6 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Professional Networking Sites
PR professionals are not novices to networking. They understand full well the potential benefits of securing a circle of influentials. The proliferation of online technology has brought more opportunity to expand those connections. One such source is LinkedIn, a professional site connecting "25 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries" (About LinkedIn).
While many public relations and marketing practitioners utilize these outlets, some may not realize their full potential.
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Benefits
Networking isn't the only reason to join a professional site. Consider its other uses:
- A potential research tool for media relations
- A public relations tactic to connect with and increase clientele
- A platform to run marketing campaigns
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6 Ways to Increase the Effectiveness of Professional Social Networks
If you want to get the most out of sites such as LinkedIn, you'll need to increase your connect-ability. Here are just a few tactics to get you started.
- Create an effective profile. Many professionals skimp on their profile, adding only their current employers. "Fill out your profile like it's an executive bio, so include past companies, education, affiliations, and activities," advises Guy Kawasaki, managing director Garage Technology Ventures, columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine, and noted blogger. By increasing your visibility, you're increasing the desirability for someone to connect to you.
- Network, network, network. What's the good of joining a social networking site if you aren't going to bond with other professionals? Start with whom you know and then build connections from there. Many social networks allow you to import contacts directly from your email address book. As you connect with friends and colleagues, you'll be able to request introductions and reach out to friends of friends, and so forth.
- Introduce yourself. Introductions on LinkedIn or other professional sites act much the same way a physical introduction might at a cocktail party or industry event. They allow you to make initial contact with a person whom you might not know or with whom you may share a mutual connection. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
- Become an expert. Social sites are a perfect place to get your questions answered and to share your knowledge of the field. If you have a solution or response chime in. Your participation might just land you another connection, prospect, or lead.
- Recommendations can go a long way. Your profile reflects your expertise, but testimonials from a third party add credibility. Ask for colleagues and former managers to post a powerful good word in the recommendation section.
- Join a group. It's one of the easiest ways to meet professionals who share common interests, experiences, goals and stay current on hot-button issues, and topics pertinent to your industry.
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Professional Social Networking as a Business Model
Unlike MySpace or Facebook, social networks used by the general public, LinkedIn is a business resource that offers social networking. LinkedIn is working to expand its services to meet the needs of its members and increase connectivity. New features connect with other social media, such as Twitter and blogs, and collaborate online. |
About BurrellesLuce
Make sure you see and can measure all of your coverage - whether in local and national print, online or broadcast outlets. Choose BurrellesLuce. We help communication professionals maximize their media relations results through a full range of planning, monitoring and measurement services. Besides delivering content, the company's online platform, called BurrellesLuce 2.0, enables clients to target and connect with journalists and bloggers, monitor the media for coverage, and measure and understand the impact of their outreach efforts. Founded in 1888 and headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey, BurrellesLuce has offices throughout the United States.
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