Choosing your words carefully

It has been said that once words leave your mouth that they remain out there forever. Words can hurt of heal and they really can last for a long time, particularly in this new digital age.

Consider this in these two instances:

• When you write
• When you speak

Sure, this is simple. But today, things can be carried around the world in written form or in recorded form. Take for example the LinkedIn recommendation: yes, you can revise it, but once it is published, it is out there for all to read. Remember LI is searchable in lots of ways. So, when you recommend someone, treat it as you would a verbal or other formal recommendation. Use the same rules of thumb: know them, mean it and tell the truth.

When you speak at a networking event, consider what you say carefully. Those who know you continue to learn about you; new contacts are collecting first impressions. Be polite, correct, truthful and chose your words carefully.

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Using social media--with caution

As many other networkers are doing these days, I've jumped on the social-media bandwagon. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter,....ah, Twitter.

I just had one of what I am sure are many distasteful experiences on Twitter. I was "spammed"by a follower. One of those, "you-can-make-money-on-the-internet-if-you-buy-into-my-scam" guys. I won't identify him or her here since that would be like giving TV time to a streaker at a baseball game.

If you are using Twitter, be sure and police who your followers are weekly or more often and block them. If you don't know them, trust them or feel it is important for them to be in contact with you, then cut them loose.

Better safe than sorry.

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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.

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Social media tools and business

I just returned from a meeting of the Small Business Advisory Board at the North Dallas Chamber (NDCC). A different group mix today.

The group, comprised of both members and non-members of the NDCC, included an attorney, a recruiter, a health-and-wellness expert, two HR professionals, a financial expert and two advertising-related guys. This diverse group had an open discussion on LinkedIN, Twitter, Facebook, Plaxo, Namz and how these and other social media sites lend themselves to being effective tools in either gathering or securing business.

They discussed a range of related issues from compliance (the financial person's concern) to sharing proprietary info to related tools that could leverage one's exposure through these tools.

The bottom line for the group was the understanding that these are more arrows in our quivver to help us build relationships.

The quote of the morning (from AT Grant and I hope I get it right) was "The more connected you are the more you are connecting."

Keep on networking and use these tools carefully and wisely.

Relentless

What is enough exposure?

We've all grown in our use of the social media tools. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and others occupy a significant amount of the networker's life.

But have we really learned to use them?

Have we forgotten what the "original mission" was? Do we have the intent of these tools when we sign on and "connect" with our friends, colleagues and others?

I'd like to hear what others are saying or feeling about these media. It appears, from my vantage point, that there is a disconnect between what we are using to reach people and actually reaching people.

When have you been exposed enough? When do you reach the point of overexposure? Is too much exposure bad?

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Overkill on social media

After a number of months of using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, I'm on overload.

And I guess I should be. But it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) be that way.

What got me thinking about this is Facebook. I see a number of colleagues using Facebook as a way to reach out to freinds, clients, prospects and the rest of the world. However, hearing moment-to-moment about "being tired" or their latest cup of coffee, is a bit much. So, I've taken the approach that I take with LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is a bit more serious. It allows you to make a comment about what you are doing right now, as does Facebook. However, I've even taken a step back here: I only mention those things that are serious and of interest to my fellow LIers. These entries are more of the "travelling to the AWMA show" or "attending the IABC networking event" rather than the fluffier stuff. Truth is, I've also taken the same serious direction with Facebook and Twitter. It's polite, professional promotion.

And I've cut back to only a few entries per week rather than the multiple-day postings of earlier this year.

A good thing is nice; let's not abuse a good thing. And, too, let us all realize that we're adults and we should think carefully (and long and hard) before speaking (or, in this case, typing). Besides, we all have work to do beyond this.

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/

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