Networks

Consider your various networks: those that are the new-age electronic variety versus the old-school, clasped-hand face-to-face groups.

Are you using a mix of both? It really makes sense not to ignore today's technology when it comes to connecting to and with people. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook do shorten the initial conversation when you do meet for the first time in person. However, those media should be the conduit for just that: an in-person meeting.

Nothing replaces face-to-face contact. The old adages about good first impressions still hold true. People still want to size up and look someone in the eye. Hearing a voice and the inflection go a long way toward making a partnership--if there is to be one.

Not that "old-boy" networks don't have their problems. But be sure to have a mix of networking to make sure you are connecting on all levels.

Our colleague, Guy Kawasaki, referenced this in a recent Tweet (http://om.ly/?iIL). Thanks, Guy.

Relentless

LinkedIn

This social networking site has had reams and volumes written about it. There probably isn't anything new I can impart except what I've learned from my personal experience. A few Rules of Thumb when it comes to using and being a part of the LinkedIn community:

• Tailor your profile to match your resume. It is a version of your vitae, after all.
• Be honest. State the facts in your profile.
• Ask for introductions, when appropriate. Be sure you know someone well enough to ask and then have a solid reason to want to be connected to the person you're asking about.
• Same goes for Recommendations: don't ask someone you hardly know to write one for you. And really don't ask them to write it and then say "just read my profile and write one." Yikes.
• Keep visible periodically, but not so much as to be an irritant. And avoid trite or personal comments following the "is" statement. Keep it professional.
• Be mindful of your brand and awareness of it.

There are many other things--this is a start list. for more, visit Guy Kawasaki's list at:
http://blog.linkedin.com/2007/07/25/ten-ways-to-use/

Relentless