3
Administrative Assistant's
UPDATE
Break the ice with these conversation starters
How to start or deepen relationships
By Leslie Hughes
Many of us think that LinkedIn is just
a resume site and doesn't have much
pizzazz but this professional net-
working site has a treasure trove of
information about your connections.
Social media has the word social
built into the name, and we might
forget that we are connecting with
humans but using technology to con-
duct these conversations.
Reaching out to new people and
making connections can be intimidat-
ing but there are a few ways you can
turn a cold call or reaching out into a
warm introduction.
Conversation starter #1: Be sure
to send a personalized connection
request to remind the person how
you met, or why you want to connect.
They will be more likely to accept
your request and even engage in
dialogue.
Click on the person's profile and
then click on the "Connect" button.
You will be invited to customize the
invitation with a personal note.
Conversation starter #2: If you
accept a connection request from
someone you don't know, you may
wish to start the conversation this
way: "Thanks for reaching out to con
-
nect here on LinkedIn. I'd love to know
more about your business and how
I can help with your career. Can you
send me a quick overview about what
you do, and the target audience you
work with?"
Conversation starter #3: If you're
already connected to someone on
LinkedIn but want to deepen your
relationship comment on their latest
status update or share their recent
post.
Conversation starter #4: Look at
your prospective connection or cur
-
rent connection's profile. Do you have
someone or something in common you
can talk about? For example: "Hi Alex.
I noticed on your profile that you went
to school at the University of Ottawa, I
also went to Ottawa U. Small world!"
I challenge you to reach out and
connect with about two of your con-
nections per week, whether that's a
new introduction or deepening an
existing connection. It's a great way to
keep networking from the comfort of
your own desk!
Leslie Hughes was called a "Social Media
Guru" by CBC Radio and has been working
in digital marketing since 1997. She is a
LinkedIn optimization specialist, professor of
social media, corporate trainer and principal
of PUNCH!media.
www.punchmedia.ca (sign up for weekly
newsletter) leslie@punchmedia.ca
Leslie Hughes
AAA becomes AAP
The Association of Administra-
tive Assistants has become the
Association of Administrative
Professionals (AAP).
The recent name change came
about because "administrative
roles have evolved into more
robust positions," says a descrip
-
tion released by the organization.
The group elected national
officers at its recent annual
general meeting in Moncton.
They include Katherine
Vaillancourt, president; Evelyn
Serbout, vice president and
members-at-large liaison; Wendy
Neelin, treasurer; Michelle
Kanas, secretary; Jackie Pontin,
past president; Chantalle
Freeborough, public relations;
and Bridget Cochrane, registrar.
Branch presidents include
Maureen Armstrong, Barrie-
Simcoe; Christa Hiebert, Calgary;
Annette Gerdes, Edmonton;
Evelyn Serbout, Fort McMurray,
Vancouver (to be deactivated
in September) and members at
large; Charlene Hands-Louries,
Hamilton; Erika Giesl, Toronto
Charter; Julie Lemoine, Moncton.
More information about the
organization is available at
www.aaa.ca.
