At a business networking event with social media focus, panelists were asked to share a sing important tip on how to build your personal brand. Among the standard tips, self-pronounced techie, Jean Pickering, shared she prefers dark corners and behind the scenes work (natural for social networking). Her tip “Get out there and IRL.” I.R.L. = In Real Life networking.

You can build an online community or empire, but if when you step in the door no one recognizes you, you are a stranger in your own community. Well said. Social media/networking is a powerful tool. Quality face time is the cement to relationship building.