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Social Networking for Professional Coaches, Consultants, and Mentors

Social Networking is a powerful method for professionals to build relationships and share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience. I consider that Scott Allen was the one who introduced me to the best practices of Social Networking, years ago when we first met in Ryze. He's co-authored the book, The Virtual HandShake (See Sidebar, also). We talk occasionally (by phone) as well as interacting on various social networks.

About Twitter  |  About LinkedIn

Three Social Networks

There are three social networks that I particularly recommend to my clients and friends who are coaches and consultants: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. I belong to these three Social Networks in addition to others. Please keep in mind this one caveat: if you decide to join all three (or more!), get on board with one at a time.

Each of these three social networking sites is different, and all are populated with a wide range of individuals — potential clients and colleagues, professionals and amateurs, marketers and sales people, and just folks wanting to make friends.

As with all actions I take, I start with being clear about my own intention. I have a deep desire to help others, to share my wisdom and knowledge, and to build relationships. For me personally, these are the basis for my interactions. I stay very low-keyed about selling or marketing my products or services. I'm generous about sharing my free resources, encouragement, and ideas — these lead people to my services and products that are for sale.

You will, of course, need to develop your own style, your own community, your own image. While each of these social networks is different, you'll want to maintain a consistent image as a professional in each. Remember, social networks are very public experiences and RSS is unforgiving!

LinkedIn

LinkedIn was the first of these three networks that I joined, although not my first social networking experience. I've written more about LinkedIn on a separate page. You can view my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/mhmail

Facebook

When I asked a colleague for a recommendation of a place to connect with potential joint venture partners for a project, she suggested Facebook. I was initially hesitant, as I knew it was originally organized for college students. I used to be one of those, but a long time ago! She assured me that Facebook had expanded far beyond its original beginnings.

I'll write more about Facebook in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can view my profile at http://profile.to/jeaniemarshall

Twitter

Twitter works well with Facebook and LinkedIn. Twitter is my favorite, but the others are important in my overall social networking strategies. I've written more about Twitter on separate pages. By all means, follow my Twitter updates at http://twitter.com/JeanieMarshall after you have read those pages.

About Twitter  |  About LinkedIn