Thanks to social media there is now a plethora of ways to find, follow, and communicate with others. As a result it has now become easier than ever to connect with others. The question though is how much of a connection are you really making? No matter how convenient this form of connecting with others is, it will never replace the benefits of face to face interactions. I find it quite amazing that the more efficient and fast paced our society becomes, the more apparent the need for human interaction is.
One of the best ways to connect with another person is to find some sort of commonality. This is especially true when you are meeting someone either for the first time or a relationship that you are trying to nurture and grow. In order to find this commonality you need to do your homework. Yes I know, most of you will tell me you are too busy to fit one more thing into your schedule. I would challenge you to re-think what is truly important to your success. Are you connected to those who can you can help become more successful and those who can help you become more successful? A wise person once said there are only a dozen or two relationships that will take you to any level of success you desire.
The internet is a great source to help you do your homework prior to making a connection with someone for the first time or to help cultivate an existing relationship:
1. Google their name
a. Do they have a personal web site or blog? This is a great way to find out what their
passions and interests are.
b Are they on Twitter or Facebook? Find out if you share any connections
2. Linkedin
a. Check their work history to see what other companies they work out
b. Check to see what groups they belong to and then join those groups
3. Utilize your current network to see if you have any mutual connections. You will find out how
small a world it truly is!
4. Perform industry research on the person’s company. What are the current trends and
challenges in their industry? What are their competitors doing? Here are a few websites
where you can located industry info:
a. http://zibb.com/
b. http://www.bizstats.com/
c. http://seekingalpha.com/
d. http://finance.yahoo.com/
One of the best ways to connect with another person is to find some sort of commonality. This is especially true when you are meeting someone either for the first time or a relationship that you are trying to nurture and grow. In order to find this commonality you need to do your homework. Yes I know, most of you will tell me you are too busy to fit one more thing into your schedule. I would challenge you to re-think what is truly important to your success. Are you connected to those who can you can help become more successful and those who can help you become more successful? A wise person once said there are only a dozen or two relationships that will take you to any level of success you desire.
The internet is a great source to help you do your homework prior to making a connection with someone for the first time or to help cultivate an existing relationship:
1. Google their name
a. Do they have a personal web site or blog? This is a great way to find out what their
passions and interests are.
b Are they on Twitter or Facebook? Find out if you share any connections
2. Linkedin
a. Check their work history to see what other companies they work out
b. Check to see what groups they belong to and then join those groups
3. Utilize your current network to see if you have any mutual connections. You will find out how
small a world it truly is!
4. Perform industry research on the person’s company. What are the current trends and
challenges in their industry? What are their competitors doing? Here are a few websites
where you can located industry info:
a. http://zibb.com/
b. http://www.bizstats.com/
c. http://seekingalpha.com/
d. http://finance.yahoo.com/
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