At a recent networking event I ran into someone who had started her own business but was still unsure after leaving a large company. I suggested she attend one of my Business Accelerator events and the conversation provided the idea to do a podcast
episode on basic tools that can make you solid business contacts. My goal is examine some of the popular sites you may already know and how to use them to develop your personal brand and make professional contacts.
Skype
Skype has been around for ages and is quite useful. It allows both video and audio calls from your computer (so you don’t have to comb your hair to talk to someone). From your desktop Skype is a free download so simple even your mother could install it. You can use the webcam on your laptop or purchase one with a mic for under $50 bucks. The advantage of video calling is that you can make a more personal connection with a contact without it seeming like a phone call. This helps you stand out or attend a meeting without leaving your office. You can also use Skype for video calls from your mobile phone, but be sure you have access to a wifi connection otherwise the call goes against your data usage. You probably won’t use video calling for all your contacts but it allows making face to face contact in a way a phone call does not.
Pinterest
Women know Pinterest like no other site and the audience is 70% female, but men are gradually discovering it. Pinterest is rivaled only by Google in terms of search. Yes search. Anything you want to know you can find it on Pinterest, and it’s is a great place to network. You set up a board on a topic and then begin to invite others to pin along with you. Pinterest has also installed a messaging feature that allows you to have conversations with other pinners where you can talk about ideas surrounding different pins you or they have pinned. It is an excellent means of making contacts and getting your ideas in front of others. And you thought dreaming wasn’t productive.
Google Plus
Google Plus is a well-kept secret but a very powerful one. Once Google finally decided to stop trying to be Facebook, people have gravitated to the site. The goal on Google Plus is not to get followers, although they will come, but views through plusses. Many people get frustrated with the site because they come with a Facebook mentality and get frustrated when it does not work. The best way to use the site is to join different communities that allow you to get more in touch with people who share your interests. Once the community understands what to expect from your content the plusses will come. The beauty of Google Plus is that as a people plus and share your content it will become slightly viral as it travels and so will you. Once you’re familiar, invite people to a ‘hang out”, which is video you can record and upload to youtube. You instantly have a fun video with contacts.
These three work quickly because you already know them so less to learn. The podcast provides more detail, but the tactics I’ve described will help you get to know the people behind those business cards you’ve been collecting. I say that because study after study has shown that networking works best when there is a connection that feels personal.
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