I read a great article on the “Five reasons why your social networking isn’t working” and thought that the title sounded harsh. So instead I am going to talk about these same five points in a more positive light. Here are the 5 tricks to improving your social networking.

1. Have something interesting to say:This isn’t about creating everything from scratch, but it is about being able to offer more than rehashed content and links to your network. This doesn’t help you grow, nor does it help anyone else grow. True networking works because you bring a distinct flavor or brand to the party. With all the social networking opportunities and fellow networkers competing for my time – how are you going to capture my attention so that I want to connect with you on a regular basis.
2. Make the message about who you are clear: Take the time to develop a social presence just like you would take the time to make sure that your physical presence commands a certain level of attention in a live networking event. In the beginning it may be a little sloppy – that’s to be expected when you are just learning. But you have to learn fast and make the transition from sloppy messaging and style to confident, savvy, smartly branded communication. If you find someone with a style you like – learn from them. I didn’t say stalk them or copy them. But do observe, take notes and find ways to let their savvy influence your own style.
3. Jump-start your fan club:People talk about people who are talked about. So how do you get people to talk about you? Start with a small group of friends or colleagues and become fans of each other. To do that, it means you have to invite your friends and colleagues to the party. Not only will you build up your list of contacts, but you get insight into who has connections to someone you may need to be introduced to. Tip: Always create a smaller inner circle of people who are willing to promote each other’s content, events and ideas. This inner circle should also be willing to share insights and resources. Once you’ve built that inner and outer layer of your network, become a fan of other people. Do some research, checking out profiles and connections of people that interest you and extend them an invitation to join your network. I guarantee that the person on Facebook with 1,000+ friends didn’t get those friends by sitting around waiting for someone to discover their profile. Start with people who are in the same industry as you, or people who have joined the same sub-group that you have.
4. Talk with them instead of at them: You all about your product, your service, or your group, and not enough about people and genuine connections. You are so focused on your product or service you forget that the real reason people are looking for you is because they have a problem. Find out what it is. And if you don’t have an answer, refer them to someone or somewhere that they can get help from. If you can’t refer the people in your network to resources and information, then you need to step up your game so you have something to contribute. The social networking relationships that I invest the most in are those that help me solve my problems whether or not they can sell me something. I avoid like the plague, the social networker who is out for the hard-sell from the gate because they need to make money.
5. Go for the long term impact instead: Despite the apparent fascination with having high numbers of connections, social networking is not merely a popularity contest. At first glance it might seem that way – take Twitter for example: Everyone wants to connect with Guy Kawasaki or Chris Brogan, or some other social media thought leader with thousands of followers. But at the end of the day your network is really about who you’ve helped and who has helped you, not who has linked to you. If all you are concerned about is getting 1,000 friends or followers you miss the point. You are looking for 15 minutes of fame, and eventually you’ll get it. But then it will be over and you still won’t have the critical connections you need to make things happen. Want you want is the 60 minutes interview: There’s a different level of depth and buzz associated with 60 minutes and that’s where you want to be. Remember – at some point what’s hot has to cool down. The trick is to create cycles of 60 minute waves that keep you at the forefront, rather than 15 minute peaks that are over in a flash.

Original post on examiner.com