Management Tip of the Day: Build a Better Online Network

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MARCH 8, 2013 Build a Better Online Network Most managers today understand how to use online tools to build and expand their networks. It's easy to reach out to industry contacts and colleagues through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. But building a useful online network requires focus on three things: reputation, specialization, and network position. Build your reputation by offering interesting content, drawing attention to your web presence, and motivating others to circulate and act on your ideas. Show specialization by demonstrating knowledge, establishing links with other experts, committing to learn from those people, and being willing to offer relevant information and referrals. Position yourself as a bridge between otherwise unconnected groups. This can increase your influence because it gives you a chance to identify potential collaborations or conflicts and to accumulate better information. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Networking. Buy the book for the tools you need to conquer networking anxiety » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT How to Sell More: Tools and Techniques from Harvard Business Review HBR Single Over the last decade, technology has dramatically changed the role of salespeople at companies of all sizes. But one crucial fact remains: Sales is the most vital function of every business. The editors of Harvard Business Review have gathered advice from some of the world's top business professors, consultants, trainers, and sales managers. In these collected essays, you'll learn how to: (1) Effectively recruit, train, manage, and support these key employees, (2) Use smart pricing, promotions, and incentives to make your sales team more successful, (3) Avoid the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when pursuing their first sales, and (4) Master the daily challenges of selling, from planning a sales call to handling a potential customer's toughest questions. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Don't Make a Career Move You'll Regret How to Write Clearly Think Before Adopting the Latest Marketing Fad Encourage Employees to Want to Stay Use Questions to Build Your Case Win Over Your New Boss Master a New Skill Learn To Be Charismatic Write Your First Draft Fast Balance Creative Free Time with Structure All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Boxed Set HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR Guide to Better Business Writing HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)