Who you gonna call?
Social networks are made up of connections between people. No matter what you read, social networks do not have names like Facebook or LinkedIn.
They just provide technology. Technology can map a social network. Technology can make it easier for you to track and use your social network.
That’s important to remember because it’s the people in those networks who will help you get ahead, find a job, or connect with an expert. And you use the network the same way if you pick up the phone or put out a request on LinkedIn.
The people most likely to want to help you are the people who already know you well. But most of the time they won’t be able to help directly. Instead, they’ll point you to a person or information source that will help.
You’re dependent on the people close to you to point you in the direction of your desire. Why should they help you?
The better they know you, the more likely they are to help. Not only that, the better they know you, the more likely they are to give you a helpful response.
They’re more likely to help if you haven’t constantly been bombarding them with requests for help. Save your requests for things you really need. Otherwise you risk having your emails sent to the trash and your voicemail messages deleted without a return call.
And here’s a biggie. They’re more likely to help you if you’ve helped them. As the proverb says, “Dig the well before you’re thirsty.”
Master the technology of networking in the Digital Age. It’s important. But develop these three habits as well.
Develop the habit of staying in touch.
Develop the habit of using the network judiciously.
Develop the habit of helping others.