Here is the 7th Article I wrote for 336Events.com
by Teddy Burriss Social Networking Pro
“Networking is finding, developing and nurturing relationships that mutual move people forward thru life.”
Networking events are great places to start doing this. However there are only so many hours in the day and so many networking events we can get to. We have to find other ways to develop and nurture the connections we make from networking.
Social media can play a key role in developing and nurturing relationships.
Here are three examples of using Social media in your networking:
#1 – Connect on LinkedIn. After you meet someone at a networking event and get their business card and reach out to them on LinkedIn. Take a look at their profile before you send them a LinkedIn connection request. Always include a relevant and polite note in the connection request message. The purpose of a LinkedIn connection request is to make a LinkedIn connection, nothing more. This is a good step in the development of a relationship.
Bonus Idea – If your new connection has a Twitter account, connect with them there as well. Send them a Tweet and let them know you enjoyed meeting at the networking event.
#2 – Engage with your connections – Often people go to networking events, collect business cards, maybe connect on LinkedIn or Twitter, but fail to take the relationship any further. Engaging can be simple and does not need to take a lot of time. Comment on a post they make, introduce them to another LinkedIn member they should meet, congratulate them on a new position or Endorse them for a skill you know they have. These are just a few simple ways to engage with your connections through social media. These are good activities for nurturing the relationships with your connections.
Bonus Idea – Without being asked, write your LinkedIn connection a strong and transparent LinkedIn Recommendation. Make sure it’s a recommendation you would share publicly.
#3 – Take it IRL again – After meeting someone at a networking event, connecting with them on social media and engaging with them through social media, where possible and mutually beneficial, take the relationship back to an In Real Life conversation. Find an opportunity to talk via phone (maybe Skype or Google+ Hangout) or to meet at a local coffee shop, deli or tavern. Use this opportunity to learn more about each other and the work you each do.
“Networking is finding, developing and nurturing relationships that mutual move people forward thru life.” We do this through networking events, social media engagement and in real life conversations. This is how we discover ways to help each other and uncover new business opportunities.
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This series is brought to us by Teddy Burriss, a world renowned Social Networking Coach. Teddy teaches “Networking for Mutual Benefit” and “Building Relationships through Social Media.” Teddy is an accomplished author, public speaker, avid social media engager and blogger.