The 3 Steps to Networking Online

How you can use social networking to help you in your career

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Here’s a little secret about job hunting: Employers don’t always hire the person with the best resume and qualifications. Sometimes job seekers are hired because they know someone within the organization. It may not seem fair, but there is something you can do about it – communicate.

Professional networking has always been an integral part of career advancement. Social networks are another way to make these connections. It is important to remember that networking is about more than just finding a job. The goal should be to find like-minded people who share your interests and passions, with whom you can build a mutually beneficial relationship. If you do, when a business opportunity comes up, you’ll be the first person they think of.

Professional networking through social media can seem intimidating, especially if you think you don’t know the right people, but the truth is that you already have everything you need to get started.

Step 1: Reach out to everyone you know. I don’t know.

The most important thing you can do to communicate effectively on social media is to reach out to people you don’t know well to expand your contacts.

It is likely that you are not likely to find employment through a close friend or family member because they know many of the same people you do. It’s important to connect with them, but you’ll likely be referred to a job by someone you don’t know either. This is because acquaintances probably have a network of people you don’t know, and the ability to make introductions. In fact, finding a job through poor connections can get you down Higher salaries and satisfaction.

Use multiple social networks to reach anyone you have even the slightest connection with. Start with extended family, alumni of the schools you attended, employees of companies you worked for (even if you’ve never met them), thought leaders in your field, and members of the clubs, organizations, or social media groups you’re in. It may sound awkward, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is that your requests are not accepted — the same place you are in right now.

Step Two: Participate

To build professional relationships on social networks, engage with the content shared by your new connections.

As you add more connections, your social media newsfeeds will be populated with content from a more diverse group of people. Take these new perspectives and see what kind of content they put out there. Then start engaging.

Like, share and comment on the posts you see. Doing so signals to the publisher that you like their content, and can even create a positive image physical reaction in their brain. When someone receives a reaction to something they share, their brain produces dopamine, which is a chemical response associated with pleasure. Increasing the number of likes on a contact not only makes them look good to their followers but also makes them feel good. And you will be the source of this feeling.

Step 3: Share your passion

Build professional relationships on social networks by featuring content that highlights the topics you are passionate about.

Social media is a two way street. If you see someone’s posts, they will likely see yours. This is your chance to let them know your passions, your interests, and who you are as a person. Everyone has multiple interests, hobbies, and points of view. Being original will help you stand out in a crowded newsfeed and attract other people who are interested in the same topics as you are. (Just make sure the content you share is appropriate. Skip topics you won’t discuss in the actual workplace.)

Carefully curated content that makes your life perfect may sound beautiful, but it makes for a boring story. Being genuine about your goals and passions will increase interest when you take your network on a journey with you. Whether you’re working on restoring an old car, learning a new language, or on a health mission, sharing your story will attract followers and turn them into fans who are invested in seeing you achieve your goals. The network of “outsiders” you originally connected with won’t feel that way once they see your whole personality and share your progress.

Once you’ve established your social media network, pay attention to the connections you like and comment on the items you post. It is possible that they share similar feelings or care about you as a person. You can reach out to these people, and remove the relationship from a social network to the real world. Once you’re ready to take that step, here are some networking tips to help you keep up with the momentum.