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.
Have you ever gone out with co-workers, associates, partners, or clients and they’ve offered to buy you a few drinks? I’m sure if you have, you’ve enjoyed it. Hopefully, you presented your best foot forward while still maintaining your composure. Today’s networking revolves around ‘Happy Hour’ and ‘Power Lunches & Dinners’. Being included in one of these events is a great sign that you’re somebody within the organization. To maintain your inner circle connections, it is imperative to come prepared to make the deal, gain insight, or discuss important topics. If you don’t maintain the right image, continuously ask for more alcohol, and can’t stop staring at the lady in the red dress, then you are ultimately asking to not be invited next time. To prevent that embarrassment follow the tips provided and it should help you get to the second round, get that raise, or make them realize you’re the go to person.
Top 3 Drinking Tips:
- Start off light, finish just right: When you first start drinking you need to feel out everyone else. You don’t want to be “That Guy” who’s very eager to get the party started with hard alcohol or tequila shots. Let the most senior person lead the path towards getting ‘krunked’, and what they get, you get. If you want to play it safe, I suggest you start of with a beer. This way you can show that you’re part of the team and you’re playing it cool. From here you can move on to the hard alcohol as the drinks and food start to roll in. Just be careful not to mix too many things or they’ll be talking about you the next day amongst themselves.
- Learn how to talk business by not talking business: The very last thing your Boss or anyone else at the table wants to hear is the problems at the workplace. Sure the occasional gossip is good, and talking about current issues that apply is good conversation. When you get tipsy, people tend to let out fustrations or negative emotions. Be consciences of this habit, don’t let your tongue get the best of you. Learn to talk about the things that matter through indirect topics that can allow you to transition into more sensitive issues. Let’s say you want to talk about how the IT department is really making things difficult for you to implement your solution. If you just let your invitees just have it with your blabbering you’re going to come off as the guilty person. Take the round about approach by commenting on the IT department and transition quickly into how they need to be more accessible to your solution. When you master the art of talking business you’ll realize it doesn’t come from giving emotional rants.
- Open your ears and make mental notes: Really, this is your time to hear where you can help and make your next move. Your Boss, associate, or client is giving you the opportunity to openly discuss issues and resolve anything outstanding. Take the time to listen and see where the problems are and how you can apply your skill set to solving it. Most people drink to drink, but if you drink to listen you’ll find that there is much more going on. Take a step back and make these mental notes to follow up the following day. When your at the office or writing that Email, you’ll have the insight to find a connection or solve the problem that is on their mind. This is how most people take the next step. They listen diligently, network and return with the solution that otherwise would not have surfaced. So next time the drink is being poured, sip don’t gulp.
There are many more networking tips to be aware of. These are some of them and I’m sure you have more. Please provide your tips, ideas or comments below. What is your best drinking tip when networking?