Ok, don’t physically stalk them. That would be slightly unethical. What is not unethical though is searching online for information about a new client which they have chosen to make public. Some think this is a form of online stalking – it is not – it is using your initiative.
The information you find can help you spot a common interest, both personally and professionally. Using this information correctly, your conversation can be enhanced, opportunities can be spotted and deals can be clinched. Background information can also help you to build a foundation to a good working relationship.
What tools are available though and what can we find out? You may want to think about the following:
- LinkedIn – We can find out what their professional background is, what qualifications they own, who recommends them, what their skills set is and who their business contacts are.
- Twitter – We can find out what they are saying “real-time”, what issues they are currently interested in and who they are sharing their conversations with.
- Facebook – We can find out a combination of the information available from LinkedIn and Twitter. Also, interests and hobbies tend to be more prominent on Facebook.
- Blogs – We can find out what area they have a real passion for, what they are willing to spend extra hours writing and talking about, and what message they want to spread.
- Search Engine Results – We can find out comments that may have been made on forums and blogs, as well as when they have appeared in press releases and on company websites.
Like I said, this is just a general breakdown. Do you share public information in a different way? Would you use these tools to research a client before meeting with them?
I would be interested to hear your views and experiences.
Robert is a social media, marketing and business enthusiast living in Plymouth, United Kingdom. His background, in both education and employment, is based around social media, marketing and business, and the majority of his posts will continue down the same path. Please feel free to join conversations, add ideas and share opinions as this is the primary aim of the blog. 
