Unless you’re in your twenties, social networking may raise all sorts of red flags. What about all of the fears we have of our privacy being invade? What about identity theft?
Why would we suddenly put our personal information out on the web for all to see? It may sound counterintuitive.
As a business person or professional person, you should have a presence on the web as a way to market your services.
Social networking sites help you do this.
There are several social networking sites—some are like Facebook, which usually attracts a young crowd. Many college-aged people that I know stay in contact with their selected circle of friends through the postings.
LinkedIn is a social networking site that has attracted many professionals. It is a business networking site.
The way LinkedIn works is that someone invites you to join their professional network, and if you accept, you will be listed as one of that person’s connections. By association you have now been recommended to many other people.
This process is similar to the networking breakfasts you may have hated but attended anyway. You never knew if you might meet someone who could send business your way. But social networking on the web is easy, efficient, and fun.
LinkedIn has the capability of sending business to you via its very large networking audience, but it has an intimate, manageable structure. Someone who knows you is recommending you to others.
Having an identity on the internet is becoming increasingly important. If you can’t be found there, you will lose business.
While it’s wise to protect your identity and to be discreet, it’s also wise to take a step toward getting a presence on the web. You can do both. You should do both.
LinkedIn is a reputable and smart social networking site where you can connect or reconnect with friends or colleagues, get business or a job, and find answers to some of your questions.
Here’s another smart step you should take—go to my website (www.nwcoaching.com) to sign up for my Smart Tips newsletter. As a sign-up bonus, you’ll receive a great gift--something that you can use.
Until next time,
Nancy
www.nwcoaching.com
