Having difficulties networking with a person of influence? Let me walk you through the basics. PART 2

We looked at using the comment box in the previous article for effective communication, especially with a person of influence. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/having-difficulties-networking-person-influence-let-me-sunday/

Direct messaging (inbox) is another tool for virtually networking with a person of influence.

2. DIRECT MESSAGE APPLICATION -- INBOX: Communicating via direct message comes with its rules, sometimes spoken and sometimes unspoken.?

Networking virtually requires a connection. This connection can be in the form of a friend or a connection request. On a platform like Facebook, there is a friend request. On LinkedIn, there is a connection request. Unfortunately, when these requests are accepted, some people first leave networking to chance by not sending a 'thank you' message, while others send a "thank you" message.

Whether you send a 'thank you' message is totally up to you.

?In communicating via the direct message method, be courteous and do well to:

● Reintroduce yourself by name: If you can, add a voice note for the correct pronunciation of your name and how it is arranged. My name gets mixed up in arrangements, and giving an introduction helps reduce the error. It is Blessing Abai Sunday, not Blessing Sunday Abai.

● State your current job/engagement activities: Are you seeking employment? (Part-time, full-time, contract, volunteer roles, etc.), are you recruiting? Are you working on a project? Do not be quick to request a job.?

● State the possible reason for connecting: This is the crux of networking.

In stating your reason for networking, make sure to:

● Go through the person's profile.

● Look for common ground. Example: a career path of interest, hobbies, fellowship (YALI, McKinsey Program, Mandela Fellowship, Millennium, etc.), organisation, Conferences attended, etc.

Talk to them about what you've seen them do as stated in their profile and how it relates to what you've done, are doing, or are considering doing. These details will keep them interested.?

● Ask questions regarding their inspiration and aspirations.

● Learn to create and respect boundaries.

● Volunteer to be of help to them. By "help," I mean scheduling their day's activities, providing contacts that can help them, offering them visibility via collaboration, etc. Just be helpful.

The unspoken rule about networking via direct message is to communicate effectively.?DO NOT SEND IN "HI," HEY, HELLO' or any other informal greeting as a message without an accompanying message encompassing the three components of a conversation starter stated above. Communicating in this manner reveals your laziness in not doing your due diligence in acquiring background knowledge about this person.

Another one is?"Learn to Write in Full."

While you cannot do this with everyone you connect with, be strategic when networking. For example, leveraging your effective use of the comment box while networking via your inbox gives you an edge. It creates a connection trail.

The person you are connecting with may remember you because of your consistent and valuable contributions in the comment box. Networking with that person of influence is possible with just about the right amount of knowledge.