Networking results in sales and deals and is therefore important for all businesses. Most of us are so tied up running our businesses that we hardly take the time out for professional networking. The good thing is that even a few minutes everyday for online networking can go a long way.
First of all, make a mental distinction between the two types of network groups: a- your peers, colleagues, like-minded folks, could-be partners, vendors, industry authorities etc. b- your potential clients, potential customers, potential audiences.
Social Networking in Plain English
commoncraft.com A short explanation of social networking websites and why they are popular. This video comes in an unbranded “presentation quality” version that can be licensed for use in the workplace. http
There are many things that you can do to network;
1- Linkedin is great for staying in touch with your professional networks and to share business advice. It’s a social networking site where you can manage your contacts and find other relevant people to connect to. I call it the massive business card holder. You can choose who to add to your network and have intellectual discussions over the platform. Just like in real life, you can meet people that your friends know (second degree connections). The power of this community is great, because you can find a lot of business opportunities there.
Make a good profile for yourself and add connections to increase your visibility. Add links to your website or blogs so that you can redirect traffic to you through your Linkedin Page.
Seth Godin on social networking.
Godin describes the value for businesses. Used at innerpreneuring.com
2- Create a following online. Networking is all about being in touch with your contacts on a regular basis. If you choose to follow relevant people on their microblogs, blogs and sites; chances are that a good percentage of them will follow you in return based on internet etiquettes. So, choose your contacts wisely.
3- Correspond regularly with your business contacts through email or other online mediums. You can set up reminders for emailing or sending cards if you have a busy schedule, so that you don’t forget about one of your biggest asset, your network.
4- If you think you are too busy to manage your contacts, participate in discussions, send emails or put up status updates, you can choose to outsource this work to virtual assistants. I have some friends whose businesses depend entirely on networking but have their hands full 24/7. They’ve successfully distributed a reasonable part of this work to reliable assistants and are comfortable with the way their work is being handled. If you think you can do that as well, give it a try. Otherwise, allocate time from your weekly schedule to network.
Today’s tip! A novel way to rise above the noise is to send prospects or associates a video mail as an alternative to email.
Tags: contacts, linkedin, networking, online following, outsource, virtual assistant