Experts Use Social Media To Become Known And Seen

Just think what it would be like to attend a very large party and yet you want to connect with a few key people, as well as meet with some past acquaintances and friends. What's your plan? Being prepared is necessary if you are going to make it around the room and get seen and noticed. Cultivating connections is a bit of an art and it works just as well on the computer.

Social media is the largest networking party on the planet. Think of each site, such as Facebook or Twitter, as a grand ballroom where you can go and meet some amazing people any time you want. Parties like this are going on around the clock all over the world, and your choice of what door to enter and what ballroom to hang out in is vast. You'll explore as many as you hear about and choose a few of your favorites. Online networking is great because everyone you want to meet is there at the same party and you can make your rounds quickly and easily. I don't mean to suggest that we leave personal one-on-one encounters in the dust, but instead, what I'm talking about is a way to enhance those relationships. Here are a few ideas to get your party started:

Start by making a list of at least 15-25 people with whom you'd like to connect. This list would include thought leaders in your industry, authors, bloggers, possible collaborative partners, people who peek your interest and you're curious about as well as people who would make ideal clients. You want to meet lots of people, far more then has made it to this list, but these are targeted connections as opposed to chance encounters.

From the list you have created take the time to learn as much as you can about them. Read their blog, sign up for their community list, be their fan and friend on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, check out their videos. Make sure you visit them by making a comment, asking a question or just share some praise at least 2 times a week for the first few months then you can lessen that if you like.

To get noticed, add value to them and their audience. For example when you leave a comment on their blog post, don't just say "Great post, thank you" Talk in detail about what you agreed with or don't agree with. Make note of a resource which would be useful or helpful, also ask for clarification. It is similarly true with social media updates. Stand out from everyone else and join the conversation instead of just listening in over their shoulder

To be the life of the party you want to be connected with the other thought leaders in your niche and marketplace. We all have people we look up to and if we can join those people on their level then we can enjoy a bit of the spotlight as well, simply by association. You may get there pretty easy, but to stay there you have to be unique and offer some original value. Engage people, be fun and share your personality and if you are authentic and genuine you will be able to hold your own.