Join the Austin Business Journal for a spirited discussion with three of Austin's best known experts on the topic of "Networking". Thom Singer, Patti DeNucci and Marny Lifshen will lead a conversation about how Social Media has impacted how people make, keep and grow their business relationships over the past decade.
LinkedIn and MySpace first appeared on the scene in 2003, and were soon followed by Facebook (2004), Twitter (2005), YouTube (2006) and countless other social tools. The iPhone arrived in 2007 and the addition of mobile accessibility changed the whole thing.
While we are only one "like", "link", "follow" or "share" away from connecting to anyone on the planet, are we better connected? Does the average person have deeper relationships? While there are many examples of those who have harnessed the social media wave, there are also many who feel the whole thing is still confusing.
Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this interactive social media review. Sign up today (space is limited).
Thom Singer, author of The ABC's of Networking
Patti DeNucci, author of The Intentional Networker
Marny Lifshen, author of Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Women
Seminar details:
Wednesday, November 6 11:30 am – 12:00 pm - Registration & Networking 12:00 pm -1:00 pm - Seminar 504 Lavaca St. Ste. 1008 Austin, TX 78701
Since it was released I have been intrigued by Google +. I find it interesting, as it received a lot of "buzz" early in the days, but then it has been confusing for me to understand. We do not hear as much lately, but this social media seems to be quietly becoming the place to connect. The people who are HUGE fans of Google+ are militant sometimes about why it is great and they get upset when others question the power of their community. There is power in groups where cool people jump in and have meaningful conversations But beware, as you will also find those who are just nasty and self important. I had an exchange once where I questioned the usefulness of Google+ (I was trying to learn how people were getting benefit) and I was greeted by some nasty responses that almost turned me off to the social media site altogether. But then I got private messages from those who saw the exchange (including a Google employee) who wanted to have positive a conversation and help me better understand (not to call me names). I was hooked on the force for good that existed on the site. The experts say that a person or business presence on Google+ can be beneficial to internet search results, and I am sure since Google owns Google+ that it has some magic powers, but I am no expert, so I can't say for sure. I recently upped my participation on Google+ and have found that those that use it, are excited about having others getting involved. There is not the same level of interaction that one sees on Facebook or Twitter, but I am finding a stronger ability to engagement between those who do not know each other (Facebook is more of a network of existing friends, and Twitter is just Twitter). What I like best about Google+ is the ability to put people into circles and then review the activities of those groups. Where on LinkedIn and Facebook I hold true to my "Coffee, Meal or Beer Rule", Google+ allows me to follow all types of people and easily put them into a circle based on how I know them or the industry where they work. I have circles for Austin, Speakers, Meeting Professionals, Law Firms, etc.... I find that when I want to see what is being said by those in any one circle I can quickly get past the "noise" that often clogs up my other social media places. If you have not yet tried Google+, or if you joined but never went back, I suggest you poke around and see what you think about the way it is being used. Let me know if you are there, as I would happily add you to a circle. Have A Great Day. thom singer
Each Friday on this blog I enjoy highlighting some of the cool things my friends do in their personal and professional lives.
My friend Neal Schaffer has just released his third book, "Maximize Your Social: A one stop guide to building a social media strategy for marketing and business success". I met online Neal through my friend from college, Tim Tyrell-Smith,several years ago. Then we met in person at the 2012 PCMA Convening Leaders Conference (where we were both speakers and had our book signings at the same time). Neal is a wizard at social media, and does not simply try to act like an expert... he is an expert. I purchased the book on Kindle and am currently reading it with my daily coffee. Wow, good stuff even for those who already are actively using social media. Neal was also interviewed this week by my friend Stephen Lahey on the SmallBusinessTalent.com Podcast. In the interview he talks about his new book, and his outlook on how social can help a drive business success. Click over and take a listen to the podcast! He also has a great promo video for his book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGtkY5gvFEI&feature=youtu.be Congrats to Neal on his new book. Very cool. Have A Great Day thom singer
The term "social media" was first used around 1997, (credit is given to then AOL executive Ted Leonsis). It was around this time that the internet began to become a commonly used tool in the United States and around the world. Email emerged as a primary communications tool, and the fascination with the World Wide Web began to infiltrate all types of businesses. But it was a few more years later before it went wild. LinkedIn an MySpace both launched in 2003. Today we have lived through a decade of active mainstream social media usage. Facebook was founded in 2004 (but did not open beyond college campuses until later), YouTube in 2005, and Twitter was late to the game in 2006. And of course the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 changed everything. At the time it seemed like every year there was something newer and cooler (and everyone wanted to launch the hot new product at SXSW). But now these tools, and countless others, are commonplace. It has been awhile since anything with legs has garnered the imaginations of the masses, but we are forever changed by this thing called "social media", which has been amplified by the use of our mobile devises. In a world where we are all hyper connected, are we better networked? Is a 'like", "link", "share" or "follow" leading us to better relationships? There are many stories of those who have seen unparalleled success in social media circles, but are most people feeling the impact? This is a hot topic of discussion at conferences. A few years ago business events had entire "Social Media Educational Tracks", but recently the discussions seems to be moving to "Now What?". After ten years with the online tools, many people are still feeling as if they are not reaping the rewards. Is it the fault of the individual, or is massive connectivity not really as practical on a world-wide scale? Nobody has all the answers, but it is an interesting conversation to facilitate. Social Media often reminds me of high school... the popular kids seem to think there is no issue of controversy in the way the social landscape plays out. But others who are not at the cool-kids table see the world differently. There is certainly a popularity hierarchy in social media and some are not seeing the hyped levels of results. It will take another few decades to reach a viewpoint that will put this all into perspective. We are still in the early stages in the changes to how we communicate, but does this change how we connect? I wonder if most people feel more connected in 2013 than they were in 2003? I am having more conversations with people I know, but do I feel I have a deeper friendship with most because I read about the burrito they ate for lunch? And do we care more because we have more information?
How do you feel after 10 years of social media? Have A Great Day thom singer
There are many opinions about how to best utilize social media tools in your personal and professional lives. I maintain that you have to explore and learn, but in the end do what works for you.
You will find plenty of "experts" who are sure that their way is the only way.... but there are many paths to building your online reputation and cultivating friendships.
My personal policy for whom I link with on LinkedIn and Facebook is "The Coffee, Meal or Beer Rule". I have spoken about this for years, but decided to re-post the concept after a recent conversation at a business marketing conference.
Simply stated, I do not link to people on LinkedIn and Facebook whom I have not interacted with personally. On Twitter, Google+ and other sites I have different policies, but too many strangers in my LinkedIn and Facebook stream can cloud the value I receive from being engaged in the first place.
Having read someone's blog, heard about their reputation or briefly meting them at a conference may or many not mean there is a foundation for a relationship. Thus I established the benchmark of sitting with them for "coffee, meal or beer". A conversation that lasts 45 minutes establishes a baseline for a minimum level of contact before the online link is made. I also have "digital equivalent" options such as phone calls, Skype conversations or Google+ Hang Outs.... as in today's online world our relationships can certainly grow via virtual meetings.
Not every one of my contacts originally met this criteria, but a majority of those in my LinkedIn and Facebook lists are those with whom I have had a substantial initial conversation. A few got in before I established the policy, and I often make exceptions for meeting professionals and recruiters whose industries practices are to utilize LinkedIn as a way to reach out to people they may wish to do business with in the future.
There are those who disagree with my policy and believe one gains more from linking to everyone, but this has served me well. When I get a request, I will often ask for a personal meeting or a call. If the person reaching out cannot make the time for a chat, I am not sure why they want the connection at all.
My advice to others is to have a policy (even if it is different from mine), and then to be respectful of others who use these tools in different ways! (Lack of respect for those with differing opinions is an epidemic online, and we must get beyond that!).
What is the right thing to do in our social media conversations in the face of a tragic news story? I had not thought much about this before the Sandy Hook school shootings in 2012 in Connecticut. That day as the horrors of the shooting played out across the media, I noticed a lot of tweets, Facebook posts, and other social media updates that were "normal". But was the world normal in that moment? Too much of what was going on in social media was too self-promotional to match the situation of this national (and worldwide) tragedy.
Immediately following such an incident I often see authors saying "Buy my book", (or those in any profession hawking thier goods) and it can feel akward. While some of these tweets and posts come from the use of pre-scheduling software to release updates.... other people will continue to add to the live online steam without a thought about the news that is dominating the day. When people die, is it really right to be barking for sales?
Since last December I have had several conversations with other authors, speakers, consultants and small business owners about how we might properly behave online when it comes to promoting our businesses when there is a tragic news story that has an impact that reaches over our whole society. (Additionally, several speakers have shared ideas about what to say from the stage if you are speaking to a live audience in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.... which is also a touchy subject without clear answers).
There is no right answer here. How people are impacted by horrors that are not in their back yard can vary. Some may not be tuned into the news and not be aware. Some may not feel connected the same way as others. There are countless things that impact the proper course of action.
Personally I have decided it is best (for me) to "go dark" for 24 hours following some act of terrorism or other awful event. The bombings at the Boston Marathon have again made me revisit my thoughts. I do not think talking online about my books, speaking engagements, or other topics is necessary or appropriate in the time of a national emergency. Thus I did not blog, tweet, or leave updates on Facebook or LinkedIn for the past day.
But this brings up another question.... is 24 hours the right amount of time? Should it be two days or a week? If we go too long before returning to our normal life are we allowing the terrorists to win?
My daughter asked if a policy of "going dark" also related to natural disasters (like a hurricane)? And what if it is not terrorism, but an accident of some kind? How about incidents in other countries? Hmmmmm, I am not sure that I can pre-qualify the level of destruction or the severity of what qualifies for my holding quiet on social media. I think it is more of a guideline that a policy, and I would have to make the decision on a case by case basis.
Should I tweet about the tragedy itself? I had not thought of this before the issues in Boston. Someone I know as running, and she was near the explosion, but was it my place to tweet that, or even re-tweet her updates? Many people posted their thoughts and prayers online that day as they were learning of the incident. I did not do this (as I decided not to make posts of any kind), but I do not fault those who publicly state their reactions to the acts of horror. We have come use these social media outlets nowadays as part of our interactions with both friends and the greater society, and there is something comforting seeing so many stand united against evil.
I did leave a message on the Facebook page of that friend who was running the Boston Marathon. She had posted early in the day about her upcoming race, and so we knew she was there. She crossed the finish line as the bombs went off (she was right there) and she wisely used Facebook to let people know that she, and her family, were all unhurt. I commented on her page that I was happy for her update, and praying for her (and others). Was that really social media, or was that a private conversation with a friend? Hard to know where the lines are drawn.
I do not write this post to dicate to others who they should behave online on days when the news is dominated by bad things. I do not hold the answers to these issues of our modern times. But I am curious how others feel about this topic. What did you do that day? Have A Great Day thom singer
It is not uncommon that business people ask me about presentation skills training. I often coach executives on how to craft a better speech, and I am passionate about the importance of being able to communicate thoughts on stage, or when being interviewed by the media. As our society moves more online and mobile the abilities to interact in person seem to be getting worse, not better.
Recently I was contacted by a gentleman who wanted me to coach his son on these skills. I was not sure that working with a high school athlete was going to be beneficial for me or the kid, but as we talked about their motivation, it was clear that I could provide value. This young football player is clearly headed toward playing college ball (maybe more?), and with that comes the need for him to be able to articulately communicate in many arenas.
He had taken a speech class his freshman year, but that only educated him on how to research and write a speech. He did not seem to feel he learned much. It did not prepare him for what lies ahead in the real world. Athletes are under a ton of pressure, and learning to think fast, stay positive, and deliver meaningful information is paramount to their long-term success.
As I researched for this training session I discovered that it is not just college and professional athletes who face the press after games. These days it is not uncommon for reporters to talk with high school students following their games, especially in the highly competitive world of Texas High School Football. Plus the team leaders will have to speak in the locker room, at school assemblies, and during parent / booster banquets. The earlier they grasp what it means to be in the spotlight, the more confident they can become in these situations.
Thirty years ago when I was in school if a student said something wrong to a reporter, or was overly nervous in his speaking to a crowd, it was a one time hiccup. However, today all they do an say will live on forever via the internet. Recruiters are always seeking the best and the brightest, and these athletes need to be aware of their "Personal Brand" much earlier. Plus the world of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other online sites can make anything they say or do at anytime part of their online search results.
The more prepared the athlete is for all that goes with media, speaking, branding, reputation management and social media - the better off they will be if truly one of the fortunate ones who go all the way to a top college or even turning pro.
The closer I got to this meeting the more impressed I was with the young man and his family for their commitment to going above and beyond in preparing for life. The first thing this student-athlete told me was that regardless if he ever gets to play college football, he knows that learning to communicate in all situations will set him up for a more successful career in any field. WOW.
We spent nearly two hours together. We discussed all that could cross his path in the short and long term, and I gave him some ideas on how to continuously improve his self-understanding of how he presents himself. We also staged a mock interview on video and reviewed his answers together. Thinking on your feet is often a learned skill. This was a first step in a long journey.
I predict big things from this guy.... on the gridiron and beyond.
We are obsessed with "social"... but people are being less social in their in-person actions. You can hardly attend an association or business conference that does not have a track of breakout sessions focused on "Social"... but then you go into the hallways and the attendees are ignoring those around them.
Everyone is buried on their phones trying to keep up on what is going on someplace far away. They stand around and avoid eye contact with those around them. We are hungry to connect, but we are not taking actions to engage with other people.
The couple meet in line while waiting for film. The are not on their phones, they actually talk. They hit it off. Their lives flash forward to marriage, kids, etc... But the guy is in the wrong line.
Even if you are in the wrong place, strike up a conversation. You never know what it could lead to. All opportunities come from people.
If you are at a conference and you are spending your breaks with co-workers or surfing the web on your phone... you have flushed opportunity down the toilet. If you are waiting in line, turn to someone and say "hello".
I have heard that at the 2013 SXSW Film Festival they are going to sponsor "Line Meet Ups"... a semi-organized effort to get people waiting for a film to network and have fun with each other. Going beyond a line of hundreds who are reading Facebook and Twitter posts, a "Line Meet Up" could be a spontaneous party on a side walk. Think about the possibilities.
1. Those who use social media and it has had a HUGE impact on the success of their business.
2. Those who use social media and pretend it is impacting the success of their business.
3. Those who use social media and have no idea if it has any impact on the success of their business.
4. Those who have tried social media and think it sucks.
5. Those who still don't know much about social media and have not really participated in the whole movement.
Then there is me.
I am a heavy user of social media. It has helped me grow my business. It allows me to discover information about clients, prospects and others. The conversations are often useful. I learn. My participation on Twitter, Facebook, etc... has allowed me to make and grow business relationships. But I am not seeing a HUGE impact on sales. I clearly do not want to pretend it is more than it really is.
I track all leads that I have in my business, and some of them clearly come from the social media world. But most of my business comes from person-to-person word-of-mouth. Nearly all of those who refer me to clients for speaking or consulting are people with whom I have recently seen in person (while it is true some people know me online before we meet.... the real referrals tend to come from those I have met in a live environment.
Of my last 200 speaking presentations (and in-company training programs), less than 10 have come from social media leads. The majority of business (and my business is nearly 100% referral based) come from people who I knew personally, had met recently in-person, or had been in one of my audiences. While some of these folks may have first known of me via social media... the referrals only come after we meet or they have seen me speak at an event (which means we can argue that those original social media connections did directly prime the path to real business).
This does not mean I do not believe in social media. I am a fan-boy of all the tools I use to communicate. But I do not think I am alone in wanting deeper conversations in this medium. I am tired cat videos, "To Chick-fil-A or Not To Chick-fil-A" re-tweets, or photos of Ryan Lochte.
Now here is where the critics can say I suck at social media, and therefore this is why I am left wanting for more. Perhaps I use it poorly or am lacking a coordinated strategy? Maybe I am not intellectual enough to chat with the really cool kids. I once heard someone say social media now resembles high school... with a few cool kids sitting at the "right" table in the lunch room while the rest of us gaze over longingly.
Yep... maybe it is me. Those with social media guru status have lots of ideas, but often their fame and large following makes them unable to see the forest for the trees. I am seeking ways to raise the bar on my own interactions. I can take it if you want to tell me how it is.
How about you?.... anyone else left feeling like you just ate a big meal and are still hungry?
Last week I posted about the twenty-something Cathryn Sloane who wrote the blog post for NextGen Journal about "Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25". While I thought her opinion was silly, I also know I said silly (and arrogant) things when I was 25-years-old (gosh, I am sure I still say stuff). The difference was there was no internet when I was that age. With this one post she launched a generational firestorm online.
I have been wondering what she was going to say next. Her next step could be a foundation for a successful career. She certainly got attention, but now the question is what will she do with the platform. A few friends said she is probably hoping for a reality show or some other quick fix leap to fame. I hoped she would work to earn the next step in her career.
In seeking her response I ran across the website www.CathrynSloane.com. It was not her. In fact, it was not claimed when she wrote her July 20th post where she applauded her generation for just being smarter online than those who were born earlier. Ummmm.... some old dude named Craig Barry purchased the URL last week and popped up a one page WordPress site pointing out that while claiming her superiority in understanding social media marketing, she had never secured her own name.com. Ooops.
I now hope she is working on that Reality TV angle.
I asked a question at a social media conference and was awarded the prize of a T-Shirt. The shirt boasts the saying; "Don't Just Be Social - Be Relevant". (There is no other branding on the shirt, so I cannot give a better attribution of this quote).
Every time I wear this shirt people stop me and make comments. It resonates with those who are heavy users of social media, and those who are not. There has been so much attention put on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ and other online communities over the past few years, but much of the usage is just noise.
I belong to several LinkedIn Groups and "like" dozens of Facebook pages, but few are relevant. Many of the people I follow on Twitter are not providing me with any sense of wonder or inspiration. I know that I am just more clutter in return to some of those who follow me, too.
We have had this bombardment of "social media" for several years, and there is constant talk about how to make it impact the bottom line. The skeptics are getting louder, and people are still confused. Social media and mobile communications are here to stay, but there is not magic answers on how to transform these platforms into business for the company's bottom line.
I work in the meetings industry. There was a lot of trepidation over the last few years that all the online activity could undermine the face-to-face meeting business. That coupled with limited budgets in a tough economy caused many to predict the demise of conferences. But just because the tools we use to communicate have changed (and are still changing), it does not mean that who we are as people has changed. Humans are experiential beings and we desire the live interactions with others. Meetings matter and will continue.
The meetings industry, like most businesses, has heavily adopted the use of technology, and every planner desires ways to create a sticky online community that keeps their attendees engaged in with their conference long after the event is over. However, they need more than just a Facebook page to make it relevant. This can only be achieved if the content and conversations are unique and personal.
For all of us there will continue to be more questions than answers for the short term. I suggest we remember that when we deal with people (online or in person), that other person has their own "stuff" going on in the background. That does not change in a virtual environment. We cannot assume to know their back story without building a real relationship. To be relevant we must be personal.
Speaker Sekou Andrews says "Take me off your Rolodex and put me on your calendar". He is right. I got a LinkedIn request from a stranger the other day and before accepting the link I asked for a short phone call. It was delightful. It was not a blind click of "accept", but instead a connection to a real person, who is a career minded grandmother who has lived an interesting life beyond what it said on her profile.
Say it with me.... "Don't just be social - Be relevant".
Through social media and blogging I met Tricia Murphy in 2007. She lived in Dublin, Ireland and was a business consultant who specialized in helping people with the power of business relationships and personal branding. She was known as "The Networking Queen of Ireland".
She had read my book and blog, and we shared many of the same beliefs about why it is important to choose people in our crazy busy world. We became "online friends" via email and she often gave copies of my first book, "Some Assembly Required: How To Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships" as door prizes when she spoke around Dublin.
In July 2007 my family visited Ireland and we met Tricia for a wonderful breakfast at a restaurant in Dublin. We spent hours laughing as she told us the customs of my maternal grandparents homeland. I blogged about meeting Tricia and the importance adding face-to-face conversations to your virtual connections. That article also appears as Tip #19 in my book "Batteries Not Included: 66 Tips To Energize Your Career". (Here is the photo of Tricia and I in Dublin).
We kept in touch for a couple of years, but I had not heard from Tricia in some time. I think of her often, as she was a big personality and had a great soul. The emails I sent bounced back, and her company website was no longer a live site. A quick Google Search this morning revealed that she passed away from Cancer in 2010. The last time we spoke she told me of her battle, but I had not know of her death.
Since we did not have mutual friends, and were mainly "Social Media Buddies", I had not known of her passing. There was nobody who could reach out to me to tell me she died, and with so much information always coming at us, it is easy to not notice everything that comes past on a Twitter or Facebook stream (plus we had no mutual connections, anyway).
This experience has made me conscious of how this will become more common in years to come. I have other business connections who have passed away, and still their LinkedIn and Facebook Profiles are living on. Each time I pass their name, I wonder how social media sites will handle this when more people begin to pass (too few in the social media population have yet begun to die, but the time will come, as we all eventually exit). I lived in the same city with these people, and was notified when they died. But when we only know people virtually over half a world apart, how can we know when they are gone?
I am sad that Tricia died. I do not know her friends and family, but they are in my thoughts and prayers. Even more than 15 months since she passed away, I know she is missed. The next time I visit Dublin the city will have a little less sparkle without her shining smile.
Today's Guest Blog Post is by Paul Grabowski. Paul is a nationally recognized leader in the legal marketing arena and has successfully guided several law firm's business development and marketing efforts. (NOTE: Paul and I worked together several years ago in the marketing department at Andrews Kurth LLP)
Using Social Media for Networking –
So Easy Even an Introvert Can Do It.
The new emphasis in the world of individual professional business development is the use of social media to build ones networking presence. Sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook currently dominate the world of social media while literally hundreds of others are available with more sites and the development of applications (apps) by companies and businesses appearing on an ever increasing basis. In fact, according to Grabstats.com, the use of social media has grown 93 percent since 2006. Yet, there are still those who have not jumped on the bandwagon of connecting online or are not using the power of this medium to its fullest extent.
Most business professionals have come to understand that having a presence online is important. Company websites abound with individual profiles, v-cards, and the latest information on business deals, educational backgrounds and the obligatory memberships in professional/civic organizations. Yet, these pages are static and unless the individual or someone in the marketing department takes the time to update, the information is not pushed forth to those who would find it interesting or pertinent. On the flip side, for those seeking new opportunities, demonstrate an expertise on a particular subject, connecting to other professionals in a similar industry or recognizing the latest company success, social media has become a gold mine as an easy, yet effective medium through which to spread the word.
While LinkedIn just surpassed 100 million users, a casual review of many professional profiles reveals that outside of posting the most generic biographical and contact information, many users are not using this medium to its fullest potential. Reasons for this abound from not enough time to discounting the importance, but in reality many business professionals are still not comfortable utilizing these sites.
For the extrovert, networking and posting the latest personal or business successes comes easy. Think about the last business conference or cocktail reception you attended and there is always someone there who you think can naturally “work a room”. They easily introduce themselves, talk about their company, its successes and strike up a conversation. At the same conference there are those who dread the idea of attending the social hour and would rather retreat to the confines of their hotel room under the guise of having “work to catch up on” or “need to return some phone calls.” For those introverts, social media can be an opportunity to spread the word about the latest personal and professional successes, post about the conference or whatever else they find might be of interest to their target audience and ultimately build their professional presence.
So the question becomes, how does one – particularly an introvert – utilize social media effectively? In reality, there is a simple plan that can be followed that does not require a great deal of time or effort.
Complete and Update Your Online Profile – First and foremost, take the time to complete and/or update your social media profile. Take a look at others in and out of your network that you believe are utilizing this medium effectively and use it as a guide. Sites such as LinkedIn have made it easy for its users by indicating what parts of your profile are complete and which need attention. When you have something to add, however mundane – change it. Once completed, it should not take more than five minutes of your time to update your profile on a frequent basis but this should be done no less than every six months.
Find Friends and Business Associates First – For those who are new to social networking or don’t have many connections, take baby steps and find people you know first. Once your profile is complete, the social media sites will provide you with lists of people you may know based on the high schools and colleges you attended, previous work experience, etc. It’s always easiest to connect with people you know before you reach out to others. Going forward, on a frequent basis scan the list of “people you may know” and determine if reaching out to connect would help professionally. Remember, just because you request a connection does not mean they will accept your invitation, but your goal should be to make at least one to three connections every week.
Find Groups with Similar Interests – With over 100 million users, there are literally thousands of groups on LinkedIn. Additionally, whether through Facebook, Orkut, or any other social media site, new groups and memberships continue to develop. Take five minutes each week to search for those groups within your chosen social media platform for those in a similar industry, profession or other personal and professional interest. Keep in mind that becoming a member is only part of the process. Those who participate on a frequent basis soon are recognized for their expertise on a particular subject or topic. This can lead to further networking and business opportunities.
Become a Thought Leader – The beauty of social media is that you can reach everyone in your network just by posting one piece of information.Once a week, attempt to post an article or other newsworthy item that would be of interest to your group of associates. This is an easy way to reach out with a value proposition and stay top of mind.
Social networking allows even those most introverted business professional an opportunity to network and build a formidable presence with colleagues and business associates alike. The suggestions above take no more than five to ten minutes a week, however obtaining just one new piece of business through this effort is a small price to pay and can only lead to further opportunities.
Paul S. Grabowski, Esq. has over 20 years experience in law firms, Fortune 500, private facility management, and professional and collegiate sports marketing and business development. He has been recognized for his efforts in building effective marketing and business development campaigns for businesses and individuals and can be reached at paulsgrabowski@att.net.
A business development focused lawyer I met several years ago sends out a daily email to his friends and colleagues with ideas, questions, observations and other positive pontifications.
He queried recently about the usefulness of LinkedIn and it was forwarded to me by another attorney.
"I’ve received very little feedback about LinkedIn, and no glowing recommendations for how to use LinkedIn effectively. I am on LinkedIn and I have joined several groups. I get updates of posts from the groups to my email account here at Blanchard Walker, but only a weekly update of statuses. If I stay logged on to LinkedIn, the screen never changes - no instant updates or “wall” like Facebook.
"I, and from your feedback I discern many of you, joined LinkedIn thinking it might be a “professional” type of Facebook. So far, it is tedious and unproductive. I tend to log on infrequently, and the more I log on, the more I wonder why I bother.
"Any of you have success stories about LinkedIn?"
I promptly responded to with my two cents:
“I have some strong beliefs about the use of social media (not just for lawyers)..... and find it a powerful tool. The key thing to remember is that it is not a magic bullet. LinkedIn is different from Facebook and Twitter, but the three are lumped together in the press and by ‘gurus’ who are making a lot of money off the subject.
“LinkedIn is not so much about you getting inbound business as it is a way for you and others to discover basic professional information about each other. You should assume that EVERY client and prospect goes to your LinkedIn profile before calling you or meeting with you. It is an easy way to scan someone's resume / CV. You should be doing this too.
“A partner in a law firm that was considering hiring me to speak at their partner retreat scanned my profile and found I went to college at San Diego State. He had gone there for one year, too. It was not on his profile, so I could never have known this... but he opened our conversation with this similar point of interest. We talked for 15 minutes about San Diego and this helped us quickly find a common bond. Wammo... I got the gig.
“Make sure your profile looks like you know how to use LinkedIn. Imagine you were interviewing a potential vendor who told you ‘Oh, I don't use email or cell phones in business.... as I don't "get" it and they don't really matter to me!’ Would you hire them or think they are out of touch? Yet I talk to lawyers (especially those over 50 years old) all the time who pooh-pooh social media. But if these tools are important to your clients, they had better be important to YOU!
“My take is that these social media tools are here to stay, and are growing in use,.... thus lawyers must both understand them, and have an active presence on social media. Waiting to see if this is all just a fad is not a smart idea at this point.
“At the same time, they do not replace human to human connections. Law is a relationship business, and remembering that on the other side of a social media connection is a real person is paramount to success."
I consult with lawyers and other business professionals on the best way to maximize LinkedIn. I am often surprised at how many executives are still baffled by how to best use this as a legitimate tool.
Chris Brogan has a post on his blog today about "The Future of Community". He does a great job or raising questions and providing insight onto how online communities must position themselves.
Communities are becoming distributed across platforms and people are relying more and more on mobile access. Nobody is going to come to a community just because it exists, creating loyalty is a two way street and there must be a call to action for long-term engagement.
But are online communities really different from face-to-face communities?
I think we have been sold a bill of goods by the media over the last few years. Online "social networking" and "community" are really not that drastically different that "face-to-face" networking and community.
The tools we use to communicate have changed (and new mediums keep popping up) but people are still the same. We still choose how and why we select the people we admire, like, and with whom we build real relationships. Each individual still decides who they talk to and about what they discuss, regardless of the platform.
People are still people.
When all the social online tools took hold a few years ago many thought the world had changed. There was democratization of the hierarchies. The "everyman" not only could have a seat, but they could create and own the "cool kids" table. But over time new hierarchies have arrived. The world has, in many ways, stayed the same.
It is just human nature that cliques and walled clubs have formed. To be part of a community the community must provide a sense of value and belonging. Exclusivity was supposed to be circumvented with the web, but it is back (because it never really left).
Faces in a crowded New York street are harder to recognize than those on a country lane. Online or offline people are the same. As everyone tries harder to gain attention, fewer voices can be heard over the noise.
Is the future of "new" communities the same as the history of "old" communities?
Before social media networking was hard. People struggled to make meaningful connections, and often looked in awe at a select few who seemed to have the powerful connections that lead to business opportunities. In any industry "fame" and "celebrity" rested with a few who congregated at the top. Others looked in with their noses pressed against the glass.
Was it family connections, the right college, or just a stellar outgoing personality that gave some folks the advantage in the game of interpersonal relationships? No matter, they had the power of business relationship and they kept it to themselves.
Then came online social networking. The Internet was thought to democratize the ability to connect. The power was shifted to the people. Anyone with high speed access could play. The early adopters who had not done well at networking cheered. Gone was the need to spend time talking to strangers at some industry happy hour, hoping to establish something meaningful.
Instead you could link freely. People from all walks of life were equalized and excited to make the connections. Friend requests were granted, and the world was new.
So why is networking still hard? Why is it even harder to make, grow and keep your business relationships than it was before?
Why is there so much social media overload and the lack of meaningful opportunities being shared with the masses. Again, many are on the outside looking in as a few garner all the attention. The players have changed, but there is still those who are in the club, and those who are on the outside. Why when so much has changed has so much remained the same?
The answer is that networking has not changed. The tools we use to communicate are new, but people are basically the same. The old adage that people want to do business with those they know, like and trust remains in tact.
However, the definition of the word "KNOW" has changed in our society. The ease of finding out basic information about each other has become simple. To "know" someone now only seems to take a Google Search or a visit to a LinkedIn profile. "Know" used to involve effort, and with that effort came understanding and intimacy. Along the route to getting to know somebody we discovered if the "liked" and "trusted" them. Now we never get that far.
Networking is harder because people falsely believed we could take shortcuts to friendships. But people still only care for you when they decide they care... and once a mutually beneficial relationship is established. A "Facebook Friend" is not really a "friend", but instead just the name that Mark Zuckerberg attached to a digital link.
With so much noise we now have to work even more to get the attention of others and establish connections. People are flocking back to industry conferences, Chambers of Commerce meetings and face-to-face lunches and coffee chats.
You would claim that the Austin, Texas phonebook (yes, they still do print phonebooks) is the equivalent of your network ("Look mom, I have 1.2 million people in my network... I have all their phone numbers and could call anyone of them at any time!"). Strangers, friends-of-friends, celebrities, and others whom you do not actually know are not really your business or personal connections. If you do not want to look back one day and discover that your social media contacts are leaving you outside looking in, then you need to put in the effort to get to know some of them in real life.
It takes work to establish and cultivate human to human relationships. Friendships are not based on clicks of the mouse but on clinks of the glasses. Spending time with people and making memories is key. People are experiential beings, and when we share our lives together we create bonds.
Networking is never about the number of contacts you have or how you store the information database. It is always about the establishment of long-term and mutually beneficial relationships between two or more people where all involved find more success because of the connections than they would have without the connections. Simple, and forever true.
I am sorry that networking is hard. It is only getting more difficult. But the longer you wait to invest in people, the longer it will take you to create the network that will lead to new opportunities. We tried to invent shortcuts to meaningful relationships, but there is no app for that!
"Social Media" has been the hottest buzz term in business for the past several years. People are adopting the various "social" tools faster than any medium in history, and where you find people, you find is money. Smart companies have gotten past hoping social media was just a fad, and are waist deep in the middle of these internet and mobile tools. The hard part for many is finding how to go from "social" to "sales".
Many old-school business professionals are struggling to find their way in this social media world. They can no longer control the company marketing messages, and this leaves them worried about the whole environment.
Customers do not wait for companies to create communities, instead organizing their own groups and discussion forums. People are doing what people have always done -- they are communicating. The change is they can find their peers (with similar interests) much easier. Geography and time of day no longer matter.
New buzz words are popping up, and many are predicting that "social" might get pushed over to the side in the new year. Some have proclaimed 2011 to be the year of "Content Marketing", but this content cannot exist in a vacuum, nor can it reach the intended audience all by itself. "If you build it, they will come" only works in Kevin Costner movies. Instead it still relies on all that is lumped under the banner of "social media" to provide the delivery and visibility.
But what about sales? Most people are done with the hype of buzz words and are hungry for increasing the bottom line. There is an undercurrent of grumbling from the C-Suite about the investments of time and money in social media (insert "Content Marketing", or any other term) without results. We need to remember the reasons for the business.... and this involves making money.
This is not a game of Monopoly, but real life--- and real companies need sales. (Even non-profits must concern themselves with operating in the black).
I have been working with clients to ensure they do not throw the baby out with the bath-water. Some are ignoring "social" because they are not seeing immediate ROI. That is the wrong approach. All areas of business must be integrated into the whole. All actions must be aligned with the company's goals, and expanding sales must be a priority.
To move from "Social to Sales" your company must be committed to both. The necessary business actions must be working together. You cannot expect "Social" to mean "magic". By definition social cannot be one sided. It is about cultivating relationships. If you expect to see sales results from your "social" efforts without real human investment of time, then you will find yourself disappointed.
As you company looks to 2011 have you created plans for "social" and "sales"? Are they integrated with people having shared all necessary information? Or are you waiting for the Tooth Fairy?
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
***Connect with Thom Singer to learn more about his "Integrated Visibility" Training Programs at thom (at) thomsinger.com
I have attended almost every TEXCHANGEmeeting in Austin over the last nine years. Yes, I have missed a few, but I was part of the founding board, served as president of the chapter, and have continued on the advisory board of this great group that has made a big impact on Austin's Tech Community. Thus, I can say with authority that this week's meeting featuring best-selling author Gary Vaynerchuk was among THE BEST nights in the history of the organization.
Gary is nationally recognized as a passionate speaker and a person who does not just pontificate about entrepreneurship, social media, and success, .... he lives it!
Over 170 Austin area entrepreneurs and other professionals filled the AT&T Center to listen to Gary share his observations about the continued growth of social media and the effects on marketing.
Gary's background speaks for itself, as he grew his family's liquor store from $4 million to $60 million via his early recognition of how the internet was going to change how we all lived and shopped. He believes the changes are still coming, and is shocked when he consults with companies who have still not realized that the world is undergoing the biggest culture shift ever. Meanwhile more dollars are available, and many companies are not taking the action to win more customers via social online interactions. The realities of the new age are being underestimated and he is driven to help businesses find their way.
However, with all the changes in the interconnected online world, there is a push backward toward old fashioned small town values. Gary stated that our grandparents are better suited to win in the future than many of the younger generations because they understand these basic premises of the personal touch and caring about the customer. (Gary is obsessed with the concept of "Giving a Fuck", as those who really care will win in the long run!!!).
Information is being generated at unprecedented speed and there is a lot more "noise" out there.... thus marketing is about to get really hard. Those who think they can keep marketing the same way are in for a rough road. Google TV will displace the estimated numbers of Neilsen Ratings, and thus show exact numbers of eyeballs viewing any given show (which might not be as many viewers as many people think!). Additionally, when people watch television or read newspapers they now do it with their hands on laptops, cell phones, and other distractions that keep them from viewing the mass media with the attention they did just 10 years ago.
Gary's next book (due out in March 2011) is called "The Thank You Economy" and will focus on his mantra that Brands that out-care their competitors will win in the long run: Manners, birthday wishes, thank you notes, and responding to customers online (think Twitter) comments directly (not ignoring them) are what will have the biggest impact. He challenged the audience that if someone at their table in the dinning room began randomly discussing their company they would join the conversation.... then why in the hell do they NOT do this online? To executives who say "My clients are not there... or don't care" about social media, he says..."NOT YET!".
Vaynerchuk thinks everyone should be layering social media into their marketing plans, TODAY. Even if they are not ready to abandon their traditional marketing, advertising, PR, etc... they need to be moving with social media and not ignoring the coming waves.
Ten years ago if you were talking to your friend about Bud Light while watching TV at home and your doorbell rang with a Budweiser rep on the porch you would have freaked out. Yet today if you Tweet about your Bud Light you expect the company to respond (if necessary or appropriate). Companies must be monitoring the chatter online (and responding) or they are making a huge mistake. ***Take note, if your competitors are listening they might be discovering ways to respond to customer online discussions and win the business.
It is necessary to create a dialogue and build a true relationship in this new world. People are being re-trained in society to expect this type of interaction. As the younger generations have adopted Facebook (and other technology platforms), they have pulled their parents and grandparents in at adoption rates never before seen. The reason the "over-sixty-crowd" is the fastest growing segment on Facebook is this is they way they keep up and communicate with their grand kids.
Those small town values are what make you stand out. He used the example of a "Baker's Dozen" -- pointing out of how the baker in a small town cared about his customers,.... enough to toss in an extra donut. Yet he questioned if we went to Whole Foods and picked up 13 donuts, would they only charge us for 12??? (The answer was "NO").
I have spent the better part of a decade watching and learning from speakers. Long before I became a professional speaker, I studied how some experts can impact an audience and inspire the soul of those who are listening to their presentation (while others fall flat). I observe every reaction from the audience and judge their connection to the speaker. Often it is polite, but not engaged. Gary had them from "hello". He is a pro!
He took Q&A from the audience for over 20 minutes, making extra sure that his answers satisfied the desires of those asking the questions. Then stayed and talked to everyone who wanted one-on-one time for nearly 90 minutes. He was genuinely interested in all he encountered and his passion for people and helping others find their own path to success was evident in the attention he gave to each individual.
The night was a "TOUCHDOWN". (I would have said "HOME RUN", but Gary Vaynerchuk would one day like to own the New York Jets!).
Two weeks ago (June 22, 2010) Chris Brogan wrote a blog post about "The Beauty of Keeping Information Shareable". In this post he talked about how he releases all content on his blog [chrisbrogan.com] under the Creative Commons license, which means that you can share and reuse my information within reason and with some attribution back to the original post.
He went on to site an example of how one blog reader, Paul Durban, created a cool video out of one of his recent blog posts: 50 Power Twitter Tips. I had read the post and viewed the cool YouTube video that Paul made by using Chris's original information on the day it appeared on Chris's blog.
This triggers my own blog post here for two reasons:
1. Chris is right about making your information shareable and being open to others taking it to new levels, as long as they give attribution. I talk with many authors, blogger, speakers and others who are ultra freaked-out about anyone touching their work, or even quoting them unless they are some how compensated.
While I understand the desire to maintain control over a brand, there are advantages of having the power of other people's creativity expand your own product. It is not only famous people like Chris Brogan who put out interesting nuggets of information that can inspire others, and when we are the catalyst of creativity, everyone wins.
Some are so concerned with their control and compensation early in their career that they are missing out the chance to ever make it out of the basement. Letting other people expand on your ideas can take you to new levels. I encourage anyone who reads my blog to feel free to continue the discussion. Nobody needs to ask me if they can quote me, or use my content as part of something new (as long as they give me credit and a link back!). I try not to "step over $100 bills to pick up pennies"!
I find it interesting how myopic some people are about this topic. Too many people are living in the old media world of needing to have total control of everything related to their products. I like seeing some of the creative things that occur when people connect in random examples (such as this video that was spawned by Chris's blog post).
Just like customer reviews for products and services have extreme power online to influence consumer purchases (think Bazaarvoice), having other expanding your ideas into new vehicles (like the above mentioned video, etc...) has more impact than if Chris had created this video himself.
2. Small world. I know a Paul Durban. I read Chris Brogan blog regularly, and saw this post sighting Paul's creative video... but never made the connection in my own head.
I went to high school with a Paul Durban. THIS PAUL DURBAN! We both grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, California. He now lives in Nebraska, I live in Texas. We had not really had much contact over 26 years (disclaimer, we have been connected on Facebook for a few months, so he was not totally forgotten). Today he followed me on Twitter, and I clicked over to see his website for his eBook and Video company, Blazonfire. WOW.... he does some amazing things. I called him to tell him I was impressed with both the high quality of his eBooks, but even more with his promotional video production.
Turns out our career are complementary and we should have known that. Now it looks like we may be able to refer business to each other, and I enjoyed hearing more about his creative company, his family, and his vision for the future. He mentioned the above discussed blog post on Brogan's blog, and I remembered having seen it. I went back and looked, and realized his name was in big letters (with a link). Duh!
But think about this folks: 26 years have gone by.... we live thousands of miles in opposite directions from where we grew up, and yet our paths crossed on a blog like ChrisBrogan.com..... and yet we missed the connection (well, I missed it, Paul missed nothing, as I was not mentioned!). How many other amazing people are we just missing? To quote Maxwell Smart; "I missed it by THIS much!"
Just because you have a link to someone on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter does not mean that you are really connected. So much of these social media communities are just over crowded and we do not really mesh with the available opportunities. We are often not looking deep enough at the people with whom we are connected (regardless of how well we know them... or knew them!). Here is someone whom I should have had a conversation with months ago, but I did not see it. Then his name crossed my path in a highly public way, and I did not see it. Sometimes the universe is sending messages and we do not listen.
I do not think it is just me (am I the only moron?). I think "Social Media" (whatever that really is any more) is so filled with BS, that the real gems are right there and few people can see them. We need to take a collective deep breath and look at whom has crossed out paths in life and look for ways to create mutually beneficial relationships where everyone succeeds more!
More and more people are feeling slutty when linking to strangers on LinkedIn and Facebook. As they mature in their use of social media they are realizing that links without the love, while fun, can just leave everyone with little to show for their connections.
Additionally, social media does not scale to the whole world. Eventually if you have too many contacts it just becomes noise. The people who you do know, like and trust become lost in a sea of status updates from random people who are rambling about things that do not matter.
At the "Social Media Day Tech Karaoke" event the I joined a conversation with two highly known and respected members of the community. They were talking about my "Coffee / Meal / Beer Rule" for accepting connections on Facebook and LinkedIn(I only link to people in those two social media communities with whom I have had a real conversation. There are exceptions, as there are other ways to get to know someone, but I do not link upon the first meeting). One of them had gotten so many strangers into his social media world that he was finding it necessary to "cut back". He was dumping the strangers.
Interestingly, that same person had sent me a LinkedInrequest the night we met over a year ago. I never accepted it. However, over the 12 months I have seen him in person and online several times and I have grown to know and respect him. Thus, I was ready to accept the link. Meanwhile, he is dropping all the others who he did not develop a mutual understanding over the past two years. He agreed that while he did not originally see the power of a social media linking policy, he is now creating one of his own that will be similar to the "Coffee / Meal / Beer Rule".
When social media was new many users were horny to use it to connect to anyone. While there are some who will forever argue in favor of their orgy of useless contacts, all they are creating is a Phone Book. Sure you have names and contact information, but so what? You would not pick up a Phone Book and randomly begin dialing people to talk and calling them your "Friends", why is a link to a stranger any different?
Contrary to what some believe social media was never about numbers, it has always been about relationships. While the tools we use to communicate have changed, how we are wired as human beings and relate to others is not different. We long for connection, but it must be based on real emotions, not bits, bites and links.
Get past the lust to link to as anyone and everyone. Nothing beats a relationship. Keep it real.
