Social Media Strategies for Building Professional Relationships
The early approaches to networking were mostly limited to traditional methods such as personal events and occasions. But today, social media has also gained the power to promote and build professional relationships.
Recent social media marketing statistics show that 7 out of 10 professionals consider LinkedIn as a trustworthy source of professional content and 55% of marketers also now share video content on LinkedIn to increase engagement. Moreover, the site allows professionals to reach out and establish relationships with people in the same industry, even with those they haven’t met personally. This makes social media a powerful tool for extensively connecting with people for both business and professional purposes.
To successfully build relationships on social media, here are some strategies you can follow:
Join groups or pages with similar interests
Some social media platforms feature groups where people with similar interests can come together and discuss topics related to their interests. A great example is LinkedIn groups for business professionals and entrepreneurs, which is a place where professionals can meet virtually and connect with people in the same field of expertise.
Another way to foster connections with like-minded people is by joining local business communities. One of the business networking tips we previously shared is joining the local chamber of commerce, which will often have online counterparts. This allows you to gain more personal experience and support other members to realise their potential in the business field.
Acknowledge the people you know
Sometimes, we forget to acknowledge and say thank you to the people who helped us before, but the small act of recognising and expressing gratitude to these people can go a long way. For every insight, data, and inspiration you receive from others, such as colleagues, clients, partners, and mentors, it is important to acknowledge and give credit to them whenever you post something online.
For example, simply tagging their names on Twitter and Facebook when you share content that they may benefit from shows that you value and appreciate their opinions. It will ultimately strengthen existing professional relationships as well as show potential connections that you’re one to value people, encouraging them to build a relationship with you.
Write relatable and insightful content
Contributing relevant and insightful content online about shared business interests can help you build strong relationships with your audience. Not only does it show your knowledge and expertise, but it can also initiate discussions with people who may have similar or differing opinions from yours.
It encourages everyone to collaborate and share ideas that might be helpful in the industry. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for advice or suggestions. It is a great way to learn and exchange dialogues with other professionals.
Provide feedback
Apart from asking for advice, you can also provide feedback to those who shared their experiences and stories. First, it is important to thank people for sharing their experiences and trusting their network with their thoughts, yourself included. With this, you should approach the situation with caution to ensure that you are only providing constructive criticisms without personal bias, so make sure to check your opinions too. If it goes well, you can establish a great common ground between you and another individual.
You can create valuable professional relationships with others by practising a give and take relationship. It shows that you are willing to listen and help other individuals without expecting anything in return. Other people in the industry will also feel more comfortable joining your network if you offer genuine and reliable support.
Social media is a perfect avenue to create and maintain relationships. It will allow you to extensively reach out and meet people who you might not otherwise encounter in person. Therefore, using social media platforms as a method of building professional relationships is indispensable. Although social media is a virtual space, you should treat people the same way you’d treat them in real life.