When you have an opportunity to connect with someone (traditional or social networking) do you utilize a strategy to maximize your efforts or do you simply hang out in one place and hope for the best?
Today, we’re going to talk about how you can dramatically accelerate your networking efforts!
Linkedin:
When you connect with someone on Linkedin, slow down and take a moment to view their profile and see where else they network. If you see a Twitter account, check it out and consider connecting with them there. Do they have a Facebook Fan Page or personal account? Might want to consider connecting there or simply “liking” their Fan Page. Do they blog? You can subscribe to their RSS feed.
Note: If you aren’t following your client’s and prospect’s blogs, you are missing out on an opportunity.
Twitter:
Have you considered sending some of your key contacts a Facebook friend request or Linkedin invite? Or do you just let the communication happen there?
Linkedin and Facebook:
Do you sign your name with a handy dandy, clickable link to your site?
Here’s how I do this on Linkedin.
Let’s say Jamie just sent me an invite. Now hopefully, you know by now, that you don’t just accept, you respond and interact! Here’s how.
Jamie:
Thank you so much for the kind invitation.
Wishing you continued success!
Respectfully,
Paul Castain
Note: The http:// in front of the website makes it clickable. Don’t make the mistake of just using a standard “www.”
The point of me putting a link to my blog is to offer another opportunity for Jamie and I to connect. It also gives Jamie an opportunity to check out Uncle Paul anonymously, on his terms.
Your Auto Signature In Your Emails
I would highly recommend that you include your social networking contact info in your auto signature. Again, it offers another opportunity for people to not only connect with you, but check you out on their terms.
Note: Do you pay attention to the auto signatures of your prospects and clients? Might be a social networking clue for ya there dude!
Networking Events
Do you look up those face to face contacts from networking events on the social networking platforms?
Oh and the opposite can work too. Do you you take your virtual network and network in real time?
Here’s the point folks
When we connect on multiple platforms, the “getting to know you” process can be accelerated and when you really think about it
The best relationships you have in your life are not exclusive to just one place, are they?
Today, you are cordially invited to slow down and really think about where else your contact likes to be “social”!
Paul Castain is the Vice President of Jedi Mastery for Castain Training Systems where he works with organizations and individuals to achieve higher levels of performance. For more information on how Paul can help you and your company click here dude.
