It's the season of good cheer and what better way to spread some than to communicate really well online with your networks? Here is a Top Five list of ways to Make the Day of someone in your network.
- Don't send them an email. That's right. Exercise another option - phone, pop by their office or send a hand written note/card/memo. Some offices are now banning inter office emails and encouraging other forms of communication like instant messaging - of course we should never forget the value of face-to-face conversations as well.
- Give a recommendation on LinkedIn. If you are using LinkedIn for professional networking, then chose a colleague to write a positive recommendation for. They can still choose whether they want to make it public or not - but you will have given a gift that will let them know you are thinking of them and appreciate their service.
- Don't overload your social networking over the holiday period. Sparse and short postings means people can be connecting face-to-face with loved ones rather than spending time on line.
- Write a relevant and catchy subject line on emails, posts etc. This helps others to prioritise their work before going on a holiday break. It shows respect for their time - and a catchy heading might even put a smile on their face.
- Remember to put an out-of-office notice on your online accounts and email. While many people take a few days off over this time of year, it's useful to know when they will be back, who to talk to in the meantime and perhaps a relevant season's greeting. Make it a friendly message as opposed to the stock standard "Betty is out of the office until Monday". Try a little cheer! Here's some more hints from the good people at FCI Technology Blog and a couple of links to fun messages too (that you might want to use but probably shouldn't!).
