Build relationships actively
Set up your network accounts to send and receive automatic notifications so that you and your contacts are notified of each other's activities. However, the most important communication will remain the individual one - and you should do it often and regularly.
For example, if you find an interesting article, share it with your contacts who you know will read it. Send an e-mail or share a message on LinkedIn. Pay attention to the quality of the content: you should only bring useful value to your audience.
TIP: Write down interesting contacts in Excel. Rate your connections using numbers according to the importance of the relationship. For example, if you want to get a job at a contact's business, expand the list to include key company contacts that you find on the Internet. You will get a key list of people with whom you want to build relationships according to your goals.
Relevance of content
The content you share on social media should be relevant to what you do and the areas you specialise in. Share stories, articles, charts, news about the company you work for or own, and anything else that is relevant or interesting to your network of contacts. You can share your content on all your social media channels so that your contacts can see them the next time you sign in.
Where to share
Choose your social networks depending on the goals you want to achieve. Think about which networks are most relevant to the industry you work in. LinkedIn and Twitter tend to be used to share professional and more specialised information. On Instagram and Facebook, on the other hand, you can be more creative and playful with your content. For example, if you work in finance, then LinkedIn and Twitter would probably be the main tools you would use. If you are a freelance designer, maybe Instagram and Facebook would be best. The choice of social media you want to use varies depending on your job and the nature of the content.
Once you have chosen the social networking platforms you want to use, try to inspire people and build successful relationships. Below are five tips to help you become a better online connector and communicator.
1. Stand out from the crowd
Present your professional brand in an attractive package. For example, a catchy word introduction stands out on LinkedIn. On Facebook, on the other hand, consider adding an interesting image.
2. Don't be afraid of failure
If it's authentic, don't be afraid to share your failures and lessons. Posts with photos or videos will captivate and pack an emotional punch. You could share thoughts about a business you tried to start but it didn't work out, or anything else you're comfortable with.
3. Show your passion
Passion creates engagement. If you are a passionate business, let people know. If you are really excited about the work you are doing, other people will feel this excitement and catch it. Use your content to tell stories that move people. For example, share something that happened to you or someone you know.
4. Do your research
If you're considering connecting to a new contact, search for their name on Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, and their company's website. When you learn more about them, you will find things you have in common.
5. Emphasise diversity
Audit your news channel. A diverse network is the key to raising your awareness of different perspectives and accessing diverse content. You can create dedicated lists on Twitter and Facebook that allow you to view posts only from people on that list. Follow them, communicate with them and watch what they are watching.
Think about your overall strategy and how you can use your online tools to support your goals.
Above all, be professional and authentic. This will help you build relationships with people who are interested in you.
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