{"id":5453,"date":"2013-03-05T07:19:30","date_gmt":"2013-03-05T14:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/?p=5453"},"modified":"2013-03-26T17:26:30","modified_gmt":"2013-03-27T00:26:30","slug":"how-to-be-the-life-of-the-social-media-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ann-tran.com\/2013\/03\/how-to-be-the-life-of-the-social-media-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be the Life of the Social Media Party"},"content":{"rendered":"

I keep hearing about a problem on social media, so I sat down to write this post to help both those suffering from repeated requests for \u201cfavors\u201d<\/strong><\/a>, and those who make them. \u00a0It\u2019s perhaps not the \u201chelp\u201d those making the requests were asking for, but it should help them. \u00a0Please do take this unsolicited advice in the spirit of future success and friendships, both online and offline.<\/p>\n

First of all, let\u2019s think of social media as a big cocktail party. \u00a0There are all kinds of people there, but of course you\u2019d like to get noticed by the movers and shakers, the influencers. \u00a0With this in mind, who would you send to represent your company? You wouldn\u2019t send an intern straight out of college, would you?<\/p>\n

I hope you\u2019d want to put on your best outfit and your game face, think about your strategy for interacting with new, important people and get out there yourself.<\/p>\n

Secondly, let\u2019s talk about cocktail party etiquette. We\u2019ve all been to parties where that person goes on and on about themselves, talking about all the things that they think make them fascinating and interesting. \u00a0These \u201cparty goers\u201d never even let another person get a word in edgewise, let alone start an actual conversation. \u00a0Sadly, they rarely understand why they become social pariahs, when all they\u2019d need to do is show some interest in other people. Your intern might be \u201cthat guy\u201d. \u00a0Make sure your social media channels show an experienced diplomat who engages everyone at the party, making sure to ask about their business, passions and interests and then connecting them with other like-minded people.<\/p>\n

Last, but not least, social media is all about collaborating. It\u2019s true what they say: \u00a0There\u2019s no such thing as a free lunch!<\/p>\n

Only a novice would go to a cocktail party, approach a lawyer in the room and start asking for free advice about the legal issue they have with a vendor.<\/p>\n

Not only would they find themselves alone at the end of the night, they\u2019d never see another invitation from the host.<\/p>\n

I love connecting with people on social media, especially when they want to build a relationship and share real experiences, information and wisdom. \u00a0I say this all the time, and I truly mean it: #SocialMedia is all about collaborating and cultivating relationships, just like you would in any real-life situation. \u00a0So before you get in touch with anyone on social media, please think about the cocktail party metaphor, and if you can\u2019t be the belle of the ball, at the very least do your best to be a gracious and interesting guest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I keep hearing about a problem on social media, so I sat down to write this post to help both those suffering from repeated requests for \u201cfavors\u201d, and those who…Posted on<\/span>