Last week was the perfect example of how Social Media, and particularly LinkedIn, can be a great first point of contact in the Networking Process.

Let me tell you my lovely and totally true story. A few weeks ago, I began the process of customizing my talk for the ERC (Employee Relocation Conference) on Enhancing Career Relationships. This led me to a random search on LinkedIn for attendees of the Chicago event. The first person I came across was Michelle Sandlin, a relocation expert from Houston Texas.

I sent her a LinkedIn invite with a note letting her know that I was speaking at the conference, and asking her permission to do an informational interview to better understand the industry. She was charming, and a week before the conference we had a great conversation about this very specific industry.

I arrived in Chicago late on Wednesday, the night before the conference. To my utter amazement and surprise the Hyatt Regency had upgraded me to the Presidents palatial suite. It was too fabulous not to share, and the only person I knew at the conference, or at least knew virtually was Michelle. So, I called her and reintroduced myself, and much to her surprise insisted she come and see my extraordinary suite. Michelle was charming, friendly and warm, and once she saw my remarkable accommodations, she invited a few of her friends to join us.

Anyway, what transpired was a warm, convivial evening and the introduction to many new friends and potential business associates.

Why I am sharing this story with you, is to remind us all of the power of social media in making the initial contact. Had I not gone onto LinkedIn I would never have known Michelle would be at the conference, and chances are we would never have met. The point also, is once you have made contact ONLINE, that is no guarantee of a meaningful relationship. It was meeting IN PERSON, that has made the real difference, and solidified what I believe will be a lifelong COLLABORATION.

To read Michelle’s side of the story, please click here.

Just another way we can expand our networks, and transform initial connections into real collaboration.

Hey every – today if you go to www.cnn.com/goinggreen you’ll find the interview I did with Laura Turner Seydel of the Eco Manor in Atlanta. As you know Laura is the daughter of CNN founder Ted Turner and as she explains, the green movement has been a life long way of life for the Turners.

www.cnn.com/goinggreen

Nadia met up with Author/Actress Mariel Hemingway at the Eco Manor in Atlanta Georgia. Mariel gives some great advice on taking small steps towards and cleaner, greener life. The Eco Manor, if you didn’t know, is owned by the daughter of CNN founder Ted Turner. That interview is up next so stay tuned.

just copy paste this link into your browser bar:

http://tiny.cc/qNUMV

Nadia and Dan Greenfield met up to discuss some examples of youtube videos from major company leaders. Even they might want to be a little more mindful of how widespread a video can become when posted on Youtube. The traditional rules of Public Relations experts (Dan Greenfield) still apply in the age of new media and Nadia is here to help with how to keep yourself confident and able to deliver your intended message.
Take a look. It’s a message you’ll want to keep with you.

Linked in. It’s great for showing off all of those recomendations that people so generously give out. It’s also great for keeping the discussions going in between networking events. You get 9 questions per month under the free account at set-up so use them. Ask away. And go into the discussions area and read away. Help others by commenting. It’s absolutely a wonderful tool.

And see these kind words from Deborah Jensen, a participant at a recent seminar I gave. I’m so glad she found my message so useful. Stay in touch everyone, I love hearing your feedback. The Site: www.nadiaspeaks.com ; Twitter: @nadiabilchik

Here it is copy pasted direct from my Linked In account -

LinkedIn Recommendations

Deborah Jensen has endorsed your work as President at Greater Impact Communication.

Dear Nadia,
I’ve written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation: “After seeing Nadia’s presentation to the Women’s GA Tech Alumni Assn., I was so impressed that I purchased her book and DVD, then signed up for her Professional Presence seminar. Not only was the seminar hands on and informative, it also was handled in a very non-threatening manner that encouraged even the shy amongst us to shine. Nadia builds confidence while teaching, and I have used this new knowledge to great effect. Definitely a 10!!!”
Service Category: Business Consultant
Year first hired: 2009
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Dan Greenfield heads up Bernaise Source Media (www.bernaisesource.com)
Check out www.nadiaspeaks.com and www.bernaisesource.com to see how you can be a part of the June 19, 2009 seminar.
Nadia and Dan will be teaming up to give valuable insight into the world of new media and traditional. With Nadia’s years of experience in international television news and Dan’s years of media and PR background you’re going to get some real insights into how you can light a fire and kick start your life and career.

If you really want some great tips on networking and what employers are looking for you’ll find it with Peter Rosen. Peter is the President of HR Strategies and Solutions.
There are some great tips in here.

Jan Rattia is the Manager of Corporate Learning at Atlanta’s Emory University. He’s happily employed yet still attends networking events. But why?
He says it’s because we MUST stay current; and he’s right!
Your career is always evolving and networking should be something that you enjoy. If you are genuinely interested in what’s going on out there you’ll do wonderfully. Always remember to be yourself. “It’s what you’re best at” as Jan tells us.
Along with your real life networking, it’s nice to mix in the virtual social networking aspect like blogging, micro blogging and sites such as Linked In.

Lauren Gilray flew down to Atlanta from New York to attend Friday’s Greater Impact event. It was a great time, so many great people in attendance. We thought we’d let you listen in on the conversation.

Media Training in the YouTube Age Tip 1:
Ask Yourself, Who is my audience, what do I want them thinking, feeling and doing as a result of this communication

Media Training in YouTube Age Tip 2:
Hook your audience, by asking a compelling question, something that provokes thought and personalizes your message.

Media Training in YouTube Age Tip 3:
If you are talking directly to your audience, make calm, direct eye contact with the camera, dont let your eyes flicker, left, right up or down.

Media Training in YouTube Age Tip 4:
Have vocal energy, humming is a great way of placing your voice forward and sounding resonant and relaxed.

Media Training in YouTube Age Tip 5:
Look like your are enjoying yourself, a sense of ease and comfort translates well on camera. Check out my relaxation and voice exs on YouTube.

Nadia sat down with Dan Greenfield of Bernaise Source Media to discuss YouTube and the ins and outs of creating videos for your brand