Making Business Contacts on Social Media

In today’s increasing world of communication deals are being made by those who are connected and those whom make themselves connectable. We all hope to have a wide range of business contacts to continually increase our network. An acquaintance is just as powerful as a trusted friend as long as you can prove a mutually beneficial arrangement. We’ve grown accustomed to the notion that social networks and social media have made networking more transparent. The transparency can be used to help build your brands, connect with customers, monitor reputations, and introduce yourself to industry experts. In addition, search engines have also adjusted to this increasing relevance by giving priority to specific social networks in organic search results.

While people make themselves available on social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin, Plaxo, Twitter and even MySpace, there is a thin line between personal and professional boundaries. Some individuals will welcome new “friend” requests or connections and others will only accept those they physically know. Getting pass this “firewall” isn’t difficult, it just takes time and getting to know others around that person for a possible introduction. Social connections have an interesting twist. If you have a lot of connections or friends it means that you have a busy social life, or an extensive circle of business associates or contacts. This is a trigger number to help you understand the person you’re about to get in touch with. If the number is really high, you’re likely to make a new contact, if it is really low, then it might be a little more due diligence to get that person to accept you.

As more business people come to use social networks as communications platforms the gap between friend and business contact come closer together. The control over the level of information people share is up to them. As a result, the traditional ways of reaching people are changing. No more cold calls, email blasts, mailing your resume, or attending company events is ultimately necessary. From tweets, to wall posts, messages, IM screen name, blog or website address, or mobile phone new channels are becoming more available. This additional information creates an illusion that the person is universally available and accessible. As we all know, that is not the case.

The proper etiquette and consideration for others will allow you to use social networks to increase your network and gain new business contacts. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you out.

• Ask permission if you can add the person to your network. A short message, Email, or other non-invasive method works best. Even though they make themselves public, social networks are highly personal and you don’t want to offend anyone.
• Find the best method of communication. Take note and learn to inquire using their preferred method of communication. Don’t jump the gun and start contacting them each day if you haven’t received a response. People are busy, and you need to understand that.
• Treat each contact as an individual. If someone is a highly regarded contact then you can assume multiple people are trying to get in touch with them. Show that you’re different by doing some research and asking them questions about their professional life. Show interest and they might show interest in you.
• Don’t be annoying, arrogant or bombard someone through multiple channels. If the person has Linkedin, Plaxo and Facebook, choose one network to contact them on. If you are sloppy on your delivery method you’ll never reach them in a friendly tone.
• Respect the boundaries of others. As the relationship develops you can adjust your method of contact. Just because someone adds you as a friend on MySpace or Facebook doesn’t mean that you can now start calling them or send them marketing messages. Nurture the relationship and you’ll grow as they grow.
• If you have mutual friends or contacts ask for an introduction. The most trusted way to reach someone is through someone they trust. Before messaging the person, message the person you know and describe why you need to get in contact with their associate, friend, or contact. If you think about it, we’re only 6 degrees away from anyone we might ever want to know.

All in all, don’t blow your first chance of contacting someone on a social network by communicating in an undesired fashion. Use common sense and be patient. If you have tips to provide please list them in the comments below.