Here’s the right way and the wrong way to ‘network’ online (social media) -an overview and practical tips you apply immediately.
Today, I had an awesome conversation with someone who had recently discoveredme, and I had noticed that they had liked a fair chunk of my posts.
So I sent them a message and said ‘hello’.
No agenda.
Not trying to sell anything.
I *JUST* genuinely wanting to connect with another human, who is in the same world as me.
That in turn leads to a call and now we will hang out and work together, allfrom having a genuine interest in getting to know the people who like my work.
Now,I’ve said this before -and this is the wrong way to network, or grow your online influence:
. add person as friend

. send ONE message (some don’teven send that) with a vague and cut/paste‘hello’

. pitch your fucking coaching programme
…mainly, because you look like a towering cockwomble.
Honestly, I know I can be accusedof dumbing it down at times, but copy this = real connections and longer-termrelationships.
See someone you want to connect with?
. add them as a friend

. wait for them to accept

. when they have accepted -shoot them a PERSONAL message -have a read of their wall, what they like, and reference WHY you added them

. have NO agenda

. be a fucking human!

Equally, if that is a little too direct for you, try this:
. follow those people you wish to connect with

. leave meaningful comments on their post, fairly regularly -but not SO often that you look like a stalker

. share their content, take them, reference WHY you shared it -again not often, ONLY if you actually rate what they have written

. interact with on public message comments

. add as friend

. be a fucking human!
Honestly, does that sound that hard?
My friend Justin Devonshire taught me an amazing phrase that ‘Your Net Worth Is Your Network’.
Do I have an amazing network?
I would say so.
Do I class these people as a means to an end, a $ sign, or someone I can get something from?
Do I fuck!
If that happens -great!
If not, don’t give a shit -the fact I have a meaningful connection means more to me than some short-termgain.
That and I actually like people!
So,next time you add someone on FB -have some manners if they accept and at least shoot them a little message.
Trust me -this goes a long way.:-)