The Art of Social Networking

The Art of Social Networking Wayne Hicks [email_address] (513) 284-4968 BDPA

…fellow traveler CEO, Hicks Enterprises Past President, National BDPA Past President, BDPA Cincinnati Chapter Executive Director, BDPA Education & Technology Foundation Passionate about positive growth for our people

Why Are You Here? First  CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Successful People Make History Handle Your Business We wear many hats… Corporate America employee Community Leader Small Business Owner or Entrepreneur

Networking: What Is It? NETWORKING is a series of communication links of personal contacts for advice, referrals, and information to help you identify job opportunities Each of these contacts has his or her own network of people who can ultimately be tapped Networking simply means the entire circle of relationships you have, excluding no one Networking is dynamic, ever-changing; not a one-time task but an ongoing process to the develop the skill. Over 80% of jobs are found through networking

Networking: Be Prepared Attending a function, what do you want to get out of the function in terms of networking; also, what are you willing to give Be committed and determined to do whatever it takes; networking requires patience and commitment Be honest and respect confidentiality Choose members based on information not position and treat those in the network as equals Don’t be afraid to ask; utilize your resources Don’t waste your resources; focus your needs and use when necessary Express appreciation Give without expectation Set realistic and achievable goals

Building Your Networks Analyze your skills and assets; divide your life into categories, list people in each categories Work/Business fellow employees business clients Family/Inner Circle extended family friends of family members Social/Professional Organizations fellow members Friends Other (i.e., casual acquaintances: commute, exercise)

Analyze Your Network Understand what you want from your networks; what are your goals? My goal in the next six months is: My goal in the next year is: My goal in the next five years is: The most important kinds of support I need now are:

Benefits of Networking Networking has become a hiring point ; U.S. Labor Department cites that 80% of the jobs come from networking Information/knowledge are power ; provide facts to encourage time/money savings activities; cross-fertilize professional knowledge Networking will keep competitive businesses in business and determine profitability

Four Components of Networking Networkers are Aware Existing networks Human nature to assist and ask for help Unlimited nature of their network Networkers have Helpful Attitudes Be positive Be sincere Extend yourself Networkers hone their communication skills complete messages Accurate messages Listens intensely Networkers develop relationship-building habits Considerate Respectful Caring Honest & Trustworthy

Social Networks Social Networking Matters – leverage social networks by highlighting your accomplishments & personal experiences Know Yourself, Build Your Brand – know what you bring to the table Give Back – Volunteer with local BDPA chapter or lead a chapter committee helps build your network and your reputation. Know Your Target – use the Internet to reach potential employers, employees and get bonafide leads Keep Going – Continue to hunt; keep your brand alive; publish tomorrow’s article

Is Social Media for You? One of the biggest misconceptions with online marketing is that social media is only for large brands . Truthfully, a small business that invests its time wisely can improve customer (or client) loyalty and traditional word of mouth marketing efforts. Social media is useful for almost every type of business . Cafes, retail stores, and even professional services can build their online reputation and increase trust. By taking advantage of social media, businesses can make themselves more accessible, more personable, and maintain long term connections. For a small business looking to increase referrals, social media can be a powerful tool.

Social Networks LinkedIn Network – www.linkedin.com GroupSite – http://bdpa.groupsite.com Facebook – http://www.facebook.com Twitter – www.twitter.com/BDPA

Do You Have a Blog? Building and writing a blog may be time consuming, but it creates a way to connect with users on your own website. Additionally, creating useful content such as how-tos or industry insights can keep customers engaged. For business owners that don’t have the resources to update their blog regularly or can’t think of what they’d write, I suggest building a “Connect” page. A connect page, or social hub, offers readers a way to find your business’ most active profiles and join you on those social sites. The page could also include a short bio or how you use each social site. Giving consumers a reason to visit your site is extremely important. A blog or social hub can pull consumers to your site and into the sales funnel.

ALL ABOUT: Mainly used for professional networking 43 million registered users, spanning 170 industries “Gated-trust model" Contact with any professional requires a preexisting relationship or 2 nd degree introduction Intended to build trust among the service's users

Top Ten LinkedIn Network Tips Register your business and personal email addresses. Take the tour. Fill in your full name and nickname. Fill in your profile. Join any applicable groups. Browse connections for people you know. Find contacts related to your most recent employer. Add more contacts using LinkedIn’s toolbar for Outlook. Add contacts for whom you know their email addresses. Add contacts for whom you do not know their email addresses.

Facebook Ain’t Just for Kids! 250 million active users worldwide Another major social site to target is Facebook . Creating a Fan Page is simple, but truly utilizing it to its fullest potential takes some guidance. A Fan Page allows a business to visualize and build a community, similar to Twitter. However, unlike Twitter, you can add and customize a great deal more. At the very least a business should update their Fan Page “status” to keep consumers informed and engaged.

Why is Twitter a Big Win? 3 rd largest social network It connects you with your consumers in real-time via the web, desktop applications, and even mobile. Finding a way to offer value while humanizing the business can lead to a stronger following and increased word of mouth marketing. With Twitter, business owners are able to cater to their consumer’s needs instantaneously. In a world where everything needs to be done yesterday, a quick response can create a lifelong customer.

Ten Networking Turn-Offs Being insincere Being lazy with relationships Constant or overselling Getting too personal too quickly Hogging the limelight Magically appearing business cards Making insincere/shallow comments Taking people/things for granted Talking incessantly Treating people like chopped liver

Ten Traits of a Master Networker Consistent Create possibilities Givers and Receivers Hone their recall skills Know their goals Laser Listeners Make connections Organized Responsive Self-Aware

Reading List Networking for Dummies By Donna Fisher Power Networking:59 Secrets for Personal and Professional Success By Donna Fisher, Marilyn Hermance, and Sandy Vilas Success Runs In Our Race: The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African-American Community By George Fraser with Les Brown Women for Hire: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job Tory Johnson, Robyn Spizman, and Lindsey Pollak

Brand & Marketing BETF YouTube Channel metrics http://www.youtube.com/villager42 Blog - http://betf.blogspot.com ( Best Business Blog; 2009 Black Weblog Awards) - http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com – Electronic Village Facebook Page – 802 fans http://www.facebook.com/pages/BDPA-Foundation/13734387198 GroupSite – 1983 subscribers http://bdpa.groupsite.com Twitter – 860 followers http:// twitter.com /BDPA

Questions Wayne Hicks, Executive Director Phone: (513) 284-4968 Twitter: BDPA Blog: http://betf.blogspot.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/waynehicks

The Art of Social Networking

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