By Sharon Hill
Most of think of social media as incoming. Incoming fans, InMails, followers and readers of blogs. We should also be using social media for reaching out. Reaching out for information, introductions and contacts.
Two recent examples:
Example 1:
I needed to contact a new employee of a current client. Way back in the day, I would pick up the phone and fumble around trying to find some common ground on which to build a warmer relationship. More recently back in the day, I would check the website hoping there might be some information on the new contact. Prior to social media, I would try the website and Googling the contact. Now I can do all of that and find their social media sites. I found that my new contact had a twitter site and we shared a common interest – sports. Even better, a recent game featured our two teams pitted against each other. Great groundbreaking conversation topics and an even better (as in warm), sign off with good luck (not really) to each other’s team next week.
Example 2:
Recently our group thought of a great prospect for one of our clients. Now how to approach that client without making a cold call or sending an out-of-blue letter or email. LinkedIn is a wonderful source to find someone who knows the person who you would like to meet. One of our group members had 6+ Level 2 connections. Level 2 means:
Find out how well the person knows the prospect and ask the person you know to provide you with some insight on that prospect. If it seems appropriate and the person you know is comfortable with it, ask for an introduction or at a minimum if you can use their name. If this person is not that well connected or uncomfortable in either making an introduction or using their name, move onto the next person on your list.
Social media sites provide a wealth of information and opportunities to make better and faster connections. Don’t forget to reciprocate and make connections for others.
@social_dynamics
Tags: LinkedIn, LinkedIn InMails, social media, Twitter
