Do You Have a Social Network Community?
There is more option for social networking today than ever before. Now there really is no excuse for not doing it one way or another.
Today you can social network online through any number of community social bookmarking communities. These social bookmarking sites can be a hazard as well as a help. It just depends on your level of discipline as much as anything. If you are in business for yourself you will soon realise that you can spend waay too much time answering inane emails that do absolutely nothing to move your business forward.
In fact, I think the social book marking sites should be banned from corporate and Govt. employee computers simply because they are a great distraction to anyone working on a computer doing data entry, for example. But hey, that’s just me being a ‘hard boss’ and a slave driver. I’m one of those miserable tax-payers who think anyone I’m paying should be at least working as hard as I do!
However, that’s another kettle of fish. Or is it? Is it polite to answer and send personal emails on the Boss’s time? They may be socially networking but is it for the good of the firm they are working for or is it a personal social interaction?
If you are working for somebody and you have your own social community network that could be of assistance to the people who pay you, then use it by all means. This is benefiting your Boss. But if what you are doing on the internet through a social bookmarking network is not of benefit to those people who are paying you by the hour then ask your contacts to only chat with you when you are at home and on your own time.
As the “Boss” of, or in, your business it is essential that you do have your own social network group online and in the real world. This is one of the best ways to get both referrals and the best deal from other businesses in your local community. Most local businesses have an “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” approach and everyone benefits. This doesn’t mean you need to sit online or email them everyday because if you waste their time they won’t feel very kindly disposed towards you. Everyone is busy and as the saying is oft repeated “Time is money”.
If you are a person who prefers to do business face-to-face, then be courteous, polite, friendly, well-mannered, firm and state what it is you are needing without having to waste any one’s time. In saying that, remember that there is a huge difference between being prompt in asking your question or whether it comes out brusquely. There is a world of difference in how you ask. And in the answer you’ll probably get! So, if you are doing business in person and you’ve just called into their office or shop unannounced, then be friendly, get what you need, and be sure to do what you say you will, and leave. Then everyone will have a nice day.