorporate links into your email marketing and in your email signature.
- Don’t link to these presence from anywhere (including email marketing) unless you’re ready to engage in whatever feedback you get.
- Do search for a cyber-mentor, someone who has the connects and clout you want.
- Don’t be invasive with your chosen mentor. Watch and learn, then invite them to coffee and let them know you admire them. Flattery gets you everywhere.
- Do use Twitter as a lead generation and customer service tool. Go to search.twitter.com to find people who need your services or require your help – reach out and it’s a win-win.
- Don’t use Twitter to rant. If you ever feel the need, lock your feed and disconnect with any customers, prospects and influencers.
Disclaimer: This list is aimed at the Gen X crowd based on a request from a group of them – feel free to expand for other generations in the comments section.
Remember will all this communication, it’s a two-way street. If you engage, you have to be ready and waiting for others to reach back. If they don’t, re-think what’s you’re writing until you strike the right balance.
Being there – virtually or in-the-flesh – is half the battle.
