<p><strong>Be selective</strong> </p>
<p>Ensure that the information is accurate, not offensive, messages and photo's are G-rated, and most importantly are in line with the image and reputation you wish to present; especially in regard to content online, public forums and social networking sites.</p>
<p>Accordingly with the friends, organizations, groups and networks you are associated with and who you allow into your network.</p>
<p>Yes, ultimately the goal of social networking is to build and connect with a large web of friends, family, and colleagues remembering they a reflection of you.</p>
<p>Like my mother always reminded me: “You lie down with dogs, you get up with flees!”</p>
<p>One of my favourite bloggers, Chris Brogan talks about 'what would the ‘arc’ of your brand (personal and professional) brand look like? <br /> How do you think this is reflected in your blog, website, your profile(s) and your web presence overall?"</p>
<p>Check out Chris' post "Platform Thinking in Personal Branding" -http://www.chrisbrogan.com/platform-thinking-in-personal-branding/ </p>
<p>A suggestion - Google your name and see what comes up - will everything online reinforce this 'arc' concept? -</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Think before you post</strong></p>
<p>It should go without saying; be careful the information you post is accurate and not offensive. You want to be a role model in your network, not disreputable.</p>
<p>Also vital to consider is in what context your message will be taken. Will your attempt at sarcasm or glibness translate well through the Internet?</p>
<p>Is the topic that you’re commenting on a sensitive subject area for some of your contacts?</p>
<p>When in doubt, do not post. You could damage both personal and professional relationships – if you do.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Update often</strong></p>
<p>If you make a habit of updating your profile with new information, you will be an invaluable member to your network. Do you have a blog or regularly contribute to your member sites?</p>
<p>Post a link and short blurb about your latest entry when you make a new post. You will stay active on everyone’s newsfeed and ‘top-of-mind’.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Remember the Privacy Settings </strong></p>
<p>On sites such as Facebook® or LinkedIn®, use the privacy settings to limit how much of your personal information is available to people searching for you - designate that certain people can only see specific portions of your online profile. Spending time reviewing your privacy settings is time well spent.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Continue to add new contacts</strong></p>
<p>Along with updating your information on a regular basis, seek out and add new contacts online and with people you meet in person – the two worlds of networking (on and offline) are not mutually exclusive. Request introductions from current contacts or initiate contact on your own by writing a note explaining why being a part of one another’s networks might be mutually beneficial.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Social Networking Success Tips:</strong></p>
<p>Regularly share quality content from your most-admired sources across multiple Social Networks. (How to do this efficiently will be spelled out in an upcoming post.)</p>
<p>Follow and interact with those who are active and who regularly support the efforts of others.</p>
<p>Create a list of important blogs in your niche and those that contribute to your learning. Regularly visit them, leave quality comments, share what they write in Social Networking sites.</p>
<p>WHY?</p>
<p>Because every time you do <em>you are building a relationship with them and relationships are what count</em>.</p>
<p>So if you want them to be interested in you and your goals you must:</p>
<p>Be interested in and assisting them with theirs!</p>
<p>Regularly comment in their blogs and sharing their content.</p>
<p>Do this for the right people and they will do the same for you!</p>
<p>Link to and recommend their sites from yours.</p>
<ol> </ol> <ol> </ol>
<p> <strong>Have I missed anything</strong>?</p>
<p>Have you made some ‘faux pas’? Or have you some interesting ways you have formed friendships or connections?</p>
<p>Please let us know about some of your own networking adventures</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2009-10-08T12:32:23Z
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social-networking
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2009-10-08T10:38:30Z
2009-10-08T16:38:51Z
Are you missing the power of Social Networking by trying to use Social Media sites as though they were chat?
Social Networking
1
2009-10-08T16:38:51Z