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- NETWORKING ON THE NET
- Professionalism, Ethics And
Courtesy On The Net
- By Claire Belilos
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- Being on the net has opened up unlimited global
business, learning and networking opportunities. It is up to all users to maintain and
help ensure decorum, professionalism, courtesy and ethical behaviour. If we do not, not
only do we tarnish our image, but may lead to a re-thinking of the way things are done on
the net; new barriers may be set up and this total openness and instant easy accessibility
to all may become a thing of the past.
- Some net users abuse and misuse these opportunities. There are the "spammers"
who indiscriminately bombard us with their unwelcome advertising, and there are those who
use it for illegal or evil purposes. As we go along, and with advice from others, we learn
how to avoid and ignore "negative users". We cannot allow these to prevent us
from being part of the fascinating universe of cyberspace.
- This guideline is to help inexperienced users establish a positive identity, win friends
and business associates. Some are still hesitant, accessing the net only as visitors and
observers, missing out on this unique opportunity.
- Respecting other people's e-mail addresses: Do not give out others'
e-mail addresses without first obtaining permission to do so - this would constitute a
breach of trust and an invasion of privacy.
- Collecting e-mail addresses for "spam" or "bulk" mail
purposes: Do not collect other people's e-mail addresses you come across for such
purposes. You will have attained the exact opposite of what you aimed for. You and your
company will be disliked and ruled out. If you do bulk-mail anyhow, have the courtesy to
give a genuine return e-mail address to which the recipient may write to ask to be removed
from your list. No one wants unknown intruders!
- Properly identify yourself and your business: When establishing a first
contact with a person or company, identify yourself and your company, giving full name,
title or occupation, address and genuine e-mail address. It would be improper to present
yourself with a cloaked e-mail identity such as a "yahoo" or "hotmail"
address unless you can explain the reason for it (being on travel or using someone else's
computer).
- Addressing others: When sending an e-mail to someone for the first
time, you must also address that person formally, as is done in all business
communication. Write the person's full name, title or position, company name and address,
followed by a formal greeting (Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Mr./Ms...). It would be a good idea
to add that person's phone and fax numbers under the address to enable the recipient to
correct us if necessary.
- Asking for information: When you ask someone for information, remember
that you are imposing on that person's time, attention, and expertise. The least courtesy
is for you to explain who you are exactly and why you need this information.
- Thanking people who answer you: Every response you receive, whether
satisfying or not, deserves a courteous return "thank you" note to the sender.
When thanking, remember to quote the subject at hand so the other party will remember who
you are (e.g. "thank you for responding to my query regarding your services", or
"thank you for the response you posted on the Inc Online forum or on the Human
Resources bulletin board of HRWorld in answer to my query on ....."x" subject).
People who use the net are extremely busy managing their business and communications with
a multitude of people and companies. They may wonder who you are if you just send a simple
thank you. Do not forget to write your full name, company name, address, and url (web page
address) in your signature; this will ensure your being included in "the good
books" of the person or company you are thanking (good public relations and marketing
tactic).
- If you want something, offer something in return: If you ask of others,
you should be ready to give. What you give should be of value. You can offer return
assistance, or mention a resourceful web site you know, or invite that person to visit
your web site (which should offer value and benefit to visitors).
- Respect proprietary rights: When you find on someone else's site
information you wish to have at hand, you can usually download it, save it and print it
out. However, if you want to use it, you must respect proprietary rights. The creator or
author invested all he/she has to come up with this creation. It has been posted there for
informational purposes - not for others to use as their own. Sometimes authors clearly
write that you may print out, photocopy, and use the material even professionally -
however they do ask that whoever does so will keep the name and address of the author
intact. You should respect copyright.
- Behave courteously and professionally: When you ask someone for
information, use the usual courteous language, such as "please" "I would
appreciate" and thank the giver for his/her time and attention. Some people tend to
adopt unacceptable dictating tones such as "send me" "give me" etc.
This gives rise to immediate dislike and disrespect.
- If you ask for assistance, show that you did some hard work yourself before
turning for assistance: Do not fall into the trap of thinking everyone there on
the net who appears so courteous, ready and eager to offer advice or give assistance is
ready to do work you should be doing yourself. Do not be misled by the thought that you
can obtain free professional work through the net. If you ask for assistance, expect
guidance, not unpaid work by others. Demonstrate that you yourself have invested serious
effort towards your goal but find that you need advice from others.
- Newcomers: If you are a newcomer to the net, do not be ashamed to admit
it. Many people on the net like to act as mentors. It is up to you not to abuse their
kindness, but treat them with courtesy and respect their time.
- Free on line courses or working tools: Some sites, such as government
or association sites, offer free courses or working tools they allow you to download and
use, even professionally (i.e. for profit). If you download or use such material, why not
extend a word of appreciation to the givers and creators of this material? Send a letter
of appreciation for their material and say that you find it useful in your line of work or
business. This will not only be appreciated by the people you write to and put you and
your company in good standing with them, but may lead them to copy you on further material
or invite you to participate in an on-line live chat forum on the subject. You will find
yourself placed on the map of that particular industry or occupation!
- Bulletin Board and Chat Forums - the heart of networking on the net:
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- Avoid using jargon. If you love using abbreviations, such as P.R., EEO, ROI, follow up
each abbreviation with the complete words, e.g.: public relations, equal employment
opportunity, return on investment. What you say has to be totally and clearly
understandable to any viewer.
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- Answer questions others have posted only if you have something of value to respond. Do
not respond with a short "contact me" (the other viewers want to see what it is
you can counsel that person - you should at least give a guideline response). Do not jump
at every enquirer to push for your services without even bothering to offer some
intelligent response to the question.
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- This is no place for foul language. Respect yourself and respect others.
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- Do not use bulletin boards and chat forums for blatant advertising purposes. They are
intended for networking and a healthy exchange of ideas. If all everyone does is push for
his/her services, we shall find ourselves in the Tower of Babel with no one listening to
or understanding the other.
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- Do not destroy the effectiveness of these forums. Do not go in surreptitiously to
collect e-mail addresses for bulk-mail purposes. If you do so you may cause everyone to
assume an "anonymous" identity with no address.
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- Help maintain a higher level of communication. If someone makes a contribution of value,
say so, give a compliment, even to your peers. Everyone needs to be rewarded with
acknowledgment. Not only will you help in encouraging positive and useful contributions,
but you yourself will earn respect and attention. Such behaviour also leads to unexpected
friendships.
- "Anonymous" postings: Some people list themselves as
"anonymous" when participating in chat forums or bulletin boards. They have
their own reasons for keeping their identity and their company's identity anonymous. You
can also be "anonymous". However, do not follow the example of some of the
negative "anonymous" people - those who remain anonymous in order to treat
others with cynicism or disrespect.
- Anonymous postings have one drawback however: if someone likes what you
say, wants to pursue the relationship, or even offer you a work or business opportunity
that person has no way to contact you. It is best not to be "anonymous" unless
you have serious reasons for being so.
- Business opportunities arising from participating in bulletin boards and chat
forums: The organizers usually post guidelines and explain the purpose of such
boards or forums (networking, exchange of ideas, etc.). Stick to the stated guidelines and
give meaningful contributions. Before you know it, business opportunities will open up -
either directly from among the active participants or from silent viewers and observers.
- Some heads of companies read these forums to discover just the right person or business
they are looking for. If your proper identity (genuine e-mail address, type of occupation,
and possibly name of company) appear with your posting, they will contact you directly
explaining that they liked your responses or approach and would like to know you better. A
business rapport will be established. Quite often they will reveal what services they need
and negotiations can begin.
- When you offer valuable advice to an enquirer, in most cases, the enquirer will write to
you directly thanking you, saying how your advice has helped/him her achieve the desired
goal. Even if this does not generate immediate business for you, it will in the long run.
You will be kept in mind for future business opportunities and will earn word-of-mouth
advertising through the enquirer. Such a direct contact will enable you to better explain
your services or the products you offer, which may indeed lead to business.
- Demonstrating a professional attitude: It is advisable to adhere to
basic business rules and etiquette:
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- Do not try to "grab" or pounce upon a business opportunity
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- If what is required by the potential client does not fall within your area of expertise,
refer the enquirer to a peer or other source specializing in that particular area.
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- Treat your peers with the respect and consideration you extend to your customers.
Compliment them for their achievement or positive contribution.
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- Behave with integrity at all times. Make sure that what you offer is for your client's
best interest.
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- Maintain good, mutually respectful relations with peers and the public at large.
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- Speak well of your peers and clients - it will repay itself tenfold.
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- Be truthful. Do not pretend to be what you are not. If you need advice, consult with
your peers; they will appreciate it and you will receive the best advice available.
Professionals on the web seem to communicate and cooperate more than in real life - the
spell of the web has created a new universe with a new way of doing things. With
technological advances, it became almost impossible to hide behind an elegant bold front.
Moreover, most of net communication is instant, led by "gut feeling" and this
instinct is usually right. Even through words appearing on our monitor we can
"sense" the values and motivation of others.
- When you act with honesty, courtesy and professional ethics, to quote Shakespeare,
"the world is yours!"
- All Rights Reserved
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- Claire Belilos is the founder of CHIC Hospitality Consulting Services. Her
background includes Hospitality operations. She specializes in solving people management
problems, organizational training and development, supervisory coaching, training of
trainers, designing effective job, training and evaluation tools, and training for
customer service excellence. For more information, please visit her website at http://www.easytraining.com or
e-mail: or
e-mail: chic@easytraining.com
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