14 Networking Tips from Plaxo – A Great Social Networking Site

Plaxo

Recently Plaxo has added a new feature called My Career and they have provided 14 invaluable networking tips which I would like to share with all readers:

1. Put your best face forward: Make sure your profile is complete, accurate, and compelling.

2. Update your work information: Can the right people reach you? Make sure your work info is complete and up-to-date!

3. Know how others see you: Google you! What happens when people search for you on the web? Make sure you’re in control with a great public profile.

4. Connect with people you know: People get the most out of Plaxo when they are connected to 25 or more people that they know.

5. Ask people to connect: You’ll have the most success if you choose connections thoughtfully, make sure that you have a complete profile, and personalize your invitations. If you are trying to connect with someone you don’t know well, be sure to explain why you want to connect.

6. Connect at the right level: Not everyone is your friend. When you connect with people in Plaxo, be sure to leverage the family, friends, and business levels.

7. Join a group: There are thousands of groups on Plaxo, based on common interests, companies, schools, professions, etc. Check out a few groups to see if they are right for you.

8. Invest in your network: If the only time people hear from you is when you want something or are looking for a job, you are going about this the wrong way.

9. Hook up a blog: Do you have a blog related to your profession? Make sure your network is seeing it.

10. Hook up your Twitter feed: Is Twitter one of your business tools? Spread your tweets to your Plaxo connections.

11. Share and interact with your connections: Business is personal. When you see the content you like, "like it," leave a comment or re-share it with other people or groups.

12. Send eCards: Business is personal. Plaxo will let you know when your connections are having birthdays, changing jobs, or posting interesting content. Send them ecards, write them messages, or just pick up the phone.

13. Update your status: Traveling to a new city? Attending an interesting conference? Update your status, so that people know what you’re up to and where you'll be.

14. Share with your connections: See a job that you think might be perfect for a colleague? See an article that someone you know would like? Use Plaxo to let them know.