Whether it’s a large conference or a local event, making new connections is a critical part of the relationship building process. How have you gone about this in the past? Are you walking away from events with the connections you want? Or are you the fly on the wall? Try implementing these tips for your next event:

1. It all starts with planning ahead! Choose the sessions that you want to attend; research speakers and their backgrounds. This will make small talk easy once you’ve made the introduction!
2. Pick your technology! Are you going to be taking photos or video? Charge those batteries. Think about streaming the event with Qik.
3. Find out if your event has a hash tag, use the hash tag to communicate with others via Twitter, Facebook, and other social platforms.
4. Connect with attendees via social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr). Remember this can be done from your mobile device!
5. Help colleagues and friends make new connections by via an introduction when appropriate.
6. Take lots of pictures! These make for great sharing opportunities later. Upload to sites like Flickr and Facebook.
7. Approach your favorite speakers and make the connection…in person. Make sure you get their card!
8. When you have a questions…ask them!
9. After the event, search hash tags, friends and event name to see what’s been said about the event. Comment where appropriate.
10. Share your favorite events highlights on your own website or blog.

With the end of 2008 quickly approaching, I’m reminded it’s time for making New Year’s resolutions.  Each year we have an opportunity to look back and at our lives and see what, if anything, we would do different in the coming year.  I have a hunch that many real estate professionals may be thinking about the changing marketplace; and how to adapt their business accordingly. With that in mind, I thought I’d share 5 “Social” New Year’s resolution suggestions:

1. Include Social Media In Your Marketing Plan
Hopefully each year you take the time to create a marketing plan for your business…in 2009 try adding a social media spin!  Develop new ideas using new mediums…track the results and see what works.  This isn’t going to be the same for everyone, and you should always start with your goals and interests in mind.  Some real estate agents will use social media to monitor their brand, others to connect with past customers.

2. Don’t Use the Hard Sell Online
New users of social media may be overtaken by the frequent access to new contacts.  Even mistaking a new social network friend as a sales lead.  Instead focus on providing value, possibly offering solutions to the problems your audience is facing. But remember it’s important to be the same person you are online that you are offline.  You will be judged by your actions and friends, just like in the offline world.
Read the full story