Business applications of social media have been prompting serious debate on the very legitimacy of the networks. A while ago, I gave some business applications on how social media is used, and provided an example of how Twitter has molded communication. Having integrated social media into my personal and business life, I want to take it a step further to define how these same tools are carving business relationships.
In the past, passing along business cards was a standard. Don’t get me wrong, I love mine. Now, they’re a starting point for further communication contacts. More often, I’m finding profile links and social media references on cards. This accomplishes a few different things:
- Helps establish trust
- Keeps the conversation going
- Provides a lower barrier to entry to continuing conversation (less formal)
- Lends a peak into what other things the person has going on, in real-time
- Establishes talking points
Whether realized or not, providing this contact is a way to accomplish more than the stagnant “reach me here” personality of a phone number. Participating in social media is lending an open invitation for communication, which leads to continued, and ultimately actualized, relationships.
______________________
What you’re really saying when you offer your social network profile link to someone new
As I was joking around about what the different social networks said about the user, I realized some interesting points. Here it is, (add yours in the comments!):
Myspace: I jumped on that social media bandwagon and don’t mind all the spam and lacking integrity. Also, I hate organization and embrace poor spelling. Add me and the 489,229 people I don’t know! I’M SO COOL!
Facebook: Joined in college and it stuck. I keep in touch with all of my college friends (though it’s a little weird now that everyone’s posting wedding and baby pictures). …I hope I took down the photo that Jake posted of my passed out in the bathroom…
LinkedIn: Oh, this is social networking, too? Hm. Oh, look, Sue from accounting! She is always on time with reports and saved our company tons on taxes last year; off to write a recommendation!
Twitter: I’m really dedicated to this social networking thing. I also suffer from mild-to-severe ADD. Though I’ve only internet-stalked you so far, I’m actually interested in meeting you in person.
Nings (most): This topic keeps me up at night…so much that I don’t want to share it with anyone but my fellow up-at-nighters for fear of embarrassment.
