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Make Social Networking Sites Work for You
By Bridget Weber, Public Relations Account Manager, Justice & Young

As a recent college graduate and a first-generation Facebook user, I was warned time and time again about the power of social media as I approached graduation. “Employers will be looking at your profile,” they'd say. “Take down anything and everything that could prevent someone from hiring you!” I heeded their advice and tweaked my profile to be employer-friendly, just incase.

Gone are the days of social networking for social purposes only. What started out as innocent fun has transformed into a very effective and powerful marketing tool, both personally and professionally. Networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter and even blogs have become great outlets for marketing yourself and further promoting your company.

Here are five tips to make the most of social networking and news sites:

1. Do post relevant and timely information to your site, such as: current contact info, professional interests and qualifications. These work for you up front by creating good first impressions and establishing solid credibility. Do not post incriminating information or pictures of yourself. Though you can use social networking sites for both business and pleasure, your page should be tasteful and informative. Much like wearing your best clothes to an interview, your profile should be polished similarly.
2. Use your social networking accounts often. Creating an account merely for the sake of having one will do you no good. You must participate in dialogues, update your profile and offer some value to the social community. Link to and comment on interesting articles related to your field, establishing thought leadership and a sense that you keep up with the latest industry trends.
3. Many social news and networking sites offer interactive dialogue tools where conversations and business deals can happen within a matter of minutes. For example, using Twitter, you can “follow” or “be followed” by people who take note of your status and post responses on your page. Participate in conversations with these people. Build relationships, answer questions and chat with them about life in general. Developing even the most casual of relationships will likely benefit you down the road.
4. Along the same lines, follow what people are talking about on these sites. Much of the content may be relevant in local and world news topics. Take note of what people are discussing and participate in dialogue about the subject. While these discussions may take effort, they may provide you with insider information, not to mention a personal connection that may help you later.
5. Lastly, once you have developed relationships, help your new acquaintances selflessly. Do something for them that doesn't necessarily help you. For example, do they need a reliable source for a story? Perhaps you know someone who would be a perfect fit. Though this act may not directly benefit you or your business, this person will remember you later. What goes around will undoubtedly come back around with time.

Ultimately, you need to remember that potential clients, bosses, colleagues and business partners are evaluating you long before you ever set foot in their office, and it is imperative that you leave a positive lasting impression.

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