Networking Insight

Are Facebook and LinkedIn Effective for You?

Chicago VC blogger Matt McCall of VC Confidential provides an interesting perspective on Facebook and LinkedIn at How Effective Are LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Matt mentions that LinkedIn is not as useful when you are trying to connect to individuals beyond two and three degrees away. I would have to agree with Matt because by asking for people who don't know you to make an introduction is not how it works in the offline world either. The further out you go the harder it can be to get a true connection.

With Facebook, Matt feels that he can connect better because more information is shared on a regular basis about what his friends are doing.  However, he doesn't feel that Facebook can effectively help him connect to certain individuals that he wants to get in front of. While I am not an avid user of Facebook (at least, not yet), I can understand Matt's perspective.

To read his entire post, go to How Effective Are LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Do you agree with Matt? What is your experience using these systems?

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What is Your Networking Goal?

In order to be an effective and efficient networker, you should think about your end game. What is it that you want to accomplish?  Below are some questions to ask yourself to help you figure out your goal(s):

1. Do I want to find a new job within my industry?
2. Do I want to find a new job outside of my industry?
3. Am I looking for strategic partners to help me grow my business?
4. Am I looking for sales prospects?
5. Am I looking for a mentor?
6. Am I looking for advisors for my company?
7. Am I trying to raise capital for my business?
8. Do I want to hire a new employee?
9. Do I want to find a significant other?
10. Do I want to find a new friend?
11. Am I looking for business partners?
12. Do I need a service provider to help me with a business function such as marketing?
13. Do I need to find a doctor?

This list could go on and on. The point is that you need to think about the type of person who you want to connect with and then set up a plan of attack.

You will most likely have more than one goal so focus on each one independently so they are equally important.  Once you establish who you want to meet, utilize some of the following methods to find these people. Basically, you need to seek out ways to get in front of these individuals.

1. Leverage your existing network and ask for warm introductions or names of people who you can contact
2. Connect with people on social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook
3. Attend industry events such as conferences, trade shows, or association meetings
4. Listen to industry experts speak at various business functions
5. Become an active reader and commenter on blogs that are published by industry experts, which will help you to build relationships with these people
6. Send articles of interest (email or mail) to certain people and then follow-up to make sure that they received what you sent

By utilizing some of the above techniques, you will be focused and have a greater chance of connecting with who you want to meet.  You need to be disciplined in your approach and be patient.   As the cliché saying states: “All good things come to those who wait.”

What methods do you use to connect with people who are seeking to get in front of?  Do you start with establishing goals and then put a plan together?

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Holiday Parties: Job vs. Hangover

As a follow-up to my recent post, What Can You Learn from the Party Planners of The Office? , check out the article Holiday Party Buzz: Get a New Job, Not a Hangover

Below is a summary of the key highlights from the article:

1. Don't put your job search on hold until after the holidays.

2. Research each event to find out the type of people who will be attending.

3. Arrive at an event on time so you can talk to the organizers.

4. Introduce yourself to people in the food and drink line.

5. Have topics ready to discuss.

6. Don't start conversations by telling people that you are unemployed or there to drink.

7. Have answers prepared for anticipated questions such as "What do you do professionally?'

8. Always carry a  business card, even if you are unemployed.

9. Follow-up good conversations after an event by getting together for coffee.

Keep in mind that you should be attending holiday parties to meet people, not to drink a lot.

To read the entire article, go to Holiday Party Buzz: Get a New Job, Not a Hangover.

7 Reasons to Follow-Up With a Handwritten Note

In the past, I have posted about the importance of sending a handwritten note to people when appropriate.  Below are 7 reasons to send a handwritten note.  Make sure that each of these notes is personalized to the person you are sending this to.  Form letters will not work.

1.  After meeting people for the first time, send a note telling these individuals that you enjoyed meeting them.  Also, if you mentioned that you would provide some information, then include it in this note.

2.  If you are involved in an association or nonprofit organization and you had someone speak at one of your events, then send a handwritten note thanking this person.

3.  After a personal or business success (such as new baby, move, promotion, etc.), send your contacts a nice note informing them of this positive news.

4.  If one of your contacts does something nice for you (such as makes an introduction, provides you with a lead, or sends you a gift), then send a note acknowledging this generosity.

5.  If you come across something of interest to someone (such as an article, book, or picture), then mail this item with a personalized note.

6.  During the holidays, send out cards with a personalized greeting.  It is nice to be remembered so your contacts will appreciate this gesture.

7.  Send a note just to say “hi”.  It is important to connect in several ways so a note is a great technique.

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What Can You Learn from the Party Planners of The Office?

If you watch the television show, The Office, then you will appreciate this post.  It seems like each week a party is being planned for a birthday, departure, or appreciation for one of the employees.

While it seems like these parties are a waste of time, in reality, these are very good for relationship building within a firm.  Take advantage of these opportunities to get to know your co-workers within your immediate group. 

At the same time, make an effort to attend parties that are for people outside of your group as well. It is good to know people in various departments within your firm especially if you want to move to another role.

This post was inspired by the following article:  Put the office get-together to good network use.

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What is Your Networking Checklist?

Mike Maddaloni of The Hot Iron reminds us that you to need take networking serious by preparing yourself before attending an event.  Mike shares with us how he prepares for an event at My Networking Event Checklist.  So, below is how I prepare myself before I attend an event:

1. Mentally practice my personal introduction.  I want to come across as prepared so I need to have my story down.

2. Make sure to fill up my business card holder and put it in the left pocket of my suit coat. The left side is important because as you shake hands with your right hand, you can grab a card with your left hand.

2. Put extra cards in my inside suit coat pocket in case I run out of cards in my business card holder.

3. Put my networking pen in the left pocket of my suit coat alongside my business card holder.

4. Make sure that my suit, shirt, and shoes are clean, presentable, and ready to wear. If my first choice is not ready, then I find a combination that works or if I have time, get items dry cleaned and shoes polished.

5. Do a little research on the event that I will be attending. What type of event is it? Who will I be meeting?

6. Eat a snack beforehand. I don't spend much time eating at events because you want to be focused on meeting people and make sure that at least one of your hands is free. If I do eat something at an event, then I try to come early and eat before most people arrive.

7. Put a little notepad in my inside coat pocket so I can take notes if necessary. Now that I have the scroll pen, I don't need the notepad every time.

What is your networking checklist?

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LinkedIn May Be Bought By Owner of MySpace

Rumor has it that News Corp, owner of MySpace, may be buying LinkedIn. This would be very interesting if this happens because LinkedIn does compete with MySpace for social networking.

A big differentiator is that LinkedIn is strictly for professional networking while MySpace is more for networking with friends.  LinkedIn definitely has a more serious side while MySpace is more fun. 

While both sites compete to some extent, many people have profiles on both sites. So, if News Corp buys LinkedIn, then they will own the two biggest social networking sites for each targeted group - professionals and non-professionals.

To read the entire story, go to Rumor: News Corp. in buyout talks with LinkedIn.

Do you think that this buyout will take place? Will you still use LinkedIn if News Corp buys the company?

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Networking is Like a Box of Chocolates

"Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

The above famous line from the movie Forrest Gump perfectly translates into the “unknown” of networking, which is that you don’t always know who you will meet.  The neat aspect of relationship building is that every day you could meet someone new through various methods such as attending events, connecting online, or random introductions.

The world contains literally billions of people so the options are endless of whom you could meet.  Rather than feeling overwhelmed, take this as an opportunity to expand your knowledge base and try to meet people with various backgrounds.  Your network is only as strong as the people who are associated with you. 

Keep an open mind when attending events, flying on business trips, or participating in a community service project.  Every social opportunity is a chance to meet new and interesting people.  As long as you enjoy talking with people, it can be fun to learn about others and to find your commonalities.  Once your find out your common interests, backgrounds, or goals, you will start to form a bond that makes networking a great tool for business and life.

Another neat aspect of networking is that every person has different needs so you will be able to help people in various ways.  You can view this as another “unknown” of networking because you don’t know how you can help until you communicate with people.  Helping others is a must for you to become successful at building relationships.

As long as you embrace the “unknowns” in networking, you will enjoy the positive benefits that come along with building relationships.  Those benefits include: building a strong and diverse network, growing your business, feeling satisfied for helping others, developing new friendships, and personally branding yourself.

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26.2 Reasons to Say Thank You

Darryl Rosen, a customer service expert put together this excellent list of when you should say "thank you".  It is so important to be positive and appreciate towards people when building relationships.

1)  When someone calls your business – Always, always say, “Thank you for calling.......”

2)  When customers make big purchases – The 20%/80% rule is that 20% of customers are 80% of your revenues – make sure the core customers feel appreciated.

3)  When customers make small purchases – Don’t forget the 80%. If they don’t feel appreciated and wanted they may go elsewhere -- and you may be buying a smaller turkey next year.

4)  When customers don’t buy from you –“Thank you for considering us. Maybe next time!”

5)  When someone refers a customer to you – That’s when you know you’ve crossed the finish line with them.

6)  When your associates come early – To help you start an important project. Make sure to have coffee and doughnuts. My favorite – the apple fritter.

7)  When your associates stay late – To help you finish an important project. Don’t serve cold pizza!

8)  When a business anticipates your needs – Thank them, and they’ll probably do it again.

9)  When customers, associates, friends and family have tolerated your follies – We don’t always get it right the first time! It’s imperative that when others exercise patience that you show your true and genuine appreciation.

10)  When someone goes the extra mile for you – Runs out of the store to bring you your receipt, or calls to make sure your experience was just right.

11)  When someone holds the door for you – Especially if it’s raining, and you’re holding many packages while typing a text message on your cell phone in a driving snow storm.

12)  When someone volunteers their time to help you – We all need more than 24 hours. Giving up your time to help others is very special.

13)  When someone (your spouse) lets you sleep late on Sunday morning – Somebody has to cook breakfast but everyone could use a few extra hours of shut-eye!

14)  When they least expect it – Catch someone off guard with appreciation and they will love it even more!

15)  When they most expect it – It doesn’t take much to lose a customer – don’t blow it.

Click here to read the remaining 11.2 reasons.

How to Maximize Thanksgiving for Relationship Building

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year when we all get together with family and old friends who we may only see once a year.  It is a great time to relax and to get away from work for a few days.  Many people relax in different ways such as watching football, shopping, reading, or talking with people.  Thanksgiving is a great time to build your relationships with family and re-connect with old friends so make sure that you maximize the opportunity.

Since you may only see some people once a year, make sure that you give them an update on your personal and business life.  People close to you are genuinely interested so take the time to tell them about yourself.

At the same time, you need to take an interest in others by having them give you an update on their lives.  You never know what you may find out.  In fact, you may realize that you can help each other by giving advice or making referrals.  Don’t leave any stone unturned so take these relationships very serious.

Don’t be afraid to ask relatives for help because most of the time they will assist when possible.  In these circumstances, you don’t have to worry about helping them first.  The fact that you are related is enough.

As you reach out to old friends, take the time to get re-acquainted with each other.  Because of your past history together, you have enough in common that you should have no problem helping one another.  However, be genuine and take an interest in your friends, otherwise, they won’t be as willing to help.

Before you talk with your relatives and old friends, consider preparing the below information.  Because these relationships are in your inner circle, you can get right down to the point.

1. Be able to succinctly tell people what you do so they have a good understanding of your skills and experience.  Also, this is good practice for when you get back home and start meeting people again.

2. Think of people who you would like to meet that may or may not be directly connected to your relatives or old friends.  Don’t be afraid to ask for introductions.

3. Spend time researching and educating yourself on others’ lives and professions.  If you do this, then you will be more prepared for your conversations and will come across as someone who has an interest in others.

Also, since you will have some down time (hopefully), make room for the following:

1. Catch up with your personal branding activities such as writing articles or blog posts.  If you are flying, then work on these activities on the plane. Otherwise, find a spare moment that will allow you to do a little work.

2. Catch up with your business reading, both magazines and books.  When at home, time is limited so take advantage of this opportunity.

3. Spend time thinking about your career and reevaluate yourself. Should you make any changes? Are you happy at your job?

Whatever you do at Thanksgiving, don’t forget to have fun and relax. The above is not meant to make it more stressful.  I just want you to be aware of the great opportunity that you have to further your close relationships during Thanksgiving.

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