Diane Darling's Blog

Networking tips for techies

Thank you Mass High Tech ....

Too much social networking?

My Twitter Mosaic

Wow - many thanks from @SteveGarfield

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Seven deadly sins of social networking security - from Forbes.com

Here's some worthwhile info .....

Seven Deadly Sins of Social Networking Security

Networking to increase sales // you're invited - webinar on June 18th

Join us for the eagerly-awaited Webinar:

Master The Fine Art Of Networking To
Win Clients And Increase Sales!

Reach out to the right people in the right way. Play to your strengths. Overcome your fears. Do your homework, and target your ideal clients...and the people who can get you close to them. Employ the techniques that transform card-carrying introverts into networking superstars.

Presented by Diane Darling, this engaging 1-hour session will cover:

• Unlocking the networking potential of current relationships
• Networking strategies in a down economy
• Building the right relationships for future gain
• Networking with people who know your ideal clients
• Networking tips for a variety of personality types
• and more...

Diane Darling is Founder and CEO of Effective Networking, and author of "The Networking Survival Guide" and "Networking for Career Success". She has appeared on NBC Nightly News, in The Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Boston Globe. She recently taught in the MBA program at Boston University. Register now!

Kind regards,

Rich Baker
CEO & Founder
Glance Networks, Inc.
glance@glance.net
1-877-452-6236 or
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Webinar Details:

Date/Time: Thursday, June 18, 1pm ET, 10am PT

Duration: 1 hour

Price: Free!

Presenter: Diane Darling of Effective Networking

Where: On your computer. Sign up
and receive a URL and phone number to join the session in one-click.

Sponsors:

Glance, makers of the one-click web demo tool

Meeting Zone, the conference call people

Is Barack following you?

I saw this in my email and thought - WOW! This is a new way to communicate with the President!

Hi, DianeDarling (DianeDarling).

Barack Obama (BarackObama) is now following your updates on Twitter.

Check out Barack Obama's profile here:

http://twitter.com/BarackObama

Transcript available from online chat with Boston.com

If you missed the online chat with Boston.com, here's the transcript.

Jan. 12 Transcript -Tips on networking

Is your network working for you? Diane Darling, Boston-based author of two books on networking, offers advice on how to get the most out of your network, both online and offline.

What's your online persona say with Facebook?

The other day a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania explained why some of the profiles on Facebook are .... well, let's say less than appropriate for public viewing.

Penn was one of the first universities to get Facebook. Initially the social networking site was only for college students to share their stories, photos, and musings.

Then the rest of the world wanted to join. Facebook opened itself up to the world and many unsuspecting college students had embarrassing photos. Like the ones they find of their parents in the attic. This time the attic was global and one click away.

Here's an article from The Boston Globe that sheds some light on dos and dont's for Facebook. Enjoy and post wisely!

Here's my profile - I welcome your comments.

You're invited to become a fan of Effective Networking on Facebook.

Hybrid Networking: Key for Success in 2009

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Leave it to a near frozen central Massachusetts resident to figure out how to power his house with his Prius hybrid car, given the electric company was nowhere to be found. Where else can this hybrid mentality of leveraging resources, and combining effective tools be applied?

Networking! You’ve heard it a zillion times - no one can predict what kind of a year 2009 will be. So it is time to get creative!

Here are a few ways to network: speaking, writing, attending events, online sites (e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter), being on a committee, and volunteering, just to name a few. It is important to identify what you like to do, what is a match given your personality, and what has the best return.

Create a plan that manages the three resources we all have:  time, energy, and money. Time is equal for everyone. Energy and money are variable.  This will be the year of wise spending of all three.

First, keep in mind the difference between a database and a network. A database is a list of people and their contact information. The people who return your call comprise your network.

Let’s start with face-to-screen networking, and discuss online methods:

• LinkedIn:
  • Research Tool: For example, I speak at conferences where often the meeting planners select the speakers. Knowing this, in my research, I search for the position “meeting planner” on LinkedIn. Next, I go hybrid. I pick up the phone and contact the person we have in common and connect with them. I then find out if they know the meeting planner and ask for an introduction.
  • Accepting invitations: Some people accept anyone who asks to be connected. That is your decision. For me, I want to strategically manage those connections and people I know, have met, or have been referred to. My LinkedIn profile includes guidelines for the best ways (and reasons) for people to contact me.
  • Privacy: My LinkedIn network is closed, only people within the network can see whom I know. This prevents people from “shopping” in my network and helps to alleviate the awkward conversation of rejecting a request for an introduction.
  • Think of LinkedIn as a place where you want to be in business attire and in professional mode.

• Facebook:
  • It is a place that can be professional but social connections are its primary purpose.
  • I accept most anyone who asks. Just like a random conversation on a plane or at a party. I will have the conversation – doesn’t mean we are going to be best friends.
  • Facebook is an environment where you are fine showing up in jeans, but not necessarily sloppy (or slutty) ones. Think of the awkward feeling of running into someone from the office when you were out partying. You want to avoid that on Facebook.
  •  While it is social, it is not a license to be … well, stupid! Remember, what is put on Facebook, stays on Facebook – even if you delete it.
  
  
• Twitter – This is a website where you can “microblog.” You have 140 characters to say something. The jury is out on this one. It is too new for me to really have an opinion. If you want to “follow me” on Twitter, my handle is “DianeDarling.”

• Meetup – This is one of my favorites because its entire purpose is to blend online and offline networking. Their theme is less face-to-screen and more face-to-face networking. Topics run the gambit from entrepreneurship to single parenting.  Some are like mini-classes. This is a very resourceful tool.

• Writing – Contribute to an article or write a blog to start out. If you feel you have enough information to write a book, but you do not like the writing process, you can partner with a ghost writer.

• E-introductions – Connect people to each other. This is often overlooked as an amazing way to reach out to those you have not spoken to in awhile. You become a networking node when you connect people, and others appreciate this.

Now let’s talk about in-person networking:

• Speaking – This is a remarkable way to network, especially for introverts. In an instant you are “meeting” everyone in the room. Yet you have avoided the agony of walking up to clusters of people and attempting small talk. If the idea of speaking terrifies you, start with being on a panel, introducing the speaker, or ask a question at an event. I took acting classes to get over my fear of being a speaker. Or try Toastmasters.

• Volunteer – This is one of my favorite ways to network. Why? Since I am not being paid, I can stretch my skills and do something I am not currently qualified to do. I get to meet people who are out of my typical networking circles and expand who I know and how I know them. My suggestion is to volunteer to do something you do not get paid for. For example, if you are an attorney, volunteer to be on the marketing committee.  The origins of Effective Networking date back to many a volunteer relationship.

• Membership Organizations – This can be the chamber of commerce, a leads group, or an association of like-minded people in either your profession, demographic, or interests. Join these but do not join them all. Attend a few as a guest and see if you like the group. Do you feel welcome? Is there an opportunity for you to volunteer and get some visibility? What is the time commitment?

• Events – Candidly, I have a love/hate relationship with events. If I am speaker, it is fine. I have a job to do, I do it well, and I know it works for the attendees. If I do not have a job at an event, it is very easy for me to skip it. I like people – do not get me wrong. But like many people, I am often overwhelmed by big events and need to psych myself to even show up. If this sounds like you, invite a friend to join you. Find a way to volunteer or have a role.

And do not forget the invention from Alexander Graham Bell. In many cases, picking up the phone and having a conversation will cut through many layers of clutter and expedite your efforts.

With some inventive hybrid networking, 2009 can be a good year.

Download Hybrid networking key for success in 2009

Why artists need to network?

This evening I spoke to a group of artists who are participating in The Artist's Toolbox sponsored by the Arts and Business Council. Wow - they are so talented!

Many are self-described as introverts and find it difficult to even think of networking. We spoke about why they do their art. Most said they just enjoy it and find it inspiring.

I asked them if they knew someone wanted art in their home or office, wouldn't they want to let others know? Why would the artist deprive others of adding beauty to their life?

Hmmm - they said they never thought about it that way.

Who are you depriving? Interesting question!