Management Tip of the Day: Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas

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 MAY 1, 2013 Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Most managers today understand the importance of reaching out to colleagues through LinkedIn, following and being followed on Twitter, and actively participating in corporate social media initiatives — but fewer know how to effectively use these networks. One way is to gather information by testing proposals and strategies, inside and outside your organization. Float an idea and see how many "likes" or retweets it gets. Or direct certain groups of people to an online survey. The feedback might help you persuade a reluctant boss or client to come around to your point of view. 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 HBR Guide to Networking HBR Press HATE THE IDEA OF SCHMOOZING AND GLAD-HANDING TO SUCCEED? Most of us feel that way. But you don't have to be slick and indiscriminate to create and sustain a strong network. In fact, you're much better off being yourself and connecting selectively — that's how you'll build relationships with real value. The HBR Guide to Networking will give you the tools and confidence you need to get your ideas off the ground, draw on others' expertise, scope out business opportunities, and land coveted roles. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview Walk at Your Next Meeting 3 Elements of Great Communication Before Your Next Salary Negotiation, Do Your Homework Don't Bore Your Audience with Your Writing Give Up Email Altogether Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting Find Out How Skilled a Job Candidate Really Is Aim for Smart Failure All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials 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)