Remember when social networking meant handing someone your business card? Now, people rely on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to communicate, get information and content, and promote their brands.
Whether we like it or not, these sites can be valuable tools for business professionals eager to reach a wide audience while carving out an image as someone who is plugged-in and forward-thinking.
As more and more businesses go online, it's important to stay connected and keep current with the technology of the day-and the good news is that you don't need to be a Silicon Valley whiz kid to do it.
Just read these pointers on navigating the world of social networking without getting overwhelmed.
Take It One Step at a Time.
If you're somewhat of a technophobe, trying to conquer every social networking site you come across can be a recipe for disaster.
It's okay to take your time! Get your feet wet with one site so you can raise your comfort level for the next one.
Have a Static Online Presence.
If you don't have a website or professional blog, it's a good idea to start one so you can maximize your online experience.
That way people who visit your Twitter feed or Facebook page can easily be directed to a site detailing your brand or services.
(Note: Use TinyUrl.
com to shorten your link, and try to include it in every couple of Twitter posts.
) Be Consistent.
Most social networking sites have the same features (photo, tag line, etc.
) so you can save yourself time by copying the same content for each medium.
Find one professional headshot that you like, keep your brand message consistent, and make sure that if you update one site, you update them all.
Target the Right Audience.
In real life, you wouldn't walk up to a stranger and ask to be friends.
But in cyberspace, anything goes.
However, any businessperson worth their salt knows that it's not just about getting lots of attention-it's about getting attention from the right people.
Use keyword searches to find the major players in your field so you can add them as friends (or "follow" them); the worst thing they can do is ignore you but chances are good that they'll return the favor.
Grader.
com is a handy resource for honing in on top web users for a given keyword.
Update, Update, Update.
Having out-of-date information on your online profiles makes you seem lazy or out of touch, even if it's just because you've been too busy.
Do your best to periodically check in to make sure your content is current and accurate.
Keep it Professional.
If you are using social networking sites to promote your business, don't delve into personal issues.
For instance, it's okay to maintain a light-hearted tone here and there, but you don't need to clutter your Facebook or Twitter profiles with details about your romantic dinner with your spouse or personal photos from your ski vacation.
And if you're using Facebook professionally, don't waste time doing all of those quizzes and games like Mafia Wars.
Your activity appears in everyone's news feed and they might start thinking that business must be bad if you have all this free time.
Build a second separate (and private) personal profile if you want to do the fun stuff.
By following these tips, you'll be able to confidently participate in the social networking game without having it take over your life.
Remember: Focus on your work first and foremost, and use sites like Twitter and Facebook to supplement that.
It can be easy to get distracted and/or overwhelmed by all the complicated features, but with a little determination and focus you can easily use these sites to maximize your business!