Connections

Social media – you either love or hate it. Or you are just one cat video away from being controlled by it!

It’s easy to fall into the trap of scrolling through your social media feeds and getting caught up in the latest gossip with friends and family. Or falling prey to how everyone else seems to be succeeding at using it to get their posts liked and commented on.

According to Nielsen, 80% of Black Women own a Smartphone, and 57% own a tablet. In other words, our high mobile technology gives us access to plenty of apps and platforms-which could potentially be opportunities for networking and creating more income streams. And when used correctly social media can be one of your biggest means of networking and doing business.

I made $19k in one weekend simply by responding to messages in my DM on LinkedIn. And that’s when I realized that LinkedIn is the best platform for me. I felt a sense of relief, because I’d been struggling to find relevancy on Instagram, where everyone else seemed to be having massive success. While it seemed as if I lost six followers every time I posted!

If you’ve been on the Struggle Bus about how to maximize your social media platforms to improve your visibility and networking opportunities, today is your lucky day, because I’m going to help you get your social media groove back. Or, at least find it for the first time. It can be incredibly helpful in your networking efforts and building your personal brand.

SO, ready to take your social media networking game up a notch? Then keep these tips in mind:

Tip #1: Know Your Goal

The first tip is: know which platform works best for you. The only way to discover that is to first identify what your social media goal is. I wanted to use social media to find corporate professionals looking for professional development. That’s hard to show on Instagram or Tik Tok which both focus more on visuals. (That’s why my numbers are significantly lower on those platforms! And I'm ok with that.)

LinkedIn, works better for me as a platform because it is best used as a career management and networking tool. That's where my tribe thrives so it's easier to meet my goal of growing a following of people who want to grow professionally.

What is YOUR goal? And how do you find people with similar goals, or who need your help or who can help you achieve it find you? SproutSocial.com cites seven stats that prove the importance of social media marketing in business. At the top of the list, they say 55% of consumers learn about new brands on social media.

Tip #2: Connect with high-value figures

Connect with high-value figures from the same or higher stations as you. This can start online or at a face to face event when you exchange social media handles (umm…that’s the name you’re known as on each platform. And side tip – the more you keep that name consistent across all platforms, the easier it is for new contacts to find you.)

Networking should have a linear path leading you to whatever your optimal end goal is, so avoid being stuck at one point with the person indefinitely.

Tip #3: Get Personal

Once contact is established, build relationships by getting personable - extend invitations for mutual interests and exchange email addresses, if possible. A simple “Hey, I’d like to send you some info via email about an upcoming workshop I think you might find interesting,” just might work. If it does, then move on to phone numbers and maybe even face to face coffee chats. And remember, use reasonable discretion. Don’t abuse the number or email, but don’t go backward by strictly staying connected through social media unless they prefer it.

Networking should have a linear path leading you to whatever your optimal end goal is, so avoid being stuck at one point with the person indefinitely. If your goal is to get an interview or get on their calendar to discuss a business opportunity you sincerely feel would be optimal for them…at SOME point, you need to bite the bullet and let them know that. If they aren’t interested, they’ll let you know and you can move on to another potential contact.

Tip #4: Don't Rule Out Events

Social media is chock-full of events. But how you use them to your advantage is totally up to you. Make sure that you’re seeking events that help you rise or give you visibility. If there aren’t any happening, then YOU be the change you wish to see in the social media world and host one. Create an event, post it across your platforms, and send invites to those high-value targets. Even if they can’t attend, they will likely remember you as someone in the know and may invite you to their events. This way, you can avoid the “hard sell.” People will see your value and potential themselves.

Tip #5: Follow Official Company Accounts

Official company accounts can be liquid gold. They may provide insight into industry happenings, what the company's goals and new initiatives are, and also offer a peek into who the key company spokespersons are. Use the opportunity to connect with them via their internal and external platforms. It's literally a gift that's been handed to you!

Networking is a key part of success in any venture, and social media offers an access point like no other. By utilizing the tips outlined here I'm hoping you'll be able to take control of your networking initiatives with confidence. Make sure to set realistic expectations because to get results believing is half of achieving! And let's be real: getting successfully connected on social media takes consistency and perseverance; and TIME. Results won't be immediate – but pushing yourself to keep with it could lead to very tangible results. So stop now and decide which of the tips you can implement today for your success.

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Level Up with Grace?is a weekly newsletter designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on?Confidence,?Curiosity,?Case Studies?(Personal Profiles),?Connection?(Networking), or?Course of Action?(What to DO).?Please subscribe and/or share!

Our whip-smart writing and research team includes?Lisa A. Alleyne,?Peppur Chambers, and?Anthony Tone Payton.

Graphics:?Shutterstock Stock Images illustrated by the fabulously talented?Natalia Hubbert.

Powerful Penny LLC?is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable.?Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!