This post is the 2nd of a 4-part series on the how-to’s of niche social networking. Most of the focus will be on young entrepreneurs because my experience has shown that they are the least equipped to benefit from social networking.
See Part 1 – The Profile
Part 2 – Getting Acquainted – Groups, Forums, Events, Introductions
Now your profile should be all set up and ready to go. At first many social networks will seem a little over-whelming but they are all actually fairly basic. Some of the basic features that most networks will have are forums, groups, events, and obviously the ability to connect with other members. Lets take a look at getting started with each.
-Forums
Forums are a great spot to pick up some advice, learn something or just get involved in an interesting conversation. They can be a little disorganized but this is just the nature of a forum. New discussions are always popping up thus sending other discussions into the archives. Forums are used best for short pointers and responses. Most people don’t spend their day trying to figure out their response to a forum discussion. What makes a great forum is a place where you can post a discussion and then receive numerous quick responses. Then you can piece it all together and figure out the best answer.
Forums are a great way to add your 2-cents to various discussions rather quickly. Don’t be afraid to jump in and get involved in some discussions. Don’t worry about being wrong or judged for your responses. What’s the worst that could happen? The person who started the discussion doesn’t add you as a friend? Things could be worse. It’s better to be seen getting involved then doing nothing at all. If you don’t get involved nobody will ever know you exist on a network.
One of the key rules of forums is to keep things as categorized as possible. Sometimes this is hard to do but just do your best.
Check out the forum on Under30CEO.com
-Groups
Some people brush off groups as worthless because people just join a bunch but nothing happens. Well this is the case at times but groups can actually be very valuable. A group can act as your own personal network within a network.
For example – On Under30CEO.com there are many members from the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), this is a college organization with chapters across the US. Each chapter is encouraged to start a group for itself on Under30CEO so members can easily stay in touch with each other. This also lets you learn about the other members of the chapter by seeing their profiles on the network.
I do suggest using groups in moderation. Don’t just join every group you might have an interest in. Join the ones you will actually participate in. Just joining these things won’t make you stand out on a network, again its all about getting involved!
-Events
Check out the events that are on the network. Usually you can find some interesting things to go to. This is also a great way to meet people who are attending the same event as you are. One of the worst things about conferences are their size and how you can feel lost at times. But if you talk to a few people before hand through a network you can organize meet-ups so you don’t have to go at it alone.
On Under30CEO.com events for entrepreneurs across the country can be found all the time.
-Introductions
Using all the above features you should be able to find some very active people on the network. Introduce yourself to these people by writing on their wall and maybe sending a friend request. Try to get involved with them (if they are interesting) and let them know what you are looking for and what you look to add to the network. One thing about social networking is you can’t be shy. Get out there. Some people will never respond but many will and they could be huge contacts.
Don’t spam everyone on the network with intros. Check profiles and talk to people who you really want to connect with. Just because the network is full of people with a common interest it doesn’t mean everyone is a good fit. Take the time to read profiles and connect. It pays off in the long run.
So go get involved!
Part 3 – Adding Value
