Communicate Today

A huge part of networking is using social media. We connect with new acquaintances, colleagues, classmates and friends. Social networking is a major part of many jobs, like a public relations professional, executive assistant, event planner, and marketing expert.

But, using social media to network needs to be done correctly. Following certain etiquette guidelines and staying professional online will not only help your personal branding, but can help you get more out of your connections.

Stay Professional

Even when you’re online, stay professional. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun posts on your Facebook wall, but it does mean that you need to remember who can see it. Embarrassing pictures from that last weekend party probably aren’t going to help your professional reputation. On many social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, you can limit your posts to certain groups of people. Consider creating a list of professional contacts who are only allowed to see some of your posts.

Connect  Immediately

When you make a new connection, finish your conversation by saying something about connecting on social media. You could say something like “Are you on LinkedIn? I’ll look for you.” Then, as soon as you are near a computer, connect with the person on social media. This way, your new connection will remember who you are. Also, when you send an invitation to connect online, consider adding a personal message. A quick reminder like “It was nice talking to you about new trends in technology at the alumni dinner” will set you apart from the crowd.

Make Real Connections

The best way to use social media for networking is to only connect with “real” connections. Just because someone is in the same industry as you, or works in the same building, is not necessarily reason enough to connect online. One good rule of thumb is to only connect with those you have met. Face-to-face connections are always better, but an online conversation can also make a connection more real. This way, your profile is much more genuine, and you’ll get more out of your online network.

Social media and networking go hand in hand. In fact, many people use social networking sites to manage their professional connections and assist in their personal branding. With a little caution, and a lot of meeting and greeting, you can make social media work in your favor.

We all do it. We open our mouths to say something and instead end up putting our foot in our mouth. Or, maybe you have inadvertently offended someone and wondered how to handle it. Regardless of the specifics, most of us have found ourselves in a position of apologizing at least once in our lives.

Saying you’re sorry is not exactly the easiest thing to do, and many people feel uncomfortable when they have to have these types of conversations. You are admitting guilt, something no one likes to do, and you probably feel ashamed for hurting someone else. These are understandable feelings, but by taking a few steps, you can be more comfortable during the conversation and give a more sincere apology.

Recognize the Wrong

First, realize what you have done wrong. Maybe it has come to your attention that a comment you made at a party offended the host, or maybe you are thinking back on a meeting at work and realized you may have come across wrong. Whatever it is, realize there is something that needs to be fixed.

Say You’re Sorry

Once you’ve realized an apology is in order, don’t beat around the bush. Get in touch with the person you have offended and tell them you realize you were hurtful and are very sorry. Don’t make any excuses or try to explain away your offense. A simple explanation that you didn’t realize what you said or you didn’t phrase your opinion well, when applicable, is enough.

Fix the Problem

After you apologize, ask if there is anything you can do to fix the problem you caused. You could offer to clear things up with others who you spread a rumor to, or you could offer to help the person with another need they have. Usually there isn’t anything you can do to completely take away the offense, but trying to turn the action around can do more than make a sticky situation better, it can prove to your friend that you truly are sorry.

Never Do it Again

Once you’ve straightened things out with the person you apologized to, never commit the offense again. In fact, after you apologize and ask if there is anything you can do to fix the problem, tell the person that you will never do it again. This shows that you are gracious, realize the harm in what you did, and don’t ever want to repeat the offense.

Apologizing isn’t always the easiest thing to do. However, by following these simple steps, making amends is a little easier, and your apology more sincere.

You’ve worked hard at your current job for over a year, and are ready to ask for a raise. But, how do you do it? The thought of walking into your boss’ office and asking him to raise your salary scares you to death. Rest assured, you can do this, and it won’t be as terrifying as you think it will be.

Be Confident

Confidence helps your professional image. Show your boss you are confident by standing up straight and making eye contact. Speak clearly and with your goal of securing a raise in mind. Don’t be arrogant, but be confident!

Don’t Beat Around the Bush

It’s best to get straight to the point when you ask for a raise. Preface your request with a few statements that tell your boss why you deserve to be paid more, then go directly into your request. When you begin your conversation, your boss will most likely know where it is headed, so no need to take forever getting to the point.

Talk About Results

When you are telling your boss why you deserve a raise, tell them about results you have helped the company achieve. For example, if you are asking for a raise of your project manager salary, tell your boss that the projects you have overseen have helped increase the bottom line. If you work as an accountant, mention the fact that the invoices you send out always go out on time. If you have recently been given more responsibility, this can be mentioned as another reason for a raise.

Be Willing to Compromise

It’s a fact of life that we don’t always get what we want. When you go in to ask for a raise, be prepared to compromise on time or amount. Maybe your boss can secure your raise if you can keep sales where they are for the next month. Or, maybe the company can give you a 10 percent raise, but not a 12 percent raise. If you’re willing to compromise, you’ll not only get more than you already have, but you’ll prove yourself to be a good team player.

Asking for a raise is scary. But, by being confident and communicating clearly, you can show your boss that the results you help bring to the company are worthy of a bigger pay check.