Now that you are on, let’s get you connected.
Photo by dan taylor on Flickr
FRIENDS in ‘real life’ are not the same as friends online. In face-to-face relationships there is a certain etiquette with friends. Online, there is a totally different etiquette with friends. We won’t go over all the nuances, just know that it is OK to have thousands of friends on an online network and never really ‘speak’ to any of them.
Then why have them?
When you need them, they will be there. For example, let’s say you find a past coworker from 10 years ago on LinkedIn and connect to them. Next month, suddenly, you are laid off. What is the best way to find a job? Through networking. Suddenly, you have a MUCH larger network to contact and that past coworker is no longer a distant memory, but a valuable resource.
Or, let’s say that you were involved with a volunteer music production group. In time you quit, moved across the country and life moved on – but you were friends with this group on Facebook. Five years later you get the itch and want to start up a similar production group in your new town. Even though you did not stay in touch via mail or even email very well, not only do you know where to find this group, but you can instantly contact them to get advice.
TO DO – Get thee some Friends! (Difficulty Level: EASY – Time: 20- minutes total)
According to your initial strategy,
- Spend at least 10 minutes on each of the social networks and connect to, or friend current or past friends, family members or co-workers.
- Take a look at who they are following. This may give you some ideas of who to connect with who you may have forgotten.
