People Are The Key To Success…Treat Them Respectfully

A recently published article revealed the negative effects of Facebook on some users. This article explained that after spending time on Facebook, some people feel rejected, lonely, and even depressed. While many of us enjoy the opportunities for interaction that Facebook provides, some of us have very bad experiences with the social networking site. Though Facebook does not intend to deliver a negative experience, some people use it as an opportunity to bash others.

When we see others face-to-face, a simple observation of their body language should reveal whether they have negative feelings toward us.  Unfortunately, this assessment cannot be made when dealing with people online. Some people tend to write things that they would never say to our faces. If they write these things in a Facebook post, the message will be seen by a large group of people.

This serves as food for thought as we may be guilty of being looser with words when writing than when speaking. Do you find it easier to “slam” someone when you do not have to look that person in the eye while doing it? Some people will answer this question affirmatively and we advise them to think twice because you never know who may be observing. Expanding personal and professional influence relies on others. Many people do not wish to deal with someone who bashes others in writing.

It takes time, effort, and diligence to expand professional influence. A person does not create six figure income overnight. People must work hard to build and maintain the professional relationships that enable them to be successful. Maintaining a professional demeanor is necessary when attempting to expand influence and this does not involve disrespecting other people in writing on social media sites (or in any other format, for that matter).

Other people help us create the success we strive for in life. In essence, the money we earn comes from them. If others do not trust, like, or want to work with or be around us, the road to the top will be a long one. Everything we say should draw others toward use and expand our influence, not chase them away and shrink it. This means that we should think before we type a single character and if the message will not be an attractive one, it is better left unwritten.

We all know someone who is always criticizing, correcting, complaining, and condemning others. This person is not a joy to be around. In fact, we often try to avoid such people whenever possible. We should take this to heart and make ourselves people who believe in others and build relationships with them.

Influence is not something to squander, though not everyone understands this. It should be used wisely to develop relationships, gain trust, and advocate for others. Review the Facebook messages posted by others in your network and emulate the positive ones, while identifying the authors of the negative sentiments as folks who could benefit from some positive influencing in the future.

Are You LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is one of the best social networks for business to business purposes. More than 161 million people used this social network to connect with past and present colleagues, clients, classmates, friends, and family within a professional setting. Whether you work from home as an entrepreneur, in a corporate office as a worker bee, line manager, or executive, or in a nontraditional setting like an airplane, you should have a LinkedIn account.

Though it may seem like just one more social networking account to maintain, LinkedIn is much more. Since it is designed as a business to business tool, businesspeople use LinkedIn to make connections. They review the high school and college sections, look at job categories, and spend time in answer and discussion groups, searching for other members who can provide a needed product or service. The more active a person is with the account and the more connections the individual has, the higher he or she will rank in these search results.

Use the LinkedIn profile to relay as much information as possible about yourself. Tell others how your products or services can help them. If you are looking for additional work, include information about how you can benefit a prospective client or employer and provide details regarding your work ethic and any behavioral, personality, or aptitude tests you have taken. Change summary content to reflect your professional growth. Include keywords about what you offer or what you are seeking because Google searches and indexes this content.

Adding a professional headshot to your profile increases your chances of being found on LinkedIn and having your information reviewed. This is a business site so make the picture appropriate to that setting. Keep work history and skills updated, going back as far as possible with work experience. This helps with a job search because it illustrates your level of experience. Including previous employer names also enables past colleagues to connect with you.

By participating in LinkedIn answer and discussion groups, you position yourself as a subject matter expert. This opens the doors to new connections, making it well worth the time involved. In terms of connections, make them with almost everyone, not just people that you know. Unlike Facebook, LinkedIn is about business relationships, making it appropriate to connect with strangers. Some of these connections could provide an opportunity for new work or additional clients.

When making a connection, create a personalized message that reveals your intention. If recipients understand why you are interested in connecting with them, they are more likely to accept the invitation. Do not lock your profile or keep information hidden because this prevents others from learning more about you before making a connection.

With LinkedIn as another way to establish business to business connections, you should begin reaping the rewards in your professional life. These business connections can lead to personal relationships revolving around education, hobbies, or other interests. LinkedIn is much more than it may appear to be at first glance so give it a try.