Time-saving networking habits

Do you check your Facebook at least once – or several times – a day?

How about Twitter?

It’s likely you’ve said “yes” to both.

OK.

Do you peruse LinkedIn frequently? And, do you read the LinkedIn updates that are emailed to you, letting you know if one of your connections has a new job and is now working for a competitor – or ally – of yours?

If you said “no” to both, then you’re missing out on one of the most effective – and time-saving – networking habits. While it’s more fun to Facebook, you may find that tending to your other social media networking connections will give you serendipitous discoveries that can help your career.

Here are three other quick and easy networking habits to start right now:

1)      Make sure you have business cards stashed everywhere – you never know when you might need them.

2)      Create a networking chart, so you can keep track of whom you met at what time/place … and whether you’ve followed up.

3)      Organize the pile of business cards you’ve collected. Save the ones you want to talk to, file or pitch the rest.

- Bob Musinski