Social Networking vs Professional Networking

This weekend I've tried to rethink some habits on networking.  I consider text messaging to be a form of networking.  I have the habit of text messaging people that have their mobile numbers listed on their business cards.  I guess you can say its in replacement of sending an email.  After such events like CES I've sent messages thanking people for taking the time to chat with me, or even during events sending messages to meet up somewhere.

I'm not sure if this is a professional approach or a more personal social approach, and since I haven't received any complaints I guess its safe to say that it is an acceptible approach.  But is it professional or social?

For me, if I received a text message during the day I would just smile and think that it was no big deal.  But then I thought back to New Years Eve.  Lol, I basically sent text messages to everyone on my contact list, and even went as far as checking the time zones (thanks Worldmate!).  Could it be a bother to some... and if it is please let me know!

I look at it this way.  We use our mobiles on a daily basis.  I can't stop thinking back to Tommi's past statements of mobiles in the john, but I do know that its a possibility!  Mine joins me for my evening soak in the tub.  In a more tasteful statement... mine is attached to my hand at all times.

As far as networking though, is this a good or acceptable approach?  I have no problems reaching out and touching people just to say hi, but never really quite thought that it could be bothersome.  Maybe its my poor text messaging habits, but I still consider it a form of networking.  Could I be wrong?

Comments

[Mark Guim]

You can use twitter as alternative. It's not as bothersome and I'm sure many of the contacts you met at CES have twitter too.

[Stefan Constantinescu]

This is a tough one.

I still stick with email since I have email access on my phone anyways. I have an unlimited (almost) amount of storage with 0 restrictions on the number of emails I can send or receive.

I do however have a limited amount of text messages.

When I send a text message it is expected that I get an answer back that day. With email I expect it to be 2-3 days. With a phone call the response is immediate. I think of this when I budget my time and resources.

It comes down to personal preference. I bet most of the people who you send text messages to also have mobile email.

Just a thought.

[Robb]

I think you have the perfect attitude, i wish everyone shared it.

I use TXT as much as possible, i find it to be less invasive and typically more convenient for the recipient to respond when THEY have time.

[Robb]

I think you have the perfect attitude, i wish everyone shared it.

I use TXT as much as possible, i find it to be less invasive and typically more convenient for the recipient to respond when THEY have time.

[Ricky Cadden]

I have to agree with Stefan's timeframes of response expectations.

I also think that SMS is MUCH more personal than Email, and voice is MUCH more personal than an SMS.

That being said, I think that the line between "professional" and "social" networking is quickly blurring, specifically in the mobile realm, which, I'm sure, is the industry that most of your contacts are in.

The question now becomes, how long do you wait before texting them? Does the 3-day rule port from dating to networking?

[Darla]

I agree with Stefan to a certain extent... but after business hours, who really checks their corporate email? Sometime during the weekend I don't even check mine, let alone even turn on my laptop.

I do agree with Robb though, that the recipient can respond when they have time. Even though I do utilize my phone's email capabilities I sense that if it is of an urgent capacity, the usage of sms is acceptible. For example, if I receive an email that I can't reply to at the moment, I will send a text letting the person know that I've received the email and will respond at my earliest convenience.

But I guess I can see how it can be more personal than professional.

[dthree]

I can't seem to get people I know to reply to my text if they aren't a texter themselves, let alone new contacts. If you meet a new person, I think it would be eaiser to establish communications protocols then. After they hand you a card with a mobile number, a quick "I use SMS frequently, may I text your mobile" will give them some expectations to go on, and if they say "no" or "I don't really use SMS" then you know you don't have to waste your time texting them.