Maximize Social Networking

It’s no newsflash – we live in a world of increasing interconnectivity. Whether you Google yourself and others, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or network on Linked In, your online persona can be a potential paramour or business contact’s first window into who you are.

So how do you make your page work for you? Well, first decide what your goal is for your page and set some boundaries.

IMing for Love
Online dating. Once the equivalent of social suicide if you mentioned that you know your new flame from Match.com, is no longer! Millions now use various services as an easy ice breaker to find anything from a one night stand to a potential life partner.

First things first – what are you trying to accomplish? Do you want a summer fling or your soulmate? Contrary to what you might think, it is okay to be up front with this information. In fact, it could benefit you in the long run by saving you from wasting time getting to know someone who is not on the same page.

Picture this
Now that you have a set goal in mind, think about the type of person you want to attract. If the future mother or father of your children is what you have in mind, it’s probably not advisable to make your main picture a booty shot. Class it up, pick the picture that best shows you – and be honest! You 25 years ago is not you today.

Word up
With your picture in order, it’s time to get to the nitty gritty. The task of articulately writing about yourself may seem daunting, but it can also be fun! Now is your chance to reflect on all of the great things about you – use it as a reminder that you are a fun person capable of finding love! Keep your descriptions brief and positive – try to be optimistic about the future as opposed to listing all the times you’ve been burned in the past. Don’t stick to generic dating lines like “I enjoy long walks on the beach and romantic dinners,” make it your own and bring up specific things that you would want to share with a potential paramour. If you are nuts about cooking, hiking in the Alps, ballroom dancing – what have you – include it! The more specific you are, the more likely you are to find a good fit.

Caution
With your profile ready to go, it’s now time to sit back and watch it work for you. If you don’t get any encouraging bites, try refining things. The goal is to take an honest look at yourself and what you want and effectively communicate it to others hoping to find the same. If you do meet someone interesting, use the virtual barrier as an opportunity to really get to know them. Ask them questions that are important to you and judge them on their responses – remember you’ve never met them so don’t automatically assume they are good for their word. Be conscientious and careful. Do not give out personal information and any meetings should be done in a public place.

Most importantly, relax and have fun! If you’ve had trouble connecting with people in the past, this could be an exciting way to meet new friends. In 2007 it was estimated that upwards of 20 million people visited an online dating website at least once a month, and there are more than 120,000 marriages as a result of online dating per year. Go get ’em!