@SocialSprites Networking Tips of the Week ~ 28.05.12

It’s not what you know it’s who you know. At least that’s how the old saying goes, but is it true?

“A recent Social Market Foundation report, Disconnected, found that the biggest barrier for young adults from low-income backgrounds in accessing internships in the professions was not lack of pay, but lack of contacts in the sector they wanted to work in. Indeed, Professor Ronald Burt’s work reveals that those who sit between many different social networks tend to be the most successful.”

~ From Talesfromthelou’s Blog

As we can see from this, at least in some cases, it is who you know that matters. And some say in the social media world it’s not just who you know, but who knows you.

How do you get known? For starters, get to know others. Join groups like New World Creative Union, set up profiles on at least a couple of online social networks, know your focus and create content to share based on that, find like-minded people and talk to them, and be sure to share their work.

Many of you here live this so this is just a reminder. For anyone new I can tell you it works. Just ask anyone here.

Once you have a network, you and your work will get known by a wider audience. This is because those in your network will share your work with their networks both personal and professional. Those they share with may not be creators; they may be appreciators and even buyers.

If you are an old pro, but find that you’re floundering lately go back to the basics and refocus. What do you want to be known for? Keep it simple and focus on one thing for a while. Build your clout/Klout in that realm.

Now you’re ready to take the world by storm!