Pay-It-Forward Professionally

It is refreshing to see a pay-it-forward movement in social media. I'm inspired by those who help others unconditionally.

Think of someone who recently exceeded your expectations. You should be more than willing to refer him or her to anyone within your professional network.

Here are 14 additional ways you can pay-it-forward professionally:

• Become a fan of their Facebook page and post a positive comment to the wall
• Write them a professional recommendation via LinkedIn or for their website
• Mail them a nice handwritten note or Hallmark card
• Write a positive letter to an industry related publication about him or her
• Introduce him or her one of your other trusted contacts
• Give a genuine comment on their blog
• Invite him or her to an upcoming networking or industry related event
• Create a nice blog post about him or her
• Promote him or her via Twitter including a link to their blog
• Call and tell this person why you appreciate them
• Interview him or her for a podcast or YouTube video
• Recommend him or her for an award
• Stop thinking, "What can you do for me?"
• Start asking, "What can I do for you?"

For more information about the Pay-It-Forward Movement started by the book's author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, check out the Pay It Forward Foundation.

Comments

[Steve Levy]

Do you realize that this is all JFK, "And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

And social media is new???

[Stone Payton]

What a great list !

I know many (including myself) who embrace the PIF philosophy still often come up a little short on specific ideas / tactics for executing. Thanks for the practical direction.

P.S. Congrats on launching the new blog -- it's certainly earned a spot in my RSS reader !

[Jenny DeVaughn]

Paying-it-forward will never go out of style. Thanks, Steve and Stone, for your comments.

[Chris Jordan]

Jenny, I've read all your posts and have to say this is great! The power of social media and "paying it forward" OR RT'ing is just awesome.

I have made so many connections outside of GA through social media, but getting together with Atlantans was awesome! I know we can help each other make big things happen... just using the premise of this post. You have great insight into this stuff!

And I will take you up on that coffee sometime :)

[Jenny DeVaughn]

Thanks, Chris! I'm following your tweets via http://twitter.com/thechrisjordan and hope to see you again soon.