Social Networking - The New Golf Course
Online networks are fast becoming the new frontier for meeting and greeting, building relationships and fostering business. No longer do you have to spend your lunch hour trying to convince others, who you don’t really know, to do business with you. Now you can enjoy golf with those that can actually play and you don’t have to hold back on your game because you don’t want to offend your client. Everything from online dating to becoming an expert in your field is now just click away. The virtual community is a fantastic tool to reach out and touch a lot of people.
a. There are over 2 million people currently registered on Linkedin, a popular business networking site.
b. 84 percent of American Internet user have used the Internet to contact to get information from an online group.
c. Forty-four percent of U.S. Internet users - 53 million Americans- have taken the first step to creating a virtual presence by “contributing their thoughts and their files to the online world through building or posting to Web sites, creating blogs, and sharing files.” the 11 million with blogs are just one example of a far broader trend.
Virtual relationships can help you help you find a job, market your product or service, close deals, find out more than you ever could about the personal behaviors of your clients and friends. It is a avenue that promote you like no other. Always have an objective when joining a social network. Is it for business purposes, networking, personal or just to make a statement of your thoughts on a daily basis. Joining the right network can produce the results you are trying to achieve. Linkedin, is a professional network, while Facebook is more of a personal one. Twitter is a great way to say what’s on your mind and help to reinforce your expertise to the world.
1. Document you goals. For each goal, write down how online networks can help you achieve it.
2. Analyze your network, use the 7 keys to a Powerful Network
a. How can you imporve your Character and make it more visible?
b. How can you increase you Competence?
c. How can you build Stronger ties?
d. How can you increase you information about the people you know?
e. How can you multiply the number of people you know? Or, should you focus on building Stronger relationships with the people you know now?
f. How can you double the diversity of your network?
Have a purpose and do your online networking on a daily basis. Make new contacts and follow up with all that you meet. It’s amazing how fast you can make friends when you take the time to express yourself and open up to others. It’s tough to be shy when you don’t have to look someone in the eye. Good luck
Be sure to look for David Teten and Scott Allen’s new book “The Virtual Handshake: Opening Door and Closing Deals Online
We will be looking for input from the communinty. Just create a login (bottom left) and get started. We will be looking for input on the quality of the networking events, news about upcomming events and even articles about your networking experience. We will also be posting articles about how to network that will not only be great for beginners but great refreshers for the old pros.
