Colin Rowe knows social media. His background is unique. He transitioned from operations management to marketing. That means he understands both the business side and the people side. His approach? Simple but effective.
Let’s dive into his views on using social media for networking. Spoiler: He has some contrarian thoughts.
Skip the Vanity Metrics
People often chase followers and likes. Colin doesn’t agree. He says these numbers don’t build real relationships. Instead, he focuses on quality interactions. Engaging one-on-one. Responding thoughtfully. Making genuine connections.
“People get lost in the numbers game,” he says. “But real relationships aren’t measured by likes.”
Instead of counting followers, he suggests this:
- Take time to engage with a few key people in your field.
- Comment on their posts.
- Start meaningful conversations.
This builds trust over time.
Post Less, Engage More
Another unconventional view? Colin believes you should post less and engage more. Many think frequent posting equals success, but he disagrees.
“Posting nonstop doesn’t build relationships,” Colin explains. “Engagement does. It’s about listening and responding.”
Here’s his strategy: Spend time engaging with content from others. Be part of discussions. Offer value when you can. People notice those who genuinely interact. It’s a more strategic way to use your time.
Be Human, Not Robotic
Social media should feel personal. Colin emphasizes authenticity. Too many brands and professionals sound robotic. They follow formulas. Or they use generic content calendars.
Colin’s advice? Be human. Share your wins and losses. Post content that shows who you are. People want to connect with real people, not perfect personas.
When he managed social media for operations teams, he used this strategy. He shared behind-the-scenes moments. Even simple ones. They often had the most engagement. People relate to everyday stories.
Collaborate, Don’t Compete
Colin also believes in collaboration. Many view others in their field as competition. He thinks this is a mistake.
“Your competitors can be your greatest allies,” he says. “Collaboration opens up new opportunities.”
He suggests co-hosting live sessions or creating joint content. This builds credibility for both parties. And it exposes your network to theirs. Everyone benefits. Collaboration is a win-win.
Build Relationships, Not Just Connections
Social media makes it easy to connect. But Colin argues it’s harder to build relationships. He suggests thinking long-term. Relationships grow slowly.
After connecting with someone, follow up. Check in occasionally. Share articles they’d enjoy. This keeps you on their radar. Consistency matters.
“Think of relationships like a garden,” he says. “They need regular attention to thrive.”
Avoid Over-Planning
Some people over-plan their social media strategy. Colin takes the opposite approach. He leaves room for spontaneity.
“Not everything should be planned,” he believes. “Sometimes, the best interactions are unplanned.”
He encourages people to join conversations as they happen. If something big in your industry trends, engage right away. Don’t wait for a scheduled post.
This flexibility makes networking more dynamic. It keeps your profile active and engaged in real time.
Stay True to Your Voice
Finally, Colin emphasizes staying true to your voice. Social media is full of trends. Everyone tries to follow the latest one. But this can make your content blend in.
He says, “Be consistent with who you are. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts.”
If you’re known for humor, use humor. If you’re a serious thought leader, embrace that. Consistency in your voice builds recognition. People trust those who stay true to themselves.
Takeaways from Colin Rowe
So, how can you use social media to network like Colin Rowe? Here’s a quick summary:
- Engage meaningfully: Skip the numbers game and focus on quality.
- Post less, engage more: Listen, respond, and join conversations.
- Be authentic: Share real stories and avoid sounding robotic.
- Collaborate when possible: View competitors as potential partners.
- Nurture relationships: Check in consistently and add value.
- Stay flexible: Leave room for unplanned, genuine interactions.
- Be true to your voice: Don’t sacrifice authenticity for trends.
These simple but effective strategies can transform your networking game. Colin Rowe’s approach proves you don’t need to follow the crowd. Sometimes, doing less is actually more impactful.
So, think differently. Network intentionally. Remember, relationships are built with one meaningful interaction at a time.
