Tweet Up Power!

Through all the late night twittering, Facebooking, countless emails, and IMs we use in the job place and socially today, it is easy to forget about the power of face-to-face interaction. I recently attended a tweet up held at the Blatz Liquor Store in downtown Milwaukee and saw the power of social networking. I watched as photographers, entrepeneurs, business people, accountants, recruiters, and interior decorators seamlessly networked. The vast array of skill, talent, creativity, enthusiasm, and optimisim in the room was overwhelming.

As I stood off to the side and watched these different people enteract I realized that Twitter and Social media is merely a vehicle for communication. It has enabled people to reach out and communicate with everyone and share what they are doing. I feel that social media has empowered people to be more at ease and comfortable speaking with others and just being themselves. It has also encouraged more peope to step outside of their comfort zone and meet someone they might not normally speak with. Some see this as a business opportunity, others as a fun way to meet new people, and others do it simply because it is popular. Whatever your reason may be it requires an open mind and a willingness to put out your ideas. All of these things are great, but in the end they must be backed by verbal, face-to-face communication skills. Preferable in more than a 140 characters!

I spoke with many people that night and I marveled at the eagerness to interact with others, just as on a social network. The ease with which people shared ideas, thoughts, and opinions; just as if they were online. While I am a newcomer to the social media scene and also to business networking, I immediately see the priceless value of being able to connect your online and personal presence. Your personal brand must be uniform through all mediums, just like an effective business plan.

After the last tweet up I attended on my own I have a new found zeal for networking. The benefits of meeting new people and being able to reinforce your personal brand is critical in today's workforce. The ability to reinforce your well rounded skills and also your personality in an open setting speaks louder than 140 characters ever will. I look forward to attending my next tweet up and all the new people I will meet!

Here are some tips for Tweet Up or Social Networking Newcomers

1. Do not be afraid. Everyone is there to interact so don't feel awkward approaching strangers.
2. Introduce yourself to everyone in the group that you are speaking with.
3. Speak up, if you have an opinion or thought then say it, don't expect someone to ask you what you think.
4. Going along with #3 is be proactive, walk around and approach new groups. Go to others don't wait for them to come to you.
5. Stand close. When talking with others stand close and listen in to what everyone is saying.
6. Meet the hosts and thank them for inviting you.
7. ALWAYS ALWAYS carry your business cards and hand them out!! (Thanks sis)