Social Media

Are you connected? You should be .  If you have existing profiles on any of the multitude of social media networks now available, make sure it's completely updated.  Your peers will tell you how frustrating it is to take the time to view someone's page that has incomplete information.

Here are some tips for your profiles:

• Again, complete your profile by including the basics - overview of who you are and what services you provide, education, hobbies and interests, etc.

• Make connections. That's what it's all about.  Seek others out with similar interests and hobbies.  You may find your next client, best friend or business partner online.  The number of connections isn't as important as being strategic about who you choose to connect with.  Nonetheless, it is important.  If you're aggressively trying to grow your list, try picking 2 to 3 people a day to send invitations to.  Your list will grow in no time.

• Don't try to join every social media site available.  That's a common mistake and you don't want to set yourself up for frustration and being overwhelmed.  Choose the top handful that you feel attract the type of individuals and organizations you wish to connect with.

• Be responsive.  Now, that you're growing your list, make sure you monitor notifications you receive with new friend requests or messages.

• Get recommended by your clients, prior employers and peers to show off your expertise.  The recommendations are more important than the number of connections you have.  Recruiters and HR Managers are now sifting through your online postings in addition to the traditional reference-checking.  

We can attest to how successful one can be by having social media profiles.  We've been invited to be guest speakers, invited to private  networking events, have more professionals to bounce ideas off, and acquired new clients.  

We've  met some really great colleagues along the way and look forward to meeting more and more of you out there.