With the news that many people have been laid off from The Home Depot (THD) corporate office I have been pounding the pavement so to speak on the networking sites.
It is amazing the response I have gotten from one email on LinkedIN. My company has decided to use some time to assist the individual's impacted most from the recent THD decision. I have received so many emails from people who would like to help. It has kept me VERY busy!! This has also made me realize how important online networking truly is.
In our fast paced environment it is imperative that we are engaged with others in as many ways as possible. Our networking sites afford us the ability to stretch far and accomplish so much in a short amount of time.
Here are a few tips I have for Networking online:
#1 PLEASE take some time and email out to a few contacts how you could be of help. Or who know that could help. This can cause a waterfall effect (pay it forward) that can help so many.
#2 Make sure your contacts know you are there and not just another name on the contact sheet. Stay in touch!
#3 Start with your neighbors, friends, and close colleagues. Then watch the list grow :)
#4 Join groups. This is the fastest way to make a lot of contacts who have similar interests
#5 Remember that you use networking sites. This may sound simple, but if you never mention it in a meeting with new people, or in an email with a new client that you would like to "friend" them you may lose them in the long run.
#6 Add it to your business cards. This is an awesome idea brought up by one of my co-workers.
#7 Have at least 10 contacts from your field. This will help if you ever need help on a project, job search, or continuing education questions.
Here are a few of my favorites
www.plaxo.com
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com
1 comment:
Great advice Kelly!!
Thanks for emphasizing the value of networking, and for giving some concrete examples of how to go about doing it.
Keep up the excellent work with the blog!!
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