Be Social – Ask for Social Profile Information

Networking is a great way to expand your business reach. With just a few extra steps you can also increase your Social Media reach.

Most people who attend or host an event collect business cards, they often forget to go that extra step and ask for Social Media information.

While networking, take the time to ask for a person’s Facebook Fanpage, Twitter name or LinkedIn account. Everyone involved in Social Media (and that is everyone, right?) will be happy to gain a new follower, liker, or a new connection.

Here are three ways to collect this information:

If at an in-person networking event, as you collect a business card, ask for the information and write it on the back of the card.
If hosting a virtual event or an in-person event, ask as people sign in.
If you are not hosting the event, suggest to the host to ask for that and if he/she will share the information with you after the event.

Next are the two most important steps:

After the event, go online and actually connect with everyone you met. If you have a big list, consider having someone do it for you.
Remember to add a personal note in the message if friending (Facebook profile) or connecting (Linkedin). If the connection is via a Fanpage or Twitter post a personal note such as, it was wonderful connecting with you at the XYZ event.

Check your Social Media sites a few days later to see if your new list of Social Media friends has liked you, friended you, followed or connected with you. If they have not responded, send them an email message requesting them to join your various Social Media sites.