It hit me one evening as I was participating in a Twitter chat centered on creatives & marketing that social is a platform that you can network on and it’s basically a place you can meet people without actually meeting them. The introduction before the meet and greet. The opportunities that were presenting itself through technology were right in front of me.
Social Networking — it’s literally right there in the name. Social platforms provide a way to get yourself out there before the initial meet & greet.
There’s a difference between social media and social networking. What’s the difference? Social Media is a platform we use to talk about anything and everything. There’s more of a personal feel to say whatever and do whatever. On the other hand, with social networking you are presenting your brand to professionals and other brands. You talk and listen with social networking.
Social Networking is one step to getting your name out there. On social platforms, you are presenting your personal brand, and by participating in twitter chats or reaching out to those that do work that inspires you, you are putting yourself out there. It’s one step to the world of networking and that’s just how easy technology is making it for us to reach out and appeal to that brand or agency that we yearn to work with.
Not only are social platforms providing a new way to get yourself out there, companies are utilizing the opportunities that are presented to them; they are utilizing a creative way to pull in employees by going through these platforms. Everlane presented an opportunity to share your Snap story as your job application while GrubHub asked for a doodle snap alongside an application for their summer intern job. Brands are reaching out on Twitter and Instagram to share their job postings through social. You have the opportunities to present your personal brand with or without the brand asking you to.
Networking yourself in person is important, yes. But now, we’re presented with the chance to personalize ourselves with our own touch. Utilize your social networks from a branding standpoint. Build those relationships and connections—get out there and engage with others, don’t just let those connections sit there. Put in the time and effort because in the end, it just might be worth it. Begin a conversation because that person you invite to coffee might just know someone who is looking for you.
How are you utilizing social networking?
social media is an awesome compliment to ones business. However the problem i see these days is people using social media too heavily instead of good SEO. Its a balancing act.
Social media is definitely a great way to spread the word about what you find important. Its a great tool for bloggers and other entrepreneurs to promote themselves.
What a great post! I'm still struggling with a balance in social networking and social media. I knew how to use social media before my blog but I didn't know the networking part of it. I am still slowly learning the difference between the two.
Silvia
http://www.lovelysilvia.com
Great advice here! I need to work more on the networking aspect of SM.
Social networking is a must for everyone that want success in their online business. Thanks for sharing the value of this.
YES! When I first started I understood it as social media, but I am working to use it as social networking.
I use both SEO and social media. They both compliment each other and give great results. Thoiugh, i should say my social media shows more result so far