Care and Feeding of Your Network

Your network can be an tremendous resource for you; if you give it proper care and feeding.

Many people simply look at their network as a place to "get" something. If that is your attitude your network will soon die on you. To be a successful networker you need to be providing value to those within your network. You must provide help individually and collectively whenever possible.

This isn't a situation where you are looking to do huge favors. That doesn't mean you turn a big opportunity down when it arises; it just means that simple help is also valuable.

1. Your help can take the form of sending a congratulatory note on a new job or promotion.

2. It can be forwarding an article that you feel they may find of interest.

3. Maybe you can facilitate a connection between two of your contacts that would be beneficial to both.

4. It may be notifying someone of a business opportunity or job.

5. There may be a special event taking place that would benefit one of your contacts.

These are just a few simple ideas. If you do these types of activities regularly; your network will be there when you need it.

If you have other ideas chime in and add your contribution to this list.

Happy Networking

Twitter: Is it for you and if so, how do you start

Picking and choosing among today's social networks is getting to be a full-time job. How do you know what is right for you? Sometimes you just need to jump in because there isn't a great amount of information available to help you make an intelligent decision.

In follow up to my last post on Twitter: Dos and Don'ts; I found this article to share again from CIO.com. Follow the link and let me know what you think. Twitter: How to Get Started Guide for Business People. I liked the article it gave me some insight that I didn't have previously regarding Twitter.

Personally, I think it is all about self-branding and if that is what you are after - establishing a presence in all of these venues will help with the process. One thing that I recommend is that you link each of your venues to each other so you can maintain some consistency and create your materials one time only. Multiple sites also allows you the ability to separate your interests while still enabling your audience to gain the full impact of who you are. Of course you need to watch out for the compromising information that could come back to bite you.

Happy Networking!

Networking etiquette as you Twitter

Are you all about twittering and tweeting? Do you even understand the terminologies? I'm continually receiving an education as I see various things pass by my inbox. I'm attaching a link to an article that I just read in CIO Magazine regarding the Dos and Don'ts of Twittering.

It never hurts to follow a little protocol.

Happy networking!

What is the impression you leave with your networking contacts?

When we are networking we have several opportunities to make an impression on our new contact and how they will remember us. What impressions are you leaving?

The first impression we leave is visual. What are you saying by the way you dress; the way you walk; your facial expression? It should go without saying that you must be neat and clean both personally and with your clothing. When you walk are you upright and confident or slouched and meek? Are you smiling or frowning? It is amazing how many people do not take these basics into consideration and then can't understand why they receive a less than enthusiastic reception.

Your second impression is your handshake and greeting. This basic courtesy conveys an important message and you want this to be the correct message. When you meet someone what does your handshake say about you and what is your verbal greeting? Are they strong and convey strength or are they meek and convey weakness? Depending upon who you are talking to; one may work better than the other, but overall a strong handshake and voice will serve you best.

Your third impression is the way you talk and express yourself. How you present yourself in the way you speak and what you say is critical. You need to be clear and confident because people are attracted and respond to individuals that exude confidence. In general we like leaders as long as they are not overbearing and demeaning. Do you present as a leader or as a follower?

In today's economy people are looking for people with confidence and leadership. There is a tremendous amount of concern and uncertainty and people are looking for people that are willing to lead and not caving in to the predominant mentality.

So let’s review three steps to a good impression:

1. Present a great visual by the way you dress, walk, and your facial expression.
2. Have a strong handshake and friendly greeting.
3. Speak clearly and confidently. Demonstrate that you are leader and someone people can follow.

Happy Networking!