Here's The Truth

For baby boomers and Gen X, the principles of building relationships and creating value remain the same; the tools have just evolved.

Recently, I had an experience that made this clear to me. Here's what happened:

I accepted a connection request on LinkedIn from another business owner in the Atlanta area. Typical stuff, right?

He then messaged me, asking if I’d be interested in having coffee. Well, given my love for networking and meeting new people, I said sure.

When we met, I asked him a simple question: “Why did you want to meet me face-to-face?”

His response was:

“I’ve recently bought a tech company and partnered with Microsoft. As I was navigating the Microsoft ecosystem, I consistently saw your name in the comments on various posts. I felt like I already knew you because you were everywhere I looked.”

You see, I was intentional.

My goal was to be visible, to be part of a community that aligns with my business objectives.

Here’s how I did it and how you can too:

Be Strategic with Your Comments

- Example: By consciously commenting on posts within the Microsoft ecosystem, I positioned myself as a familiar face and a knowledgeable voice.

- Action: Identify key communities and influencers in your industry. Engage consistently and thoughtfully.

Build Perceived Familiarity

- Example: When people see you everywhere, they feel like they already know you. This perception makes them more inclined to engage when you reach out.

- Action: Make a habit of interacting regularly. Your goal is to be a trusted, recognizable presence.

Foster Authentic Connections

- Example: The invitation for coffee I received was based on mutual recognition and shared interests.

- Action: Balance your online interactions with real-life meetups or virtual coffee chats to solidify relationships.

Mindset Shift

Nothing has changed about the fundamentals of networking; it’s just the medium that’s different. LinkedIn and other social media platforms are powerful community-building tools — but they require a strategic and authentic approach.

Embrace it. Be seen. Build those connections.

When people feel like they already know you, they're far more likely to say yes when you ask them for something — be it attending an event, grabbing a coffee, or even forging a business partnership.

So, get out there. Be active. Start commenting. You never know who might notice and how it could change your business.

For all the seasoned professionals out there, social media isn’t a departure from your tried-and-true relationship-building tactics. It's just a new avenue.

Embrace the change. Be strategic. And watch your influence grow.

Remember: I see you everywhere. And soon, others will too