May 2009 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

Business
When does the boom become
a boomerang?By Gwendy Krijger
It is no secret that we are all
experiencing and trying to keep
up with a social networking boom.
But when does the boom become
a boomerang? Do you or don’t you
partake in the online networking
affair that is proving to be so seductive
yet leaving many of us feeling empty and lonely
with nothing really to show for it and worse still -
that boomerang is not returning a golden one.
If you were to ask five of your peers or friends
what they think of social networking in the
business context, you will get varying perceptions
on the good, bad and ugly – all of which will
probably be true! Some of the early adopters
will boast extensive networks, profiles and daily
habits on using sites such as LinkedIN and Twitter
to keep in touch with their online networks, chat
rooms and blogs. On the other end of the scale, the
late adopters are still in conflict with issues such
as trust, making no time to explore opportunity,
thinking they are not technically savvy or simply
not seeing the value of such online frivolities.
The reality today is that if you are serious
about managing your reputation – social networks
will get you ahead in your career, life and business.
If you are not convinced yet, then I would like to
suggest you ask yourself this simple question: If
someone were to Google you, what would they
find out about you and are you managing the
information they see?
LinkedIN is by far the leader
in the business social networking
scene, with profiles of more
than 19 million professionals
and twenty five new members
joining every minute of every
day. Without a doubt, online
social networking enables you
to go beyond the traditional
boundaries of geography,
industry, language,
level and culture.
It is a hunting
ground for recruiters and where student’s to
CEO’s to the likes of Barack Obama keep an
online presence, each with the possibility
to connect.
The word of caution that I
want to point out is that users
are growing their networks and
boasting contact after contact, yet is
this about getting a business return or playing
a numbers game? Sadly for many it is the latter
and quantity rules over quality. Stop the madness
I say!
It’s time for a clean out of the list of contacts
on the virtual shelf and to set out a personal
strategy to ensure you are connecting with contacts
that work for you. The rules of engagement from
traditional networking still stand in the the online
meeting place which is founded on the grounds
that you spend time to engage people that are
going to give you something in return.
Whilst the primary goal of social networkers
is to build a larger network than is physically
possible, you need to ask yourself;
• Why do you want to participate in social
networking?
• What sites are you using to develop your
contacts?
• Who are your ideal contacts?
In terms of developing your strategy in
making every connection count, think about the
following;
• A solid presence with interesting content is
going to make people more likely to connect
with you – also, do not shy away from posting
a professional picture online.
• Search the site for likeminded people who
have similar interests and match the target
audience you are trying to reach.
• See who has befriended your competition as
these are people who may also be interested
in what you have to offer.
• Be selective and patient – fire those in your
contact list who are not adding value to your
reputation and don’t accept every invitation
by falling into temptation of growing your
contact list overnight.
So finally, be strategic about connecting
with the right people and the chances are you
will be holding that golden boomerang firmly
in your hands as it brings you connections that
count.
Vol.19 • No. 4 • May 2009