MY FIRST FACEBOOK BIRTHDAY

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I never realized the consequences of including my birthday when I filled out my profile on Facebook.

 I celebrated a birthday this past week and without a doubt it was the best birthday I’ve ever had.  It was great for a number of reasons but one of those reasons was definitely Facebook.

 The day before my birthday I started getting Facebook postings with messages like, “Tomorrow is your birthday, I hope you have a great day,”  “David, I know tomorrow is your birthday, be sure and eat lots of cake.”

 But I was never prepared for the plethora (I’ve always wanted to use that word) of wall postings I received on the big day.  They started early, came all day long and into the night…and even continued the next day.

You may be saying, what’s the big deal?  But it was a big deal because each of these friends and relatives has a special meaning to me.  I heard from an old high school friend, a college buddy, nieces and nephews, my daughter-in-laws Mom, coworkers, clients, prospects, people I serve on boards with; my wife’s friends, and many people who I would have lost contact if it wasn’t for Facebook. 

 Each one reminded me of what a rich life I am living.

 I’m reminded about an activity we played with our employees a number of years ago.  At our employee meetings each month we would select one individual.  Then everyone in the room was required to write something nice about that person on a slip of paper.  The individual would read out all the positive comments about themselves and it made them feel great.

 That’s exactly how I felt receiving so many positive comments and well wishes.  Thank you everyone.  My relationships are much closer with you because of social media.

This is David Sher, your eNetworking guy, saying it’s not what you know, but whoo you know.

LINKEDIN, IT’S WHO YOU KNOW & WHO THEY KNOW

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 She asked me to join her network on LinkedIn.  However, I didn’t know who she was.  I reviewed her LinkedIn profile and saw we knew a lot of the same people.  She did healthcare sales and I thought maybe she wanted to connect with me to sell me something.  But I figured, what do I have to lose?  If she becomes a bother, I can always remove her from my network.  You see on LinkedIn or Facebook, if you drop someone from your network, no e-mail is sent saying David doesn’t like you.  Most people probably don’t remember who they are connected with, so there is very little downside.

 Well in any event, a couple of months later, I was trying to figure out how AmSher could sell our collection services to a major hospital chain headquartered in Nashville.  Through a search on LinkedIn, I found the name of the decision maker and noted that he was a second level connection—which is good news…because that means that I have a first level connection connected to him.  Do you want to guess who that first line connection was?   Yes, that’s right…it was the healthcare sales lady who I almost didn’t accept.

 Now my next step is to invite her to lunch to see if we can find some way we can help one another.  And…I almost missed out.

 See the lesson is it’s not just who you know…it’s also who your friends know.  When you turn down a LinkedIn invitation, you are also not connecting with all their friends. 

 You may be thinking, this doesn’t seem right; you may be taking advantage of your 1^st line connection?  Do you really think so?    Please remember, she invited me into her network.  She invited me for the express purpose of building her connections and could very easily need my help now or in the future.  That is what social media is all about.  That is what makes social media so powerful.

 This is David Sher, your e-Networking guy saying it’s not what you know, but who you know…and who they know.

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HOW TO BE A SUPER STAR NETWORKER

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I was going up the escalator and there he was…shaking hands left & right.  People were coming up in droves…so fast he could hardly keep up.

 I’m talking about Hatton Smith, the President of Royal Cup Coffee—a very successful company headquartered here in Birmingham.  I usually don’t mention names in my podcast, but Hatton is such a super star networker…that he deserves the mention.

 We belong to the third largest Rotary Club in the world.  We have close to 600 members and Hatton is our new president.  The first day of his presidency, he stood at the top of the escalator on the third floor of the Harbert Center and shook hands with every single member & guest as they entered the building.

 But he also did it on the 2^nd week.  I know, because I had to discuss something with him & I stopped to talk.  But this was impossible…I had to turn around and start shaking hands with everyone.  The pressure was immense.  I couldn’t think of names fast enough and couldn’t keep it up.  I quickly turned and fled into the dining area.

 Hatton is just that kind of guy.  I’ve known him since he was a young boy…he was close friends with Martin, my younger brother.  Hatton should have been a politician.  He was regularly elected president of his class.

 And if you need a favor, Hatton is your man.  When I first started doing LinkedIn training, I called up Hatton and without hesitation; he agreed to be one of my first students.  He didn’t know a thing about social media, but he wasn’t going to turn down a friend.

 It’s no wonder Hatton runs a successful company.  He’s not shy.  He’s energetic, enthusiastic and he loves people.  Everyone likes, & trusts Hatton.

 Just try standing at an entrance of a building with scores of people passing by.   Try shaking hands, calling people by name, and making comments with them—and you’ll understand Hatton’s great  talent.  This is David Sher, your e-networking guy saying it’s not what you know, but whOO you know.

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LINKEDIN, FACEBOOK, & TWITTER FOR FIRST OF MIND AWARENESS

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I walked into the crowded room at the Birmingham Business Journal breakfast and heard, “Hi David.”  “Hello, David.”  How you doing, David?” I was a little bit overwhelmed.  I’ve been a good networker through the years, and I’ve worked really hard at social media, but I never expected anything like this.

 And you may be asking, how I know it is social media that has turned up the volume.  Actually, it’s pretty obvious.   One person came up to me and said.  “Wow, you’re really active on LinkedIn.  Then the guy standing next to him said…LinkedIn?  You should see what he does on Facebook. 

 It’s quite embarrassing for me to share this story with you because it makes me sound boastful.  But one of the primary business goals of these social media platforms is to increase your visibility.

 No one has an interest in your product or service until he or she has a particular need.  Maybe their customers are paying on time, but then one day a large balance client doesn’t pay.  Well, who do you want them to call?  When they ask themselves that question, I want them to think of David Sher & AmSher.

 Or if someone is trying to build his or her business & decides they want some LinkedIn training or help in developing a social media strategy, I want them to think of me.

 I know this works.  The day after the BBJ breakfast, I received an e-mail that said, “We have a client who owes us about $27,000.  I’m good friends with an attorney, but I wanted to check with you before retaining him.”  I never would have received this inquiry without LinkedIn.  How do I know?  It came from a fellow who I’ve met once or twice who I invited into my LinkedIn network.  His e-mail came through LinkedIn.  He wouldn’t have thought of me nor had my contact information without LinkedIn.

 My advice is if you want to increase your visibility and first of mind awareness—develop a social media strategy.  This is David Sher, your e-networking guy, saying it’s not what you know, but whOO you know.

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