PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Other tips to keep in mind: Don’t be aggressive, send multiple messages, or try to sell anything.
adds value — random comments about what you had for lunch aren’t the best way to establish your expertise. You can direct message people on Twitter: the same rules apply as when connecting on LinkedIn. You can also repurpose your LinkedIn photo and summary for your Twitter bio for consistent messaging. • Most people use Facebook for staying in touch with friends and family. If you want to use it for networking, make sure there are no photos or posts that you don’t want potential employers or business contacts to see. You can adjust your privacy settings to control who sees what by creating a separate list for your professional contacts. Start networking by following the Facebook pages of companies you’re interested in, or join Facebook groups related to your profession. As with LinkedIn, you want to mind your manners on Twitter and Facebook, and control your brand. Always keep your conversations professional and remember that anything you say can be shared across the Internet. If you wouldn’t say something at a business lunch, don’t say it online.
6. GET ENGAGED Another way to build your network is to join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your industry or profession. APEGA’s LinkedIn group, for example, has 16,000 members. Many groups, like APEGA’s, have active discussion forums. Get a conversation started by asking advice from experts in your industry, or add value to a conversation by sharing your own experience and knowledge. “You can post interesting articles or participate in discussions, but you want to make sure to keep it professional,” says Ms. Barron. 7. THE CLOSER Once you’ve built an online relationship with someone, it’s OK to request a face-to-face meeting. Keep in mind that contacts may be getting requests for meetings from other people, so let them know how you can help them or how a meeting could be mutually beneficial. “LinkedIn is a stepping stone. It’s a way to make a first connection with someone, a first impression, but then you have to follow through,” says Ms. Barron. “It’s not enough to make just a really great profile.”
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TWITTER AND FACEBOOK: OTHER ONLINE OPTIONS
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You may want to consider other social media platforms to round out your online networking experience. Sites like Twitter or Facebook have their advantages and disadvantages. • On Twitter, you can follow companies, clients or experts in your field, share their content and engage them in conversation. If you post your own content, make sure it
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