How did you celebrate #SocialMediaDay this year?
At the Business Career Hub, we spent June 30th talking to experts about how you can use social media to support and enhance your business career. Our June #BizHubChat was all about social media etiquette, and we brought in experts from Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA), a digital agency that helps forward-thinking brands and education organizations build online communities through social media, to help us figure out what’s what.
There’s no better day than #SocialMediaDay to be chatting with @TRSMcareers about #SocialMedia etiquette! Tune in to #BizHubChat @ 12PM EST!
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
We’re born ready @TRSMcareers! Let’s get this party started! #BizHubChat pic.twitter.com/HEfgpYi4Y1
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
1) Should you personalize your LinkedIn requests to connect with others?
It’s hard to believe how often people attempt to connect on LinkedIn without personalizing the message. Our experts agree: unless you’re connecting with a friend or colleague you see regularly, you should always add a message to clarify your connection.
A1) Yes! Nothing says I didn’t try like the standard “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” #BizHubChat
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 30, 2016
Exactly. That stock standard message shows nothing but laziness and a lack of creativity! #BizhubChat https://t.co/jGacMsR7VE
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
Personalize @LinkedIn requests? A1: Not even a question. Of course you should. Assume they meet a LOT of people and show effort. #BizHubChat
— Bailey Parnell (@BaileyParnell) June 30, 2016
Plus, personalizing your message shows you’re making an effort, which will make your new contact much more likely to make their own effort to connect back with you.
A1 Personalized #LinkedIn requests are more likely to grab the other person’s attention. Make them feel special! #networking #BizHubChat
— Questrade Careers (@QuestradeCareer) June 30, 2016
A1: Not customizing a #LinkedInRequest is like leaving a voicemail or e-mail that simply says, “My name is Bob. Bye.” #BizHubChat
— Chelsea C. (@ChelseaC1414) June 30, 2016
Sometimes it’s okay to not write a message, but only leave out this step if your connection is a friend or someone in your professional community you know well or have worked with personally.
@dandankennedy A1 – I’m guilty of tending to not customize these invitations, but that’s generally to folk I work/worked with #BizHubChat
— Dan Cantiller (@DanCanThinks) June 30, 2016
2) Should you connect with your boss or coworkers on social media?
Sure, why not? Connecting with current coworkers gives you the chance to be your whole self at work. But think about your industry or workplace before you reach out, and think about the platforms you use. There may be some platforms you prefer to use professionally and some you prefer to keep personal/private.
A2) We believe in being your “whole person” at work and at home, so we encourage connecting with your coworkers on social media. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
A2) But be sure to consider your industry/company culture. If it’s not commonplace in your workplace don’t send that request. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
A2) It also depends on the network you’re connecting on. Don’t hesitate when connecting on LinkedIn or Twitter (1/2) #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
A2) (2/2) but connecting on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat will depend on your office culture/nature of your relationships. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
Most of us are connected with people we don’t see regularly, so why not connect with the colleagues you see every day? Also, consider that, depending on your industry, it may look suspicious if you refuse to connect. People may ask, What are you hiding?
A2: I also find Gen X managers value privacy more than Gen Y. We grew up with social media. It’s just part of who we are. #BizHubChat
— Bailey Parnell (@BaileyParnell) June 30, 2016
Connecting on social media allows you to share your personality and interests with your colleagues, but remember to keep your tone professional.
A2 Connecting w/ colleagues on #socialmedia can help showcase your personality & interests. But remember, keep it professional! #BizHubChat
— Questrade Careers (@QuestradeCareer) June 30, 2016
Remember: the platform you connect through is important and also be sure to be aware of what you’re sharing!
A2: Yes, but choose where u want to connect. Some choose @LinkedIn 4 professional connections while others FB 4 personal ones #BizHubChat
— José Cabral (@JoseCabralTO) June 30, 2016
Connecting with colleagues on LinkedIn is a must, but make sure it makes sense to have that person as a connection.
A2) YES! Think of LinkedIn as the professional Facebook and connect with professionals. But make sure it makes sense to connect #BizHubChat
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 30, 2016
You should never feel pressured to connect when you don’t want to.
A2 – Supervisors/managers should be mindful re: perceived/felt power dynamics of sending a connection request on social media #BizHubChat
— Dan Cantiller (@DanCanThinks) June 30, 2016
Don’t forget that connecting with colleagues is a great way to showcase and reinforce your personal brand. But always be smart about what you’re sharing online.
A2) Connecting w/coworkers on internal/external #socialmedia a great way to promote your #personalbrand #BizHubChat
— Barbara Wilson (@BarbaraWilson44) June 30, 2016
3) How do I reach out to someone new over social media to build my network?
A good entryway is to engage with their posts/content on social media. Once this rapport has built up, connect via Direct Message, but be sure to have a clear goal in mind for why you want to connect. You may also want to try out Ten Thousand Coffees to make that first connection, as the intention will be clear: to connect over a quick cup of coffee.
A3) First, try engaging with their #socialmedia posts. This helps build familiarity before you approach them directly. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
Another great way to make a connection on social media is to have a mutual connection in your network make an introduction.
A3) 2 main ways 1) get an introduction 2) just reach out. #BizHubChat pic.twitter.com/S6Wgoqq1Hy
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 30, 2016
Yes! Connecting to other people through your existing network is major . (p.s. love that meme!) #BizHubChat https://t.co/QOxDrx4ooJ
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
Building your network is like a relationship: start slow and get to know their interests before connecting on a deeper level.
A3: Remember networking is really just relationship building you’re doing online. You wouldn’t walk up “Be in my network!” [1/2] #BizHubChat
— Bailey Parnell (@BaileyParnell) June 30, 2016
A3: [2/2] Get to know them slowly. Follow Twitter, read blogs & engage. Like, comment & connect, in the old meaning of the word. #BizHubChat
— Bailey Parnell (@BaileyParnell) June 30, 2016
Before you connect, be sure to figure out how this connection will also be beneficial to the person you’re trying to connect with. This provides them with an incentive to speak with you.
A3: First, I think of reasons for connecting and how the relationship can be mutually beneficial #WIIIFT #BizHubChat
— José Cabral (@JoseCabralTO) June 30, 2016
Be clear with your goals and pay attention to the interests and background your contact outlines in his or her profile.
4) What’s the right way to decline a request to connect with someone on social media?
A4) There’s not really a right or wrong way here as your options are quite limited: ✅ ❌ or ignore. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
A4) Some reasons to decline a request:
– you don’t know them (or their friends)
– no personal message
– doesn’t seem genuine#BizHubChat— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
There is no right or wrong way in my opinion! If you didn’t want to connect with the person, that’s totally up to you! #BizHubChat
— Mady Krapez-Fewster (@madyfewster) June 30, 2016
You don’t need accept every request. Declining is not impolite, it’s strategic. Sometime it’s okay to just ignore it. But if you receive a follow-up email, you should respond with an honest explanation.
If you do have to explain, just be honest!
A4: Be honest! Let the person know that you do not see a reason for connecting or how they can benefit from it #BizHubChat
— José Cabral (@JoseCabralTO) June 30, 2016
If you’re just declining the request without an explanation, that’s OK. It’s standard practice even though it sometimes feels a bit harsh.
5) If someone follows you or adds you on social media, must you automatically follow them back?
No, but do them the courtesy of checking out their profile. You might find that you like their content or that it could be a beneficial connection for you. Also, consider the optics of the situation. Sometimes it’s important to follow someone you typically wouldn’t based on your interests because of business potential.
Before you follow back, be sure to check out their content and make sure they are real. Genuine followers are much more valuable than fake ones, so don’t go seeking them out.
A5 Def not. Their interests may be different from yours. Curate your own experience on these networks or they won’t be enjoyable.#BizHubChat
— Bailey Parnell (@BaileyParnell) June 30, 2016
Social media is all about curating your own experience. It’s important to have fun on social, so don’t follow people who won’t bring you joy.
If their profile isinteresting/valuable I’ll add them. Quality, not quantity, is my #socialmedia goal. #BizHubChat https://t.co/qqbHHftfPD
— Barbara Wilson (@BarbaraWilson44) June 30, 2016
A5: Think strategically and do not collect profiles/followers. Buying those is even worse #BizHubChat pic.twitter.com/IciljiJxpo
— José Cabral (@JoseCabralTO) June 30, 2016
Give their profile a quick scan and assess whether they are interesting to you before you choose to follow them.
@TRSMcareers A5 – Only if you’re interested in what they have to say/contribute. A quick scan of their profile answers this. #BizHubChat
— Dan Cantiller (@DanCanThinks) June 30, 2016
Always be aware of who has access to your social profiles and remember to consider quality over quantity when it comes to your followers. Also, make sure they align with your personal values, as the people you follow contribute as much to your personal brand as you do.
A5: #StrangerDanger. Know that you’re granting someone free rein to your trusted network. #BizHubChat pic.twitter.com/7l2JbzmnRP
— Chelsea C. (@ChelseaC1414) June 30, 2016
6) What is your final advice on how to create a positive impression through social?
Splash Effect’s final advice: be yourself. The classic advice to “be professional” doesn’t mean you only have to post about work. You can still be professional while posting about the things you do when not at work or with colleagues.
A6) Be yourself. Just because you’re using social media professionally doesn’t mean you only have to post about work. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
A6) Share content that is useful, informative & inspiring. While you should be yourself that doesn’t mean it’s all about you. #BizHubChat
— Splash Effect (@SplashEffectCA) June 30, 2016
Try to share content that is useful, informative and inspiring — provide value to your followers by posting content that isn’t all about you. But most importantly – have fun!
A6) My grandma said it best “Be Polite, Be Kind, Ne Helpful” #BizHubChat #GrandmaAdvice pic.twitter.com/bx0lzIRhxu
— Dan Kennedy (@dandankennedy) June 30, 2016
Want to check out the full #BizHubChat on social media etiquette? Visit this Storify summary to relive the entire chat.
The TRSM Business Career Hub is open to students and alumni throughout the summer. If you have any career related questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We hope to see you soon.