Conversations

I was asked to present on Social Media to our company this morning. When attempting to build the PowerPoint I found myself asking, "what is it we are trying to accomplish?". Well, in my office we are working on bolstering sales and finding great people. I think the same question and answer can be applied to someone searching for a new position.

How do we get there with social media? By starting a conversation and winning people's confidence in our abilities. I really feel that is relevant for an active job search as well.

You want to find the best company to work for. The best company that fits your needs and you in turn fit their needs.

How do we start a conversation!?

Lets say you are looking for a Business Intelligence position. Find a group on LinkedIn or another outlet and start asking professionals what they think... About something you read, something you thought would be a cool project, problems you have had with projects in the past. Make the topic interesting and open-ended so that people want to respond. Also, make the topic transferable to others to keep a wide level of expertise.

You will find that great professionals will answer your call. This can be a great way to learn about new companies and in turn expand your current network.


One of the best people at starting a conversation on just about anything is Ellen. Check out her twitter page or website. Every single time she is interested in something people listen... I think it is more than her "famousness". I think it has a lot to do with the way she thinks about every day things.

My 2 cents for the day :)

Ellen's billboard that I see on the way home from work everyday. Who doesn't love a crazy straw?

Networking Sites

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