The Proper Way Of Reaching Out Online

We have a serious problem with networking these days. People aren’t interested in building a relationship. They just want to find people who can do something for them, offer a benefit or maybe introduce them to an exclusive club where the cool online people hang out. Which comes right back down to the perks again, with effort only being put in if there are enough of them to make it worthwhile.

In the past, networking took a bit more work than that. You called on the phone, met face to face, took them out to lunch or arranged coffee breaks during conferences. It was an exhausting process, but ultimately more rewarding. That extra mile you had to go ensured a long term relationship with the contact that would benefit you both – mutually – for years to come.

Social networking has made it easier to make these contacts all over the world. With next to no energy you can comment to dozens of people, leaving bread crumbs all over the web for interested parties to follow back to you. The problem with this is that it has taken away that personal touch, and has fostered a community centered around “Gimme! Gimme!” when it should be “What can we do for one another in the short and long term?”

You may have noticed that your communications are not going as well as you hoped. Maybe after a single favor, they are disappearing. Why shouldn’t they? There is no incentive to stick around, because you don’t know the proper way of reaching out.

Communicate Long Before The Need

There are all sorts of people in your industry that you might need in the future. Maybe they will come in handy, maybe not. The same could be said about how they look at you. Before a need crops up, start making these connections and building a relationship.

With no pressure or demands, that networking will come more naturally. Plus, it will make them more likely to give their all when the time comes.

Be Prepared To Reciprocate

No one likes a leech. Whether it is a professional relationship or a romantic one, giving as good as you get is a must to keep everyone happy. Don’t just approach people about what they can do for you. Offer them something, like a guest post or exposure, maybe a review or a mention on your blog.

Retweet their content, as well. That is an easy way to show your appreciation and give them something with next to no effort on your part. Sometimes it is the little things that make the most difference.

Be Direct

Funny enough, I have seen the opposite advice given a lot. Experts will suggest ways that you can indirectly ask for favors, getting them to be the ones to offer. But this is nothing more than manipulation, and all it will do is show them that you have no respect for their ability to through the ruse.

Be direct, and don’t beat around the bush. Let them know what you need and politely ask them if they can help.

Offer them something in return for trade right at the beginning of the request. “Hey, would you mind telling your Twitter followers about my new ebook? I would be happy to promote your new podcast.”

Know Valuable Contacts When You See Them

It might sound a little rude, but not all contacts are created equal. Some of them are going to prove to be pretty much useless. Not because of who they are or what they have to offer, but the quality of the content they provide, or the communication they take part in.

Someone might have a lot of followers, but if they are regularly causing controversy through inappropriate Facebook rants, they might not be worth the exposure. You might like someone’s blog posts a lot, but they hardly ever update and have no real social presence on any networks.

Be objective about what relationships you cultivate.

Have some tips for people trying to make connections online? Let us know in the comments.

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