Networking in the digital age
Download as docx, pdf0 likes408 views
Networking in the digital age requires consistent effort and attention to expanding one's personal network through various social media platforms. Productive networking is a two-way street that involves responding to others' requests in addition to making one's own inquiries. It is important to maintain a consistent personal brand across all social media profiles to avoid confusion. When networking, it is better to provide relevant information to others rather than constantly asking for information, in order to be perceived as a thought leader within one's field.
Networking in the digital age
- 1. Networking in the Digital Age By Buff Parham, President Parham & Associates, LLC No matter what business youre in and no matter what youre selling, productive networking is critical for long-term success. It always has been and always will be. Networking in this new digital age has made connecting easier and faster. There really are no more reasonable excuses fornot cultivating more and deeper personal connections. Productive networking requires consistent attention and action. Along with the rest of our routine activities, we need to allocate regular time and energy to expanding and enhancing our personal networks. All of the social networks have mobile apps, so we dont need to be at a desk or a PC to work on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Its just a matter of figuring out what time works best and committing to doing it on a daily basis. Productive networking is a two way street. Far too often, we ignore inquiries, requests, etc. from others on social media. Big mistake. No one wants to be perceived as unresponsive to the overtures of others. Hitting the delete button should be reserved only for the really marginal requests, while most of the others deserve a few minutes of your time. Current estimates say that were no more than six degrees of separation online from anyone on the face of the earth. So you ignore a request or incoming message at your own peril. Productive networking requires us to have a consistent brand across all platforms. Given the fact that most people spend time on multiple social media platforms, ones digital image should not be vastly different from place to place. If it is, then confusion and suspicion come into the picture. A solid personal brand is authentic and consistent regardless of where its posted. It should reflect who that person really is in both their professional and personal lives. Build your personal networking strategy with the end in mind. What exactly do you want to accomplish by committing to this regular activity? How will you know when you have achieved it? Is it a realistic expectation? Those are some of the questions that should be asked before getting started. Its similar to how we approach attending a large meeting or conventionwhom exactly do we want to meet and what do we want to share with them? Networking effectively in a digital setting requires the same approach. Productive networking is more about giving than taking. Its far better to offer pertinent and relevant information than to be constantly asking for the same from others. Many people think its cool to pose open-ended questions and then wait for the answers to come in. Have the courage to take a stand on specific issues or
- 2. trends and let people respond to your position instead. Thats the first step to being perceived as a thought leader. And thought leaders are the most influential people in the networking sphere. Regardless of who you are or what you sell, thats as good as it gets! Have some fun with networking in this digital environment. While its a very serious undertaking, its also a chance to let your true personality shine through, which includes your sense of humor and overall outlook on life. Taking a professional yet relaxed approach to networking will also convey a more authentic impression of who you are. Being perceive as a phony online is simply unthinkable. So keep it positive and relaxed as you build and cultivate your network for ongoing success!