Chapter 1: The Importance of Networking

Networking is essential both in-person and online for building valuable connections.

“The worst of all listeners is the man who does nothing but listens.”

— Charles Dickens

Section 1.1: In-Person Networking

Prior to the pandemic, my networking primarily occurred through my workplace. I was part of a cohesive team within a larger group, fostering a network of collaboration.

Various social events outside the office, such as team lunches, retirement celebrations, and conferences, enhanced my networking experience. I particularly enjoyed these gatherings, as they provided opportunities to meet new people and expand my professional circle.

Section 1.2: Online Networking

With the rise of remote work, I have shifted my networking efforts to social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook.

On LinkedIn, I connect with professionals I’ve met through various roles, while Facebook allows me to stay connected with friends and colleagues. This has resulted in a robust network of valuable contacts, most of whom I have met in person.

Section 1.3: Value of Different Networks

Not all social networks hold the same value. The effectiveness of a network can depend on its Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Networks that enable content discovery through searches offer better opportunities for audience engagement.

Moreover, platforms where your target audience is most active are indispensable to your strategy, as highlighted in the article “Social Media and SEO: 5 Essential Steps to Success.” Additionally, certain networks may yield more leads and conversations than others, impacting their overall value.

Chapter 2: Measuring Online Conversations

Section 2.1: Understanding Conversations

Conversations in the online realm are defined by what individuals are expressing. To assess these interactions, we can utilize various Web Analytics tools that also measure website traffic.

For instance, Tweriod provides insights into your Twitter activity, highlighting your most active days. Additionally, the “Meta (formerly Facebook) Business Suite Insights” tool offers valuable data about page reach, visitor demographics, and audience locations.

Other popular web analytics tools for tracking website traffic include Google Analytics, Adobe Marketing Cloud, and Woopra. The article “10 Ways to Measure Social Media Engagement” outlines alternative, less formal methods for measuring online interactions, such as Likes, Shares, and Follower counts.

Section 2.2: My Content Strategy

Currently, I maintain a profile on Medium and manage a blog at www.DemystifyingCOBOL.com, where I share original content related to COBOL across various topics: general, historical, opinion, software, and women in technology. Additionally, I run a general blog at www.DMAEJsolutions.com and plan to continue expanding my content on Medium and these blogs.

Section 2.3: Content Distribution

I intend to publish original posts on Medium and my blogs, subsequently sharing them across multiple social media platforms. My primary focus will be on Facebook groups and pages, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Section 2.4: Publishing and Success Measurement

Below is my proposed content publishing schedule, outlining how I will gauge my success:

• Priority 1: Aim to post on Medium every two days, with effectiveness measured through views and reads.
• Priority 2: Repost Medium content on my blogs as necessary, while sharing updates on other platforms. Success will be measured by the increase in traffic to my blogs.
• Priority 3: Share blog links on various platforms and post relevant software links and quotes as needed. Success will be evaluated based on traffic and follower growth.

Summary of Conversation

In summary, initiating conversations—both in-person and online—is vital for cultivating valuable networks. The effectiveness of different networks varies based on audience engagement. Numerous tools are available for measuring online conversations. My current strategy revolves around creating blog posts and disseminating them through social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I also aim to enhance my blogs by incorporating relevant software links and quotes.

What types of conversations do you engage in within your networks? Have you developed your own publishing calendar? If you have additional methods for measuring conversations, feel free to share your insights in the comments. Enjoy the art of communication!

Chapter 3: Boosting Engagement through Video

Incorporating multimedia elements such as videos can greatly enhance engagement in social media conversations.

The first video, Conversation Starters That Boost Social Media Engagement, offers insights into initiating engaging discussions online.

The second video, Improve Your English - Social Media Conversation | 20 mins, provides valuable tips on improving conversational skills in the context of social media.