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Often, we do not lack resources. We just lack the knowledge of how to use them right.
Social networking sites present a similar situation. There are plenty of online forums where you can network, but how can you truly gain from them?
Online networking forums can be classified into two large categories: the first is the serious business category, which includes sites like Linked In, Great CIO, Ryze, and so on. The second belongs to the more casual connectors such as FaceBook and Orkut. For most committed professionals, who realise the importance of networking, a presence in the former is a must. The latter could be optional, based on age and social orientation.
With an explosion of networking sites, how can one use them to an advantage? Here are some ideas:
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Create a complete profile on the professional networking sites, and add relevant details about your company and work there. Include testimonials and recommendations that enhance your credibility. Add links to your company's website or your blog, which will give viewers more information about you.
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Once you have an impressive profile, add a link which connects to it, as part of your e-mail signature. This increases the chances of getting more hits on your profile.
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Multiple visits to your profile increases the chances of Google picking it up. So people looking for more information about you or your profile would spot it easily among search results.
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Participate in discussions and share your thoughts and opinions in these forums. This gives you greater visibility and will help you connect with more people.
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Some sites also have groups built around a particular topic. Join communities which are relevant to your field of work or interest. For example, if you are an art dealer, you could begin a community on art appreciation. Chances are that other interested people who join the group could translate into your customer base. Or if they do not give you business directly, they could refer you to prospective customers.
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Often, people are active on the professional networks and ignore the more casual networks. But a presence on the casual groups could help too. No doubt, you don't want to spend valuable time browsing through albums and indulging in banal talk, but remember this is a way of staying connected. And this is the first rule of networking: staying connected. By doing this, you are increasing your chances of being remembered and therefore being referred.
Like with most other business tools, there are no strict rules on how to use a networking forum to your advantage. Just remember to use it to gain visibility and credibility, and watch the impact on your professional life. |
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