Networking Tips #30 Make It Easy To Get In Touch

I'm often surprised by how difficult people make it for you to get in touch.  You meet someone at a networking event and then you return to the office you want to keep in touch or connect with them online but you can't track them down.

Perhaps you only had a list of attendees or their business card had limited information, so you try to track them down via Google or on Linked In or Twitter.

Some people just don't want to be found.  They've hidden their email address on LinkedIn, so you can't email them that way and if they've restricted access to their LinkedIn profile, you'll need an email address in order to connect with them.  They don't have a profile photo, so you can't find them that way.

You may track down their website but many times it doesn't have either an email address or a name, so you're not sure if you've got the right person.

Make it easy for people to contact and connect with you - after all if you have an online presence, whether through your website or a social media profile you presumably want to found that way.

You'll find me on LinkedIn and Twitter, Like my page on Facebook or you can contact me directly or use the form on my website.  Why not book an initial chat with me via Tungle.me.

How To Find Time For Your Social Media

I recently attended a workshop on Social Media and something I often get asked is - "How will I find time for all this?"

Remember that social media (if you're using it for business) is part of your overall Marketing Strategy.  How does it fit, why are you using it and find time for it in your business.


Decide what you're going to do and how much time you have available.  Which are the primary social media sites you're going to use?  Find the ones that are likely to work best for you and commit to spending time on those.

Mine are primarily Twitter and Linked In - some Facebook and occasionally a few other sites.

Use social media platforms like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to manage multiple social media accounts in one place.  This makes it much easier and quicker to read and respond. 

Plan your time.  When are you going to do it - once or twice a day, a few times a week?  Morning, afternoon or evening?  Plan in the time and ... 

... set time limits.  It can be done in 10-15 minutes a day or 3 x 10 minute slots throughout the day or even a couple of 30 minute sessions once a week.  Stick to the time limit so you stay focused and don't get distracted. 

Create a checklist to keep you focused and on track.  I have a simple spreadsheet on which I list all my social media activity, the different platforms I use and timings.  For instance:

• Respond to mentions and RTs (re-tweets)
• Find new followers/connections
• Connect with new and existing contacts
• Share information - RT, links etc.
• Join in discussions
• Respond to questions

Twitter I access almost daily, Linked In I might only access every other day and other platforms less frequently. 

Use automation.  Platforms like Hootsuite enable you to schedule tweets in advance (useful for marketing campaigns).  Automate postings from your blog or newsletter, so you don't have to manually post to each platform. 

Be consistent.  Remember that everything you say reflects you and your brand.  Twitter is more instant, Linked In more business oriented and Facebook more social or consumer based.  If you can't commit to every day, less frequently is fine but stick to a plan. 

Measure your results.  While social media is about connecting, building relationships and conversations it can have long-term results which aren't always easy to measure but you can monitor things like click-thrus on links, sign-ups, new connections, views etc.

Part of social media is the conversation and connection, so make sure it's two-way and not just a constant sales pitch.

Look for more on finding time for your social media in a future newsletter.  If you're not on the list, sign-up today by clicking here.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do You Take Your Work Home?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There was a piece on BBC Breakfast this morning about the number of people who take their work home with them.

One of the comments was from someone who ran their own business - as if this was justification for working long hours and answering emails late at night.

If someone else is disorganised enough that they're sending emails late at night and expecting a response then that's their problem, not yours.  Even if it's your boss - if you allow them to disrespect your time in this way, they'll keep doing it.

Create clear boundaries around the technology you use in your life.  It's there to help you - not control you.  Have times when you switch if off and times when you will not respond to work related emails or phone calls - especially in the evening and weekends.

Email on Smartphones is one of the biggest culprits - great for being able to respond to emails while on the move but a constant intrusion if emails update at all times of the night and day.  Switch off the email alerts on your phone, so that you won't get distracted by a tone or flashing light.  Check your email several times a day if need be - at a time that suits you, not at the behest of a flashing light.

If you do take work home with you - think about the reasons this is happening.
- You have too much to do - manage your time better, reprioritise and delegate.
- You get more done at home, fewer distractions.  True - see if you can work flexibly from home every now and then or find somewhere to work away from distractions in your own office - a meeting room, local coffee shop etc.

Sometimes it has to happen - especially if it's a case of all hands on deck or there's a deadline to meet but make sure this is the exception, NOT the norm.

If you want to find ways to stop having to take work home with you - get in touch.

What are your reasons for taking work home with you?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Step away from the Smartphone

Are you Addicted to Work?

Always On: The consequences of hyper-connectivity 

Celebrate Your Success - Four Offers For June

A contemporary birthday cake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"Significant Birthdays and Anniversaries are good times to reflect on where you are now, where you're going and what you've achieved.

The Jubilee celebrations were a great start to my Birthday week. While not all of us celebrate on that scale, how often do you celebrate your successes?

We're often focused on achieving and looking forward but how often do we look back and celebrate what we've actually achieved over the last year or how far we've come in the last decade?

Look at where you are now compared to where you were 20 years ago and give yourself a pat on the back.

Take a look at your own life. "

Read the full article: 'Celebrate Your Success' and get details of the Four Birthday Offers in this month's newsletter - here.

Each month's newsletter gives you tips, information and resources to help grow your business and improve your work life balance - direct to your inbox.  Get the latest issue and a Free Report:

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Book Review: The E-Myth Revisited

A classic in the business world and a must read for all small business owners.  It contains the now iconic statement "Work on not in your business".

The mistake many people make is getting stuck in the nuts and bolts and daily grind of running their business, being too close to the coal face and not finding the time to think more strategically about their business.

It's very much geared towards creating repeatable systems and processes which is particularly useful if you're looking to grow and expand your business by using franchising or licensing but can apply to most businesses.

It's the reason businesses like MacDonalds and Subway are so successful.  It's not so much about the product but about the systems they have in place to deliver the product to the customer in a consistent way all around the world.

Get your copy today - The E-Myth Revisited.