In order to be successful at professional networking, one should utilize multiple sources to network. These sources can be LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other online resources. The sources also should be in person. By attending conventions and seminars, networking can be taken to a more personal level. It is easy to read about some on their site, but it is hard to get a personal feel for them. Some tips for networking successfully in person: always be nice and friendly, do not talk too much about yourself and provide so much information (that's what your sites help you do), learn a good hand shake, take business cards to pass out that includes your LinkedIn or other sites, dress nice, and be controlled when in a more social environment. Add new friends to your twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch. I believe having a good blend of person-to-person networking with technological networking will create more success.
I agree with all your points about ways to network professionally. The online ways are good but it is also important to interact with members in the same profession. This builds relationships and groups and also maybe a possible mentor. The seminars and conventions are good ways to learn more from someone that cannot be found online or on web pages. Adding the newly met colleagues on social media is also important so you can stay in touch with them and keep up with their current events.
My favorite part of your post is the comments on personal networking. This seems to be almost a lost art in these days. I do not want to be misunderstood, social networking sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn are important. However, the face to face personal approach seems to used less and less these days. I just feel that we do need to utilize both approaches. I really agree also that people should not be telling other people everything about themselves or overly boasting. Just a few things combined with a healthy hand shake is always good. The employer can look over the resume and professional networking sites for more in depth information.
You know, I never really thought about it, but having business cards to hand out at conferences is a good idea. I attend a few conferences every year, and I usually just tell other people my phone number or email so they can reach me. But handing them a business card with all my contact information would be a lot easier (and more professional). I’ll have to look in to getting business cards.
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Kelly
11/16/2014 08:32:17 am
Great post! I agree with everything that you said about there needing to be a balance between having that personal connection and having a social networking connection. Someone may be great on paper but once you get them face to face they flop, and some may be the other way around. Whichever type of person you are, it's absolutely necessary to make both connections.
I thought you had some great insight on ideas for professional networking strategies. Like you, I also think that the face to face contact is the most important in addition to what our social media sites have to offer. I like what you said about having business cards to give out and also to add new friends to LinkedIn right away to be sure to keep in touch.
You make excellent points regarding how professional networking needs to be a combination of face to face interaction and social networking. I liked how you incorporated social networking sites on your business cards. Social Networking is a great tool that allows people to stay connected after they meet face to face.
I surely agree with a lot of your point about networking. It is fine to have plenty of contacts through social media but people still need to face to face enter action. Conventions and seminars are great avenues to accomplish this.
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Meaghan
12/7/2014 03:57:18 pm
I completely agree with your perspective on person to person as well as with technology networking. I find that although networking with technology is very easy it is not always in depth and I don't always get a 'complete' impression of them. I find that my instincts in a face to face meeting serve me better. I also agree with your tips about dress and grooming when networking face to face. Sometimes a first impression leaves a lasting impression and I know I want my first impressions with people within my profession to be good!
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My name is Cory Minter and I am an Athletic Trainer at Fresno State and a grad student at Fresno Pacific University in Athletic Training.