Utilising social networks to benefit your ideas or business can be tough. Fortunately, there are more options out there than we tend to exercise. We decided to take a look at the reasons why our current social platforms just don’t cut it anymore, and what we can do to combat the war zone of tweets, stumbles and pins — to come out on top.
1. So you don’t get lost in the mix
Existing social platforms are excellent for tapping into a hugely flooded network of people. Today, you can reach almost anyone on one of the main portals. The disadvantage is that the value of your information decreases because you are among a sea of people who gather attention — not by communicating quality substance, but simply by remaining active. Forget proposing an innovative idea for collaborating on green energy, Sally Jergen just posted an insanely cute picture of her new puppy. She has 200 more “likes” than you do.
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2. So you can find people
Connecting with your childhood neighbour, that attractive acquaintance from middle school, the co-worker of your mother who just got her first social media account, or even your best friend doesn’t help you make viable business connections unless you are concerned with the same issues. Specialised professional networks, especially those in which you are posting substantial content, allow you to connect with people in a meaningful (and potentially lucrative) way.
3. So you have a professional space to say what you want about your business
The content you post on larger, established platforms may indeed be important to you, the problem is it means nothing to the majority of people taking up space within your abundantly large network. Find a platform that is social by nature but encourages you to write in a way that fosters business-to-business interaction. Even if your business is just you, having a space that is not cluttered can make all the (cough, money making) difference. What better way to create a personal or brand identity than writing the content yourself for people who will actually care.
4. So content and relevance can determine your connections
When content becomes key, you eliminate connections based on social convenience, obligation and proximity. You have the ability to filter others’ self-inflation at your own discretion because you are connected with people who are relevant to your professional life. Without limiting yourself to a particular industry (as say, with a blog), you can specify and expand your network at the same time. Think of it like a university. On a specified platform of professionals who produce goal-oriented content (the university), you have access to the student body (users), but can easily connect to those in your major (potential partners). In a mutually beneficial environment, you refine your network and connect with people of like (or beneficial) interests.
5. So that you can actually collaborate
When people are interested in the ideas of another, magic can happen. In the business world, it is hard to collaborate with potential business partners of any sort through the clutter that overtakes the main, social media portals. Why would someone care to read about the achievements of your marketing firm, when (gasp!) Heidi and Seal just broke up. While we may be able to reach clients, there is still a dire need to find visibility among and between businesses. Specialized networks are fast, efficient and beneficial for establishing real relationships that produce more than just a ‘thumbs up.’ Just see what you can achieve when you enter a space where you are not distracted by pictures from your freshman-year biology lab partner’s engagement.
Stay connected to any site of value to you and your business. But also, don’t be afraid to keep an open mind and set yourself free.
