12.29.07
Etiquette and Netiquette
One of the books I read over the holidays was The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking written by Diane K. Danielson and Lindsey Pollak. It was extremely informative about how someone could use online networking to its fullest potential. As I read it, I realized a lot of their advice appeared to be common sense, but as I have been increasing my amount of personal networking, I have found that quite a few people could benefit from the common sense given by Diane and Lindsey.
Below are some of the tips that they provide:
Give first, ask later – Nothing is more irksome than meeting or receiving messages from people who talk nonstop about what they need and how we can help them. In any networking interaction, it’s always best to develop a genuine personal connection first, and then broach the subject of how you and your new contact might help each other. A good rule of thumb: listen more than you talk (or read more than you write).
Keep it upbeat and interesting – Like attracts like, so in the world of networking positive energy attracts positive energy. This is why we encourage people to create unique networking strategies (both online and offline) around activities and people they genuinely enjoy.
Deliver what you promise – Be realistic about what you can offer anyone with whom you network. Do not try to make friends by promising follow-up you may not be ale to deliver (such as guaranteeing a meeting with your boss or client). Overpromising and underdelivering is a quick way to lose friends and alienate new contacts.
Manage your expectations – It’s unlikely that any one single networking encounter will result in obtaining a new job or new customer. It’s best to approach each connection with a specific more tangible goal in mind, such as securing a second meeting or gaining some valuable insight or information. Consider the networking meeting/email/chat/event a success if you are able to achieve one specific goal.
Mind your manners – You can recover from any faux pas as long as you do it elegantly and with proper etiquette (and a good sense of humor helps too). But, better yet, learn the appropriate etiquette before you act and you’ll avoid pulling and faux pas in the first place.
In general, all networking rules boil down to one thing: making the other person comfortable. When in doubt put yourself in the other person’s shoes. What would you think of you were them?
Source: Danielson, D. and Pollak, L. (2007). The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking (Or What Would Jane Austen Do?). Booklocker.com, Inc.
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
(404) 840-6620
jvahlsing@yahoo.com
Sources/Additional Information:
Downtown Women’s Club - http://www.downtownwomensclub.com
Downtown Women’s Club - Atlanta - http://www.dwcatlanta.com
