The world is getting smaller with all these advancements in technology. Getting in touch with people on the other side of the planet is just a click away with emails and instant messaging. Social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter particularly bring people together – closer to those they already know, re-connecting with people they haven’t been in touch with in quite a while, or making new friends among strangers. These social networks can be great venues for introverts to meet people and interact without getting cold feet. If you’re the shy type, here are three quick (an uncomplicated) ways you can connect through social networking.

• Create a profile that highlights your interests. Whether you are a geek or a mystery online gamer, meeting people with the same interests as yours is quite easy. Post photos of your favorite books, collections, or snapshots of your game to get instant hits. If you have a penchant for writing, create a blog that features your writing and link it to your homepage. You don’t need to upload a picture if you’re uncomfortable with the idea. Just post something appealing or intriguing. Your profile is the first thing that people read so be creative and make it interesting enough to capture somebody’s attention.

• Maximize the site’s chat capabilities. Social networks have proprietary chat programs. Stay connected to people on your list by dropping them a simple good morning (or whatever time of day it is) message when they are online. Be available for chats whenever you’re online. Don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation; similar interests are good starting points. This is just chat so don’t try too hard to project a vivacious personality. Small talk can easily build up to animated conversations over time. Once you get comfortable talking to other people, you can venture further – maybe even ask for their number or arrange for possible IRL meetings someday.

• Respond to message boards. This is also another great way to open communication lines with other people you do not personally know. Message boards can be on any topic; you can simply choose one that fits your interest. Leave comments and suggestions. Start a debate, but keep it clean and respectful. Keep in mind that you are trying to build friendships; you don’t want to create enemies.

Social networking can be a great venue for overcoming shyness and social anxiety problems. The sense of “safeness” social networking provides introduces opportunities to hone social skills without being hounded by the fear of inadequacy. Social networking can make it easier for a shy or introverted person to develop an active social life in a controlled environment that is relatively stress-free and worry-free.

It’s alright to step out of your cocoon. Go ahead and spread your wings.

Tags: Personal Branding, professional, Social Networks

This entry was posted on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 am and is filed under Free Advice, Social Networking & Jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.