Most managers today understand the importance of reaching out to colleagues through LinkedIn, following and being followed on Twitter, and actively participating in corporate social media initiatives – but fewer know how to effectively use these networks. One way is to gather information by testing proposals and strategies, inside and outside your organization. Float an idea and see how many “likes” or retweets it gets. Or direct certain groups of people to an online survey. The feedback might help you persuade a reluctant boss or client to come around to your point of view.
Adapted from the HBR Guide to Networking.
