As time passes, and comfort increases with being online, it’s good to expand your expertise by attempting new strategy. Upon willing to take a risk “to see what happens” you just might be pleasantly surprised. And in the process the reward is likely to be meeting remarkable people. Even better, as confidence increase, you may well make excellent new friends.
The following tips primarily speak to the usage of Twitter. Reasoning for this is the system is quick and easy, and so time spent is highly efficient. Understand, these strategies work best when you have sizable followings.
1. Interesting name or title
Take note of the people who repost your tweets. Search for intriguing company names and profiles. Also search for endeavors that are similar or complementary to yours. These are the types of people on Twitter to seriously consider following and sending a personal message. Twitter moves so quickly, that it becomes easy to capture a few possibilities in a very short window of time.
2. Introduction
Addressing the person by name to stand out. The next step is to briefly (you only have 140 character spaces allotted) reveal what caught your attention such as the company name, the work, or meaningful thought found in their profile. Should they respond, ask if they would like to connect elsewhere, such as LinkedIn. And if they reposted your tweet, a thank you for a mention or kind words is also in order.
3. Research and Personalize
Research the person’s work on other sites, and visit their own website. Look for commonalities in work, experience, and area in which they live. Then consider if you have any stories from your experience to share that might be of interest to them. Now you are able to personalize your introductory note. Doing so increases the odds for their willingness to connect.
4. Spontaneity
On occasion someone will write back saying, “let’s talk”. It never hurts to pick up the phone to see if they answer. Just be forewarned to check their time zone first in order to not call the middle of the night. Should you connect, introduce yourself, and then immediately pose a question based on what you read to get them to talk. This enables you to recognize their interests. If at all possible, connect what is told to you to your own experience. Funny short stories earn a gold star. This creates the personal bond.
5. True Connection
Your conversation will take on a more serious tone. Listen, ask questions and clarify anything not understood. Toward the end, inquire as to how you might help one another. Most often a new idea materializes or further introductions are made, but if none of this occurs, you will have at the very least, made a friend.
6. Reconnect
Many times a great conversation is enjoyed but nothing materializes right away. However, everyone enjoys being remembered. The next time the person comes to your thought, reach out by saying “I was thinking of you” and follow up by asking for their updates.
Professionalism carried throughout all of these steps help to distinguish your personal brand. You just might produce a new idea and be led to the Smooth Sale!
