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Network Online Like a Pro

2017-12-10T13:55:39+00:00

If you have ever felt like your social group is rather small and claustrophobic, you are not alone.  Having a small circle of close and trusted confidants is essential, but if you have not met your significant other or want more friends, then it might seem somewhat restricted.  The secret here is learning to network online like a pro, which might sound slightly like a minefield.  Fear not we have some great tips.

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Spring Clean Your Contacts: First of all, it is worth subscribing to more than one social network.  So if you only have Facebook, get looking at some of the others.  Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are the most social rather than business platforms after giants Facebook.  Next you want to shake up your contacts.  Most people start with the friends they actually know, maybe old school chums and often colleagues at work – but where do you go from there?  Adding random friends on Facebook can be slightly stalker-like. However, the app does offer a helpful connections section where informs you of mutual connections.  If you have over 50 people in common with another friend it might be worth a punt to add the person.  Twitter and Instagram are brilliant for following randoms.  It is entirely acceptable to find and follow anyone you like without looking like a cyber stalker – so make sure you add new people every week.  On both platforms, you can use hashtags to find like-minded souls.

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Get Active: The best way to network on Facebook and meet new likeminded folk is to join interests groups.  There are groups for just about everything, from dog lovers to those suffering from a specific illness, those who love reading to people looking for the best locations for music festivals.  Whatever your interest you can bet your life there is a group on Facebook.  So get joining.  However, you cannot be a wallflower!  Once you are in, start interacting.  People will often be seeking advice or having discussions so dive on in.  Yes, there are keyboard warriors a plenty so having strong opinions can leave you open to rebuttals but you can also find yourself chatting with like-minded individuals and often a friend request will find its way to you.  If you have been talking with the group to one person in particular then why not ask if you can add them.

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Start Your Own Community: If you have an interest why not start your own group on Facebook.  They are free to start, and the process is simple.  Then just get sharing among your existing social groups with a friendly ‘please share me’ request attached.  Post your group into other groups (you may need to check with admin that this is acceptable), and before long you have created a whole new social set.   Above all try and stay polite and respectful of other people opinions, and think about whether you want friends you may later meet in person or that remain virtual (people in other countries, for example, can become great friends but you probably won’t ever meet them).

Let us know your experiences of networking online!

Network Online Like a Pro 2017-12-10T13:55:39+00:00

10 Things Not To Do on a Commute

2017-12-10T13:58:18+00:00

Commuting is a pretty social activity. However, it is carried out by people who are terrified of interaction and generally keep their heads down and avoid the world.  If you are looking to break the ice and make new friends on your daily commute here are ten things you must never do!

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1. Sneeze 

Ok, we don’t literally mean you cannot sneeze – after all that just happens sometimes.  Especially if you have allergies or a cold, but sneeze correctly!  No one, and we mean no one, wants an early morning shower of sneeze germs so be sure to keep that sneeze contained.  Have a tissue or a sleeve at the ready and aim your head away from fellow commuters.

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2. Steal Someone’s Spot

Have you noticed how beautiful that window spot looks?  But the same guy is always in there? Well sadly commuting etiquette dictates that he has now claimed that spot.  If you are sure he is missing one day, then maybe have a cheeky seat, but watch for his return.  Fighting over the space if you both happen to get on at the same time isn’t going to endear you to anyone!

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3. Talk Loudly Into Your Phone

Commuting is a great time to text your friends, not call them loudly and discuss Mark and Sarah’s relationship or expand on the gory details of Zoe’s recent birth traumas.  Friends will understand if you pick this time to have your convos by text – just remember not to laugh too loudly if things get funny.

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4. Fall Asleep With Your Mouth Open 

Ok, we get it, you had a late night, and perhaps a glass of wine you really should not have had on a work night, but try your hardest to be a pretty sleeper.  There is nothing worse than looking across the carriage and seeing an open-mouthed walrus opposite.

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5. Snore

See above.  If you know you can be a bit of a jet engine snorer; then the commute probably isn’t the best place to be taking a nap.  It is no nicer to sit near than someone yelling into their phone.

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6. Be a Space Hog

You have one seat.  No arm waving, flailing or reading the paper while taking up the whole space, and most of someone else for that matter.

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7. Forget the Volume

Yes, you might love Megadeath blaring in your ears at 8 am on a gloomy Tuesday, but not everyone does – so check your volume.

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8. Stare

Didn’t your mother always say this when you are a kid?  Ok, you can see some pretty kooky things on the commute but learn to look subtly and don’t stare!

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9. Dine Out

Eating a snack is fine, but a full meal is kind of rude.  Spreading out across two seats or trying to eat messy food with grace on a moving train is just not happening.  Stick with food you can manage.

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10. Be Too Stubborn 

Ok, we get it.  You got a seat for the first time this week.  But, if there is a commuter with a more significant need, you need to be the bigger person.  Be sweet and give up your seat.

10 Things Not To Do on a Commute 2017-12-10T13:58:18+00:00