10 Ways to Use Social Media to Build Your Network

It’s never been easier to build a network. Unlike the common networking event, where business cards are moved like cattle and strategy includes speed dating techniques, online and social media tools, have given us the ability to create meaningful relationships.

I’m often asked in many of speaking events, “how I personally use social media for networking?” In which my answer is always, “at the end of the day I want create relationships online with intentions at some point to meet face-to-face with everyone that is a part of my digital social sphere.”

There is a common theme that you often hear that it’s all about how many fans, friends and followers, and this is an option for many if you’re only try to build an audience or distribution channel. However, if you’re really wanting to build a network, a personal touch always trumps the drive-by card thrower.

If you want to use social media to build a valuable network, here are a few tips that can help.
1. Friend and follow people that you actually would like to connect with.
2. Use lists/groups within social platforms to separate by industry and level of connectedness.
3. Comment on their blogs, as well as look for commonalities that could be part of future conversations.
4. Share their blog posts and content with the community on all of your social networks
5. Comment on their social posts and updates only when you can add something of value.
6. Look for common interests where you could add value. Kids, hobbies, family are a great place to start.
7. Begin adding their email address as another platform where you could give away something of value.
8. Initiate opportunities to meet in person. Local networks are great to meet for lunch or coffee. Notice who in your network are attending conferences that you’ll be attending and then make an effort to schedule a face-to-face conversation.
9. Value the other person’s time. Building relationships are grounded in respect.
10. Remember, it’s not always about you. The strength of your network will always be about how much value you can give. Takers may collect business cards, but relationships are far and few between.

At the end of the day, building a network isn’t about numbers. It’s about truly looking for people that you add something to their life and hopefully at some point receive the same respect and value in return.

How are you building your network? From your experience, what would you add?

image credit: Gaensler

The post 10 Ways to Use Social Media to Build Your Network appeared first on David S. Finch.