This document provides guidance on using social media for networking purposes. It discusses how to establish professional profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other sites to connect with contacts. These online connections can then potentially lead to in-person networking opportunities. The document emphasizes growing one's network by following companies and joining online groups of interest, as well as maintaining relationships over time through occasional contact. Regular posting of status updates and participation in discussions can also help increase one's visibility within a field. While networking takes ongoing effort, developing a wide range of contacts is important for professional success.

1. Networking Through Social Media

2. How Do I Network? Every contact is an opportunity to network!

3. The Hidden Market The power of the referral:“Do you know of anyone…?” Word of mouth These opportunities can only be found through networking! Professional Social

4. Types of networking contacts Potential contacts “warm” contacts People I know “cold” contacts People I want to get to know “lukewarm” contacts People open to networking

5. How To Get Started Opportunities to network online LinkedIn Facebook BranchOut Twitter Discussion boards/blogs Plus many more!!!

6. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Online professional networking site Allows the user to: Establish a professional profile Link directly with contacts Join networking groups Research companies Find more contacts through existing connections

7. Using LinkedIn to Network Get Started: Establish a professional profile. Building your connections: 1st person connections: people you are already connected to Search past colleagues/classmates Have LinkedIn “suggest” possible connections 2nd or 3rd person connections The connections of your 1st person connections Get introduced Groups Online networking groups based on a common theme: school attended, geographic location, industry, etc. Provides you with instant connections Networking on LinkedIn:Do not just sit back and wait, find connections that will help you Use the “Advance Search” feature Company Research: Research companies in your industry and link with people who work there Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking

8. Facebook/BranchOut Facebook: www.facebook.com Social networking Can be used for career networking BranchOut: www.branchout.com Facebook’s new professional networking application Allows the user to conduct professional networking on Facebook, without the pitfalls of personal information

9. Using Facebook/BranchOut to Network Get Started: Establish a Facebook profile. Keep it personal or professional? Building your connections: Search out friends, family, colleagues, classmates, etc. Have Facebook “suggest” possible connections Networking on Facebook:Find connections that will help you Take precautions with your personal information! Networking on BranchOut: Establish a BranchOut profile (import from LinkedIn) Invite key Facebook connections to connect with you on BranchOut Make the Connection:Online networking leads to in person networking

10. Twitter: www.twitter.com Online communication site Allows the user to: Establish a profile Link directly with followers/follow other Share information and current status

11. Using Twitter to Network Get Started: Establish an account/ build your bio. Gaining followers: Begin following others Be selective! Link your Twitter account with other social media Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Tweet (and make it interesting!) Networking on Twitter:Followers/people you are following can easily become networking contacts! Follow Companies: Find and follow companies in your industry Make the Connection: Online networking leads to in person networking

12. Using Your Social Media Contacts It should never be all about you! Identify key individuals Who can help you? Identify companies/groups of interest Form and maintain the relationship “Professional friendships”

13. Increase Your Visibility Online professional networking groups/discussions LinkedIn Social networking FaceBook Twitter Message boards/blogs Articles and publications Sponsorships Volunteerism

14. Six Rules For Networking Get started It is easier than you think Present yourself well Develop a pitch and practice it Obtain referrals and follow-up on referrals Make the right contacts Contacts that are in a position to help you are the best contacts to have Send thank-you notes Maintain the relationship

15. Networking: Positives And Negatives Positives: It’s successful! Eliminates the competition Feel like you are making progress Negatives: Time intensive Difficult for the shy or introverted

16. Networking: A Summary A Process: It will take time Use all the tools in your toolbox Always be networking! …but it is not all about how your contacts can help you Perseverance: Don’t give up Stay positive Stay marketable