I think there’s a huge mistake being made each and every day on the social networking platforms.
People connect and then go radio silent.
What amazes me is that somehow there’s this belief that if you simply connect with lots of people you will get the proverbial “world beating a path to your door thing”
Think again!
That’s actually the formula of how you set yourself up for one of those future “I don’t get Linkedin or Twitter etc” moments.
Of course you don’t get it . . . you’ve done nothing but collect . . . “connections”!
A few ideas for you to ponder.
Make sure you are updating your status at least once a day. Foursquare check ins don’t count and neither does useless play by play. Give thought to your status update and share links to good content that helps underscore “Brand YOU”. Share a resource, a helpful hint or tip and if you really want to get people involved . . .
Ask a question in your status update.
Funny thing about questions . . . people have a crazy habit of answering them!
When they do, you’re beginning a dialogue and that’s one way of networking socially!
Updating your status daily is important but not as important as stopping by status updates from your network.
Everyone has a story and wants to be heard so make sure you stop by and comment, like and share . . . It’s a great way to stand out because while we all might agree that everyone has a story and wants to be heard . . . most people are too busy broadcasting their story and miss THE most important story . . . the other person’s!
Make it a habit to share resources with your entire network every 4-6 weeks.
I’ve shared everything from free conference call services to way cool (and free) apps. I’ve even shared free e-books and resources that I’ve created especially for my network.
Every time I do this I stand out and (get this) I get responses from people. Once that happens . . . We’re networking socially!
I think there are some people who connect with someone and immediately suggest a phone call to get acquainted . . . I’m not a big fan of that!
Why?
Because more often than not, it takes on a really bad “blind date” vibe!
That’s why you have things in your arsenal to stand out and inspire some light conversation . . . prior to suggesting a call!
Once you’ve accomplished this, the next step is to have what I call a “getting to know you” call which is something many people either don’t do or screw it up by making it a glorified sales pitch.
There are actually lots of things that you should be doing once you connect with someone.
Waiting it out . . . is not one of them.
This is exactly why I chose to write a 90 page e-book called “Paul Castain’s Social Networking Playbook”
I go into great detail on what you should do from the moment you “say hello” virtually . . . to the strategies you need to move these relationships off your screen and into real time!
For more information on how you can get a copy of this e-book click here
For more information on my training programs, coaching services or to have me speak at your event . . . click here my mouse clicking brother from another mother!
