Successful networking – a memory game

The best kind of news provokes an interested reaction or a brief message of congratulation – something that takes little effort on your part and is bound to please the person with the news. And best of all, it imprints you on their memory once again.

Being able to see which contacts have a birthday on your home page (the birthday reminders via mail are ideal here too) or when contacts post something interesting in their status message is practically an open invitation to get in touch. You might well come across profile changes in “What’s new in your network” that could also give cause for congratulation: A new job, a change of address or promotion. Setting up an RSS feed means you don’t miss out on anything. (For more details here, have a read of my previous posts Status update: Keeping your network in-the-know and Quick start your networking by customizing your home page.)

Check out the Powersearch when you get a moment.

The Powersearch generates some real gems for getting back in touch with “new, old” contacts. For instance, it shows you upcoming (or missed) birthdays of your contacts, giving you plenty of time to send them a card or order a XING voucher.

It is also invaluable for seeing at a glance your contacts who recently changed company or position, and a host of other interesting information. Have you already searched for members whose “wants” match your “haves” and whose “haves” match your “wants”? This particular search is invaluable when it comes to active networking. Have a read of my article Searching tips and search alerts for more tips here. All the search results you generate here can be used to strengthen ties with your existing contacts and make valuable new contacts.

It is always good too to draw your contact’s attention to things that are relevant to them – like special dates, a particular group or other people who might be of use to them (cf here: Referring v. Introducing: Bringing contacts together). This “selfless” act is a great way of raising your profile within your network.

Make sure you get found!

All the searching tips also apply of course to “being sought”. Renew your status message regularly, although no more than two or three times a week, to avoid being perhaps as overly keen or even a spammer. Post updates in response to what people are looking for or offering – ideally during office hours when lots of members are online. Try to avoid wishy-washy phrases like “nice contacts”. You will be surprised how often your contacts or XING members respond to even the most unusual of entries.

Changing your photo regularly is of course another way of getting noticed more. But even more so than in other cases, it is wise here not to overdo it. I personally do not believe either that the number of times my profile is clicked is a measure of my network value.

You will generate lots of profile hits and new contact requests by becoming active, e.g. by writing guestbook entries for other particularly active members and by visiting lots of profiles that are relevant to you and your line of work. Creating a public event also generates lots of public interest. And Moderators can promote themselves whilst sending out newsletters and group event invitations.

Bearing all this in mind, I wish you continuing success and enjoyment in your networking pursuits!

Silke Schippmann