What better way to establish yourself as a true professional than by surrounding yourself with recognized or trusted professionals in your field? One of the key elements to social media is growing and maintaining a valuable list of connections. While it is impressive to have a large database of connections, the quality of the connection is also massively important. Ask yourself the following questions as you reexamine your professional connections on social media.

 

1. Do you know them personally? Have you met this person before? Are you actually linked to them personally or is your connection solely online-based? If you have conversed with this person and engaged in conversation, most likely this is a good contact to have. However, reconsider the random connections you made with people you don’t actually know.

 

2. How can they help you grow? Does this person hold an established or legitimate position in your field? Ensuring your connections are true professionals with integrity and similar backgrounds is important. Connections are all about growing your business or your career.

 

While cleaning up your professional connections on social is important, it’s just as important to continue to grow the list. Here’s how:

 

1. Conferences – Did you meet someone at a conference? Reach out to them on social media to continue your conversation and further your reach in your industry.

 

2. Clients – Connect with them! These introductions are important to your professional business. Especially for businesses based on referrals, establishing yourself as a resourceful professional on social media is a must.

 

3. College Affiliates – Think that math whiz next to you is not a valuable connection? Think again. Many people first turn to alumni associations or fellow alum connections when it comes to finding resources for any number of services they need in life. Be that connection!

 

4. Join Groups – Joining groups on social media allows you to connect with an entirely new realm of professionals you may not have otherwise come in contact with. Whether geographic or industry limitations, groups allow you to converse with a new set of professionals. Once you get a rapport going with someone, connect with him or her directly.