I’m BIG into social networking — I mean, I have made 15,136 (and counting) tweets, have my social networks prominently displayed on my blog homepage and have all my networks listed in my email signatures, both personally and professionally.
But I want to offer up some guidelines for how to approach me and others in real life and online. We’ll call it the “New Rules of Networking.”
(This sort of applies to my job, too — as Executive Producer of a national TV show, I get pitched stories constantly. I can’t stand when people don’t personalize their pitches, especially over email. If you don’t read the Bad Pitch Blog, start today.)
1. Make sure that you go over your social networking profile pages carefully, and put as much identifying information as you can. Check out my Twitter background:
Notice that I’ve included my name, my picture (very important!), my website and my personal email address on the left side, and my professional information on the right side. Now, unfortunately those images are not links (come ON, Twitter!) but I think it’s clear that I’m on all of those networks.
**Sidenote: I try and use Katy Widrick or kwidrick as my display names on these networks, so I’m easy to find**
The picture is CRUCIAL — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed out on meeting people at big events because I had no idea what they looked like, and only knew their display name. Sniff.
2. Be sure that your bio — on Twitter, Facebook, etc. — is complete and has as much information as you’re comfortable sharing. I don’t follow everyone back that follows me on Twitter. But I do consider following everyone. That means I take a look at your recent tweets, your bio and maybe click your link. I pretty much make a snap decision, and I think in this case, you can judge a Twitter book by its cover.
3. Watch out for the “last status” or “most recent tweet” trap door. I’m not saying to be too calculated about what you post. But remember that most people will consider your profile based on your recent activity. So, if you want me to confirm/ignore your request, and your most recent post is from 3 weeks ago, or has some inane comment, just know that I’ll be taking that into consideration.
4. If you’re asking to be my friend on Facebook, in particular, understand that I’m a bit pickier. On Twitter, I assume that everyone from President Obama to my grandmother will see what I’m posting. On Facebook, there are privacy settings. So I URGE you to use the “private message” feature when requesting me. For example, here’s a request I made this afternoon:
See how I added the message, letting her know that we’re connected elsewhere?
If we have met in person, at an event, or talked on the phone — PLEASE use this space to let me know when requesting me! Otherwise, I only have a limited amount of information to use when deciding to confirm or ignore.
Another tip? I use Friend Lists to sort, so if you tell me you’re a fellow blogger, or into public media or something else, I can give you the right category and you’re more likely to get my updates:
5. If you’re trying to meet me at an event or a conference, or you just want to help me put a face with a Twitter name…consider changing your avatar for the day, so you’re wearing EXACTLY what you’re wearing in person…if you don’t want to do that, consider posting a picture on Twitter (or Facebook or any other network) so that I can pick you out of the crowd. I really love seeing people in person, and sometimes all of our cute Twitter names blend together. So if I see that in your avatar, you have blond hair in a ponytail and a pink shirt, I’ll be able to find you quickly.
This, by the way, helped me connect with some big names at two recent social media conferences — Social Fresh and Social Media Club Orlando — as well as the Fitbloggin’ conference.
So, now that you know the rules — come find me on Facebook and Twitter!
And share your rules for standing out in a crowd…leave me a comment. 
About Katy
I love this! My facebook has basically become a group of people that I don’t know because there are bloggers I’ve never met on there. This makes me think of my own “qualifications” when accepting/following someone.
Katy I love that you used my Facebook profile and I haven’t yet changed it from my swimming cap picture. I can’t stop giggling. Off to change that right now
BTW Updating my twitter stuff is on my Blog to-do list this week while on vacation. We are just being bums this week and it is a perfect time
What great tips – thanks so much for posting these! I already updated my Twitter bio thanks to your tips (still needs more work, tho)… cool stuff!
Great tips! I’m keep thinking that I’m pretty new to social networking, but then I realize we’re ALL relatively new to it. Someone needed to set down some ground rules, and you’ve done a fabulous job. I would only add that promptness is key in terms of engaging followers and friends — when someone comments or sends a private message, responding quickly really pays off if you’re trying to build an online community for your brand (whatever it may be). This means you have to log in to check your accounts regularly, and set aside time to write thoughtful responses. If you make people feel important and valued, they will come back time and again.
I love the suggestion of changing your avatar to what you’re wearing the day of a conference (or at least posting a photo of yourself on that day).
I was wondering if you suggest posting a photo on my twitter background if I am posting as a biz and charity. I’d love your thoughts if you have a moment…
Thanks, Dawn (@BlueDelivered)
Hey Dawn!
Great question — since I represent a brand myself (the company that I work for), I often struggle with whether I want to be recognized as myself or my business.
If you’re using a separate account for work, and you only use it to share business-related stuff, I would use a recognizable logo. But if you divide it between business and personal (which it looks like you do), I’d stick with your own picture. Since you are saying — I’m me, and part of me is my brand — it’s OK to put a real face on it.
Did that make sense?
That totally makes sense Katy. Thanks so much for the input!! :0)
This is great information Katy! I’m looking forward to keeping up with your site from now on;)
GREAT tips for those of us working hard to network ourselves. I’m just getting into twitter and trying to learn! It’s a must!
Great tips Katy!! Quick question – if you assign people to groups on Facebook, are they visible to the people in them (like Twitter lists are)?
Thanks!
Angela,
According to Facebook — no:
When you send a message to a Friend List, the message will show all the recipients’ names, but the title of your Friend List will never be visible to other members of Facebook.
So if you want to put people in a list that is “People I Hate” or “Why Did They Friend Request Me?” you CAN and they won’t be able to tell.
But a word of warning — I wouldn’t name your lists anything too horrifying. You could always forget to log out and someone could see, or accidentally show it in a screengrab…or any other number of potentially embarrassing moments.
I keep my lists pretty generic.
In Real Life Friends
Work
Bloggers
Big Thinkers
etc.
Hope that helps!
These are some really helpful tips Katy!