Social Media Networking = just like networking. Mediated by technology, that’s all.
In recent weeks I’ve heard from a range of clients and colleagues (and family and friends),
“What should I do to get value from social media?”
“I don’t get this Twitter thing.”
“I have some connections on LinkedIn but don’t do much with it.”
Etc.
Think of it this way.
How do you meet people today? Introductions from your existing network = important.
Have you ever wished for a big database showing everyone you know, and everyone they know? LinkedIn, Twitter, and increasingly Facebook (and others) are becoming that database.
Instead of calling someone and saying, “Hey, do you know anyone at [Company]?” you can now email, call, or message them on LinkedIn and say, “Hey, can you introduce me to This Person at [Company]?” Because you can already know who they know.
You can also find people on LinkedIn (and elsewhere) who are in no other public database. Believe me, I’ve looked.
Do I have to give before I’m going to get anything back? Like any other networking forum: GIGO. Do I still have to pick up the phone? Absolutely. Do I still need “facemail”, also known as “talking with human beings face to face”? You bet. Are social media forums an opportunity to build trust within communities of interest, discover and enter conversation with new networks of professionals, and meet people who would otherwise be difficult to access? Depending on your business and needs, yes.
Does this help put social media into some context for you? Love to hear your questions.
Related posts:
- 3 differences between social media & F2F relationships:
- Social media = a hybrid venue for B2B marketing.
- The end of top-down message control
- For the swipe file: impressive B2B tech ad in social media
- A paradox found in grassroots feedback loops
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