This presentation offered to the Institute of Management Consultants provides an overview of how to be a thought leader online - rules of engagement, getting started, how to connect and how to manage time efficiently.
14. Mis-step #1: Business goals don’t match Social Media Program/Efforts Intention and outcome need to be aligned The WHO should dictate the HOW and the WHY
15. Misstep #2: Building Mausoleums instead of Sherpa Tents Evolutionary sprints are key Build, learn, evolve, build, learn, evolve, build
16. Misstep #3: Excessive Exuberance Monitor and Measure to Know and Grow. The Right Metrics Matter!
17.
18.
19.
Notes de l'éditeur
Online networking and using social media can seem to be daunting task – it is everywhere in the media, everyone is talking about it, but the focus has largely been on the teenager sites, and consumer communities. However, online networking is not just for the young or the technical. There are many opportunities for professionals to take advantage of online networking to help further their practice help raise the visibility of their legal practitioners attract and retain new business or referrals deepen existing client relationships. When used appropriately online social networking can serve as an rich extension of in person networking and thought leadership. While there are many different tools and types of online networking channels, it is critical to keep top of mind the goals of the online networking to guide what online networks you choose to participate in, who do you want to connect with, and how do you want to network online. One you determine the purpose of your actions or marketing plan, then you can start to use the tools and programs effectively with a clear purpose in mind.
Let's bring the power of a social media profile to life and see how far-reaching a good social media profile can be. By conducting an online search, you can find someone -- for example, a subject matter expert -- and discover how he might connect to that expert through mutual connections, even if the connection is indirect through one or more intermediaries. Instead of just “blindly” contacting or connecting to someone, he can now use his relationship channel to reach 2nd or even 3rd degree connections with greater reliability and confidence.
Deeping relationships is one of the most common and successful uses of professional networking. Just as with in-person connecting – the formula is really about progressive interaction. Some examples include ... [review slide info] Additional examples include: - If an executives sees his client in the network, inviting his client to join so he can then connect online
Reciprocity is the new social order.
Professional networking is no different than networking in the real world – making conversation, being social and respectful, expressing interest in others – these ‘gestures’ are reciprocal. If you smile at someone, they will always smile back. If you respond to someone’s blog, they will likely return the favor and respond to yours, too. If you start a conversation and leave halfway through – your conversational partners may be offended. If you write a blog, or tweet without referring to others, it’s like sitting in a room talking to yourself. If you are welcoming and express interest in others (and online ‘listening’ is not enough, you need to ‘show’ it) – they will do the same to you.
Contrary to myth and urban legend, social media is not a magic bullet. It takes time and perseverance to succeed. Time to build traffic, readership and connections. Time to prove credibility and consistency. Don’t be Web litter! The Web is awash with abandoned blogs and profiles. Choose where you want to participate and do so regularly over time. It will take a minimum of 3-6 months before Google and other search engines regularly troll your blog and at least that long before you can establish yourself as a present and active participant. Just as showing up once to a networking event won't establish your presence, the same applies online. Be persistent and useful and demonstrate patience.
Create profiles or join networks where you are most likely to build or grow the professional relationships Key points: - Develop an online identity and manage your online reputation actively - Cultivate your identity – don’t leave it to random encounters - Have a point of view or value to contribute to the conversation - Participate slowly but regularly, and build over time -- "only fools rush in" - Create a steady drumbeat of credibility and value - Reciprocity matters – be a good online neighbor and help others - Everyone is “Google-able”