[04.28.10]

60 great comments!

10 Ways To Build A High Value Network

This is a guest post from Mohammed Al-Taee, a blogger who lives in Amman, Jordan. His Altaee Blog focuses on social media and career development topics. Mohammed and I met on Twitter and have started a value exchange. His post below is a must read for anyone looking to build a powerful long-term network (a new, feel good form of social capital). You can follow Mohammed on Twitter to begin your own conversation with him!

Recently, I ended my presentation at Amman International Toastmasters Club with a quote by Author Tim Sanders who said: “Someday this will be true for all of us: Our network will equal our net worth.”

The quote is true for me and it’s the reason I write this post. In the near past, we used to have a circle of friends who we met offline and it was the only way to be connected. But today, for many of us, our circle of friends is mostly our online network, i.e. the connections that we add everyday are our net worth. Think of your net worth potential as a job offer from one of your Facebook friends, a Follow Friday #FF from your Twitter followers that could get you another 10 followers, or an invitation to write a guest blog post as I’m honored today. Think of net worth as a new opportunity that could bring a new business, career or the most valuable thing, a new connection to your network.

Here are some proven ways to build a high value network:

1 – Engage your followers and friends through interesting updates, don’t just be a broadcaster of normal information. Read an article and share your favorite statement as a tweet or make a question from an article and share it with your friends. Engagement is must-have skill in today’s social media revolution.

2 – Update your status frequently but remember that each social network has its audience so try to share business, training and presentation events on Linkedin; personal, questions and kind of interesting things on Facebook; and everything else can be shared on Twitter. Twitter will become your online biography in the near future so keep your tweets professional.

3 – Promote what’s important to your network. Whether it’s a tweet, a link in a blog post or even writing Linkedin recommendation. I have today three recommendations from my Twitter friends, we never met but I know them now like any of my colleagues. We collaborate online most of the time and that was enough to know my brand.

4 – Grow your network by connecting with more non-spam people. It’s right that the more connections you have, the less social interactions you make with your friends but it’s worth to have a big network. Think big when it come to social networking.

5 - Tag your followers when you RT or share a status via Facebook. This tag could connect more like-minded people in your network and by that your and your friend’s network becomes a network of values.

6 – Help your network by selectivity inviting the right people into the right group or fan page. I always mention some of my Twitter followers in resource or a tweet but after making sure its suits their needs. Always give before receive. Offer value and don’t expect something in return, this is a great way to build your personal brand.

7 – Connect people. Play the role of connector on your social networks, I’m enjoying doing that everyday. It doesn’t require any physical efforts; you can do it while you are on Linkedin or Twitter. I realized that the more people I connect, the more people will connect to me.

8 – Gratitude for your network. Write at least one Linkedin recommendation to one of your colleague even if he/she is overseas, Tweet 10 Follow Friday to the best tweeple, and comment everyday on your favorite blogs. Do it and make it part of your brand attributes. Remember, adding value to your network starts with you so be generous.

9 – Ask your network. I wouldn’t able to make my Brand Conversations with experts on my Blog without inviting them. I wouldn’t write my guest post here without Tim’s invitation. Ask your network for help or advice because it’s about mutual interests. I add value to your network and you do the same.

10 – Brand yourself, in order for people to remember you, you need to position yourself on your social networks. Be remarkable so you become the first in other people’s minds when they want to share resource, invitation for an event, business opportunity or even a coffee meeting. Your personal brand is key to build your network as mentioned in a recent book called Career Distinction: “when the members of your network respect you and understand your brand, they give you their support as you advance your careers.”

Pingback: JobLIST Library Jobs
http://www.preferredvendor.com Brian Meeks

This is a great article and outlines a very solid strategy for building a brand. I have done many of these thing, but there are some nice gems in there, which I am going to add to my plans. Thanks.
http://www.preferredvendor.com Brian Meeks

This is a great article and outlines a very solid strategy for building a brand. I have done many of these thing, but there are some nice gems in there, which I am going to add to my plans. Thanks.
Pingback: link2peer
http://designresumes.com/ Julie Walraven | Resume Servic

Great points, Mohammed, and I am grateful for all the ways you have connected with me and the many times you have mentioned me in a post. Thank you!

I have watched you grow from when I first met you on the career lists for CDI and followed you as you grew in knowledge. You challenge me to continue to learn. Blessings!
http://designresumes.com/ Julie Walraven | Resume Services

Great points, Mohammed, and I am grateful for all the ways you have connected with me and the many times you have mentioned me in a post. Thank you!

I have watched you grow from when I first met you on the career lists for CDI and followed you as you grew in knowledge. You challenge me to continue to learn. Blessings!
Pingback: PongoResume
http://www.dooid.com/heatherecoleman HeatherEColeman

Mohammed and Tim,
As usual, excellent! I love seeing these blogs because they are absolutely authentic – you literally do the very things you speak of, and showcase it throughout your blog. Because of you, Julie, Walter, Tim and the rest have become professional colleagues and friends. Amazing what can be accomplished from half a world away.

Your colleague and friend,
@HeatherEColeman
@CareerSavvy
http://www.dooid.com/heatherecoleman HeatherEColeman

Mohammed and Tim,
As usual, excellent! I love seeing these blogs because they are absolutely authentic – you literally do the very things you speak of, and showcase it throughout your blog. Because of you, Julie, Walter, Tim and the rest have become professional colleagues and friends. Amazing what can be accomplished from half a world away.

Your colleague and friend,
@HeatherEColeman
@CareerSavvy
Pingback: Debra Wheatman
Pingback: WalterAkana
http://www.gluehq.com Fiona Friesen

Thanks for the good read. The one question I’ve been struggling with is “Is social networking authentic?” At what point does conversing for the sake of promotion (even though it’s not direct) add a layer of superficiality to the many virtual handshakes?
http://www.gluehq.com Fiona Friesen

Thanks for the good read. The one question I’ve been struggling with is “Is social networking authentic?” At what point does conversing for the sake of promotion (even though it’s not direct) add a layer of superficiality to the many virtual handshakes?
http://lotuswritingcommunications.net Liz Isaacs

Great article Mohammad! Very succinct in your presentation! Tim you couldn’t have selected a better author on the subject!
I am so glad you and Tim have connected. Sent you both friend suggestions on Facebook.

Wishing you both continued success and good fortune!
Liz Isaacs
Lotus Writing & Communications
@lizisaacslwc
http://lotuswritingcommunications.net
http://lotuswritingcommunications.wordpress.com
http://lotuswritingcommunications.net Liz Isaacs

Great article Mohammad! Very succinct in your presentation! Tim you couldn’t have selected a better author on the subject!
I am so glad you and Tim have connected. Sent you both friend suggestions on Facebook.

Wishing you both continued success and good fortune!
Liz Isaacs
Lotus Writing & Communications
@lizisaacslwc
http://lotuswritingcommunications.net
http://lotuswritingcommunications.wordpress.com
http://MohammedAltaee.com Mohammed Al-Taee

@Brain I’m happy I added a new value to you
@Julie I’m learning from you everyday. Thanks for the nice compliment.
@Heather You are truly a great networker and valuable connection.
@Debra Thanks for RT
@Fiona I didn’t get the 2nd part but I believe we are forced to be transparent everywhere else nobody will trust us.

http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith

Mohammed, thanks again for the great article. Clearly you have found something here that people care about! I look forward to more opportunities to connect with you.

http://MohammedAltaee.com Mohammed Al-Taee

@Brain I’m happy I added a new value to you
@Julie I’m learning from you everyday. Thanks for the nice compliment.
@Heather You are truly a great networker and valuable connection.
@Debra Thanks for RT
@Fiona I didn’t get the 2nd part but I believe we are forced to be transparent everywhere else nobody will trust us.

http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith

Mohammed, thanks again for the great article. Clearly you have found something here that people care about! I look forward to more opportunities to connect with you.

Pingback: WalterAkana
Pingback: Dominic Fruges
http://www.ImpalConsulting.com Dom Fruges

Hi Mohammed,

Nice piece and I just did a RT from twitter.

I just started a blog at: http://impalconsulting.com/BizBuzz

Would you be interested in contributing a blog?

Regards – Dom
djf@impalconsulting.com
dfruges@yahoo.com
http://www.ImpalConsulting.com Dom Fruges

Hi Mohammed,

Nice piece and I just did a RT from twitter.

I just started a blog at: http://impalconsulting.com/BizBuzz

Would you be interested in contributing a blog?

Regards – Dom
djf@impalconsulting.com
dfruges@yahoo.com
http://MohammedAltaee.com Mohammed Al-Taee

@Liz I’m happy to connect with you and Tim on the power 3 social media networks.
@Tim Thanks for the great opportunity and hope to interview you on my blog soon.
@Dom Sure, let’s connect and have talk.
http://MohammedAltaee.com Mohammed Al-Taee

@Liz I’m happy to connect with you and Tim on the power 3 social media networks.
@Tim Thanks for the great opportunity and hope to interview you on my blog soon.
@Dom Sure, let’s connect and have talk.
Pingback: Amman Toastmasters
http://queenschmooze.wordpress.com Queen Schmooze – Re-Positionin

Thank you Tim and Mohammed for including me in this blog article. I do my bit to brand my own skills and then re-tweet whenever one of my colleagues (such as you guys) puts something great out there for others to use. I have taken to heart all of these great tips and use them on a daily basis. That is why I sent out the interview with Jason Alba (another friend) whose info can job seekers a leg up on the competition.

If anyone wants to find me, just tweet me @QueenSchmooze. When you want to STAND OUT in the crowd, you call on the Queen to help!
http://queenschmooze.wordpress.com Queen Schmooze – Re-Positioning Strategist

Thank you Tim and Mohammed for including me in this blog article. I do my bit to brand my own skills and then re-tweet whenever one of my colleagues (such as you guys) puts something great out there for others to use. I have taken to heart all of these great tips and use them on a daily basis. That is why I sent out the interview with Jason Alba (another friend) whose info can job seekers a leg up on the competition.

If anyone wants to find me, just tweet me @QueenSchmooze. When you want to STAND OUT in the crowd, you call on the Queen to help!
Pingback: Dorlee Michaeli
Pingback: Mohammed Al-Taee
http://melissacooley.com Melissa

Great ideas, Mohammed! It’s no coincidence that the majority of them focus outwardly on what a person can do for others.

Thank you so much for including me in your network!

Melissa Cooley
@TheJobQuest
http://melissacooley.com Melissa

Great ideas, Mohammed! It’s no coincidence that the majority of them focus outwardly on what a person can do for others.

Thank you so much for including me in your network!

Melissa Cooley
@TheJobQuest
Pingback: Holly Klose
Pingback: Real World 101
Pingback: Cliff Allen
Pingback: Rick Holton
Pingback: Rick Holton
Pingback: Danielle Bullen
http://rusdens.com/2010/05/networking-for-career-success/ Nigel

An important point to remember is that networking is not relying on contacts to whom we are close, hoping that they in turn will know somebody who knows somebody who will want what we have to offer. Nor do we simply try to make as many new contacts as possible in the hope that one in a hundred will pay off.

Instead, we are looking instead for structural holes in networks, areas in which we are clearly qualified to add value. It is highly likely that in order to position ourselves to add value, we will be relying on weak ties – contacts who know us little or even not at all – to make introductions and to convey messages. By definition weak ties offer little in the way of closure, and therefore the messages we send across these links must be Robust and Sticky.

For more detail see http://rusdens.com/2010/05/networking-for-career-success/
http://rusdens.com/2010/05/networking-for-career-success/ Nigel

An important point to remember is that networking is not relying on contacts to whom we are close, hoping that they in turn will know somebody who knows somebody who will want what we have to offer. Nor do we simply try to make as many new contacts as possible in the hope that one in a hundred will pay off.

Instead, we are looking instead for structural holes in networks, areas in which we are clearly qualified to add value. It is highly likely that in order to position ourselves to add value, we will be relying on weak ties – contacts who know us little or even not at all – to make introductions and to convey messages. By definition weak ties offer little in the way of closure, and therefore the messages we send across these links must be Robust and Sticky.

For more detail see http://rusdens.com/2010/05/networking-for-career-success/
http://www.blog.ManagementLeverage.com John Burrows

All very true. The trouble with an online, network, however, is that we don’t tend to develop relationships as deeply as we would in an offline world. For many, collecting Twitter followers or Facebook “friends” is akin to scalp hunting. Once the contact has been made, they are off to find more scalps, rather than taking the time to move the relationship to a deeper level.

It’s not like such behavior isn’t possible in an offline world. In an offline world, networking in this manner takes the form of handing out business cards.

End the end, people want to do business with people they trust. And trusting relationships are easier to develop when I can see your facial expressions, body language, or at least hear your voice. This may be possible online, but it would behoove many of us to use the online world to make contacts, and sprinkle in some offline correspondence with those we feel we genuinely like.

John
http://www.blog.ManagementLeverage.com
http://www.blog.ManagementLeverage.com John Burrows

All very true. The trouble with an online, network, however, is that we don’t tend to develop relationships as deeply as we would in an offline world. For many, collecting Twitter followers or Facebook “friends” is akin to scalp hunting. Once the contact has been made, they are off to find more scalps, rather than taking the time to move the relationship to a deeper level.

It’s not like such behavior isn’t possible in an offline world. In an offline world, networking in this manner takes the form of handing out business cards.

End the end, people want to do business with people they trust. And trusting relationships are easier to develop when I can see your facial expressions, body language, or at least hear your voice. This may be possible online, but it would behoove many of us to use the online world to make contacts, and sprinkle in some offline correspondence with those we feel we genuinely like.

John
http://www.blog.ManagementLeverage.com
Pingback: K Taube
http://www.meshstrategies.com Mischa Danaceau

Thanks for this post, Mohammed. There is a lot of confusion about how to build meaningful social networks online that build brand for business. These are some great points.

http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith

Appreciate all the continuing comments everyone – looks like I’ll need to have Mohammed back as a guest blogger!

http://www.meshstrategies.com Mischa Danaceau

Thanks for this post, Mohammed. There is a lot of confusion about how to build meaningful social networks online that build brand for business. These are some great points.

http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim Tyrell-Smith

Appreciate all the continuing comments everyone – looks like I’ll need to have Mohammed back as a guest blogger!

Pingback: H. Coleman/K. Siegal
Pingback: Mohammed Al-Taee
Pingback: Feedback.com
Pingback: Mohammed Al-Taee
Pingback: Rachel Filer
http://altaeeblog.com Mohammed Al-Taee

Thanks everyone for comments and big thanks to Tim for hosting me.
http://altaeeblog.com Mohammed Al-Taee

Thanks everyone for comments and big thanks to Tim for hosting me.

10 Ways To Build A High Value Network

Order New Business Cards

Become A Business Coach

Refer Tim As A Consultant

Learn About Tim’s New Job Search Strategy Software

Sign Up For The Newsletter

Your Favorite Posts

Buy A Book From Tim

Read A Recent Post

Find A Topic You Like

Watch A Free Webinar By Tim

Find A Resume Pro or Coach

Join Me On Facebook

Know Your Objectives

Search For Job Leads!

Watch Me Speak

Marketing Resources