BE Community user tips

Make the most of your social media experience

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Make the most of your BE Community experience

Whether you are new to the world of social media or a seasoned veteran, the following tips will help you make the most of your experience with the BE Community.
 
The BE Community is designed to be the gathering place for South Sound business people to connect with new business opportunities, network, share recommendations and engage with the broader regional business community. 

The community is promoted through Business Examiner media outlets including print, web, television, email, direct mail and virally through the community itself.

Members of the community are encouraged to build a network of trusted business contacts, search desirable new contacts, post events, share photos and video of business building activities, advertise their profile, start discussion groups and blogs, and much more.

Tips:
1. Creating a complete profile is very important -
    • Upload a professional photo- a photo will not only make you easier to identify and more approachable, but the BE system automatically features your profile on the community home page in "new members" when you join.
    • Industry Experience/ Job History: List your current employer and any additional employment or industry experience that may help establish your professional credibility and make it easier for past contacts to find you.
    • About: Make this as personal and friendly as you are comfortable with.  Use this section as a way to interject personality in to your profile.
    • Products & Services: Create a list of way you help customers- what sets you apart from others in your industry?

2. Maximize your exposure-
    • Complete the keywords in the Networking Assistant settings.  The keywords you enter will help the system suggest potential contacts to you and others.
    * Advertise your profile- once your profile is complete you can advertise your profile with a special message to the entire community
    • Invite your contacts!  Build your network by inviting your business contacts from your address book- just click on Contacts> Invite Contacts.
    • Post events- Events are advertised throughout the online community as well as on the Business Examiner home page and events page. The event posting is connected to your profile- extending your exposure far beyond your immediate contacts.