How can you ruin your reputation while networking online? If you don't have a clue...you're in trouble. In fact...you've probably already screwed up a few times. Especially if you're a "newbie"....who're notorious for messing up first time out.
Not to worry Ethel...there's hope yet. If you're willing to take some advice that is. if you do...you can avoid making these mistakes as you build relationships and your credibility using online networks (forums, message boards, networking communities).
Here's a few snippets hopefully everyone'll find useful....distilled down to the basics for simplicity sake. From the aspect of "don't" do this.......
* Don't focus on you and your needs...over the person(s)/network and their needs. Business is business...but successful business is relationships. Make a new friend...grow an old friend. Listen and give first, most, and often....humbley receive later. The long term benefits far outweigh any short term gains.
* Don't be all take..and no give. True networking is win-win. Truely successful networking is over deliver and under receive. The reputation you gain with this approach over time will multiply what comes back your way as your credibility and respect grows across the community.
* Don't be who you aren't....be helpful, be honest, be yourself, and have fun. Being who you are attracts those who best connect with "you" and leads to a more rewarding experience all around. Relax and enjoy the experience with "your own face" up front.
* Don't "ask" and not give back. If you are given referals, advice, business, informative replies to your posts, etc. .... give back more than you received. This solidifies individual and network relationship(s), enhances your credibility, and grows your reputation. Nothing kills a networking relationship more than someone who takes and gives back little or nothing.
* Don't ignore your strengths....share what you know, experienced, have access to, etc. Posting helpful information and resources for the community's benefit (BUT NEVER OVERT SOLICITATIONS AND "LOOK AT ME") related to your area of personal expertise brands you as a trusted and credible resource for that subject...and will bring interested parties your way. If you don't share...no one will know what you can offer. Thus no accumulated credibilty.
* Don't fake it....stick to what you know. Jumping into a "discussion" or relationship alluding to yourself as knowledgable when you're not....will kill any chance for credibility. In fact it will have the opposite affect you'll likely never recover from.
* Don't overlook opportunities to help....you may not have the answer, resources, product/service but you may know who does. Pass that along to who needs it. Unselfishly refering others gets noticed....and you'll find yourself being "refered" the same way.
* Don't attack the messenger....debate the topic. Everyone will not agree on everything. It's best to agree to disagree...and seek mutual education and understanding in that vein. Attacking an individual benefits no one and hurts everyone involved.
* Don't impose your view....no one is/has the perfect "anything". Arrogance, ego, conceit, rigidity have no place in true dialogue and real networking. It's about the community....NOT YOU. Be open and encouraging to divergent views and opinions of others. Ackowledging and even appreciating those who differ from you actually promotes a more healthy networking community.
* Don't violate network policies....whatever the expected ettiquite of the group is conduct yourself accordingly. Spamming, flamming, trolling, etc. should never be in your business tool box. Credibility instantly goes poof for anyone and everyone who brazenly overlooks this common ethic.
Not to worry Ethel...there's hope yet. If you're willing to take some advice that is. if you do...you can avoid making these mistakes as you build relationships and your credibility using online networks (forums, message boards, networking communities).
Here's a few snippets hopefully everyone'll find useful....distilled down to the basics for simplicity sake. From the aspect of "don't" do this.......
* Don't focus on you and your needs...over the person(s)/network and their needs. Business is business...but successful business is relationships. Make a new friend...grow an old friend. Listen and give first, most, and often....humbley receive later. The long term benefits far outweigh any short term gains.
* Don't be all take..and no give. True networking is win-win. Truely successful networking is over deliver and under receive. The reputation you gain with this approach over time will multiply what comes back your way as your credibility and respect grows across the community.
* Don't be who you aren't....be helpful, be honest, be yourself, and have fun. Being who you are attracts those who best connect with "you" and leads to a more rewarding experience all around. Relax and enjoy the experience with "your own face" up front.
* Don't "ask" and not give back. If you are given referals, advice, business, informative replies to your posts, etc. .... give back more than you received. This solidifies individual and network relationship(s), enhances your credibility, and grows your reputation. Nothing kills a networking relationship more than someone who takes and gives back little or nothing.
* Don't ignore your strengths....share what you know, experienced, have access to, etc. Posting helpful information and resources for the community's benefit (BUT NEVER OVERT SOLICITATIONS AND "LOOK AT ME") related to your area of personal expertise brands you as a trusted and credible resource for that subject...and will bring interested parties your way. If you don't share...no one will know what you can offer. Thus no accumulated credibilty.
* Don't fake it....stick to what you know. Jumping into a "discussion" or relationship alluding to yourself as knowledgable when you're not....will kill any chance for credibility. In fact it will have the opposite affect you'll likely never recover from.
* Don't overlook opportunities to help....you may not have the answer, resources, product/service but you may know who does. Pass that along to who needs it. Unselfishly refering others gets noticed....and you'll find yourself being "refered" the same way.
* Don't attack the messenger....debate the topic. Everyone will not agree on everything. It's best to agree to disagree...and seek mutual education and understanding in that vein. Attacking an individual benefits no one and hurts everyone involved.
* Don't impose your view....no one is/has the perfect "anything". Arrogance, ego, conceit, rigidity have no place in true dialogue and real networking. It's about the community....NOT YOU. Be open and encouraging to divergent views and opinions of others. Ackowledging and even appreciating those who differ from you actually promotes a more healthy networking community.
* Don't violate network policies....whatever the expected ettiquite of the group is conduct yourself accordingly. Spamming, flamming, trolling, etc. should never be in your business tool box. Credibility instantly goes poof for anyone and everyone who brazenly overlooks this common ethic.
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