Everyday XING: How to find a superb plumber and more.

Even though they log in to XING every day, lots of members aren’t aware of the full extent to which their network can be of use in their everyday lives. One thing that is often overlooked is XING’s function as a kind of “yellow pages”.

You’re after a reliable removals firm? A plumber with an excellent reputation? A property surveyor or solicitor who is respected in their industry? They should be likeable individuals and ideally come about via recommendations made by people you already know and trust? Look no further!

First off, asking the rest of the XING network using the “Ask XING” app can be an excellent source of information (particularly on more unusual topics). Alternatively, you can use the “Wants” field in your profile to indicate what or who you’re looking for:

• Who can build me customized fitted shelves for the new bookshop I’m opening?
• Where can I find out more about CRM?
• Which caterer can create a magnificent cake by next week for a corporate event I’m organizing?

Mainstream industries and service providers can also be easily found using the Advanced Search. You can also narrow down your search results by entering the beginning of the zip code with an asterisk (e.g. 20*). Or you can search in the “contacts of your contacts” only!

This also comes with another valuable advantage: Once you’ve filtered your contacts you can then approach the people that appear in the results. People love being asked their opinion, especially if they end up recommending their own friends and acquaintances. Typical reactions are often: “I am not sure how qualified he is … but he is a very likeable guy!” Or “I don’t know her that well, but my neighbors are clients of hers and they have raved about her work.”

You can then bookmark non-contacts before making your final decision – simply by clicking on the icon in the top right-hand box next to their profile photo, under the “Edit shared personal info” option.

You usually only find names in the traditional Yellow Pages. With a little imagination, you might be able to find out the approximate age and gender of a service provider. But combining “Search” and “Contacts” on XING, you get so much more insight – from helpful ratings to information about rates and the quality and scope of the services provided.

You might want to check out specific groups during your search too. If, for instance, you’re looking for a motorcycle mechanic, or a tailor, simply select those groups from your list of groups in which you think you’re most likely to find people in these professions. You can then even find out more about particular individuals by searching for any articles or comments they have posted (provided the group in question is visible and the member’s settings allow for this).

Still haven’t found who or what you’re looking for? Do not despair. There are many thousands of specialist groups on XING where you can really pinpoint your research. Click on “member search” and you gain access all the functionalities available in the Advanced Search.

If you have availed of someone’s services and were satisfied, impressed or even inspired by the experience, it is always a nice gesture to let them and others know by posting an entry in their guestbook.  Whenever you see any “Wanted” posts in “Ask XING”, “What’s new in your network” or in a group, you can also introduce both respective members (by clicking, again, in the top right-hand box of profiles). After all: In networking like with so many other things, what goes around comes around!