Catriona Borys

Blog Post #5 – Engaging your PLN

How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice? Consider how you would introduce yourself to others consider how you would engage in initial conversation to generate interest in your campaign professionally.

               I think prior to social media creating a PLN would be much more difficult to establish since there is a barrier in communication. I think that if I were to create a PLN prior to social media, I would try to find a group of people with similar interests or goals. If I was to start a business and wanted to create a PLN I would try to talk to other owners of local establishments and see if they would provide insight or if they would want to meet up every once in and while to chat about how to run a proper business. Another way I would try to engage in a PLN is by joining a chamber of commerce in my local community. This is a good way to get involved with other local businesses and to learn about new ways to advocate for your business, and how to network for your business. Another way I would try to create a PLN is just by creating overall awareness in the community you are in, this includes newspaper ads, attending community events, and giving to community non-for-profits (NFP). Becoming involved with NFP organizations I think is very beneficial for creating a PLN. From prior experience working for a community-based NFP, local companies that donate or give money to NFP organizations are able to show people that you care about your community and that you are involved. This additionally helps to promote your business as many NFP organizations will advertise your business’s support.

 If I was to start a new business from the ground up and was looking to create a PLN, I would ask a successful local business if I could shadow them or ask for any tips about how to create a successful business. I would also mention to the owner that once I have started my business, I am open to collaboration. This collaboration would allow me to help promote their local business and hopefully would help them promote my business. I would also approach the businesses and the different ways that I can be an asset to their PLN.  Another way to create a PLN would be to go to community-based activities once my business is set up to help create awareness, this is also another good way to interact with other community-based organizations.  

1 Comment

  1. minruihan

    Hi I agree with what you said in the article about setting up a PLN that can donate to a non-profit organization in your community so that you can gain experience in your own work while also being able to promote your business. This is a point of view I didn’t expect you to give me new ideas. The first thing I thought of when building a PLN was online, but actually working in a nonprofit is very effective and beneficial for creating your own PLN, and in the following you say that in creating a successful PLN you will be consulting with local businesses about their business. I would also like to add that you can also conduct a survey or questionnaire to local citizens about your new business to see what they like about it.

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