Business networking sites are alive and well and growing like crazy. What the article termed as "2nd and 3rd level business people" comprise the vast majority of the people doing business, entrepreneurs - and they are the one's that need this service the most. The Business Networking Sites that are particularly successful concentrate more and more on niche markets, for example there is a site for car fanatics called BOOMPA and the on-line film community has SPOUT, to name but two.
Forbes magazine predicted that 97 million people worldwide will start a home business within the next three years. Networking sites can spread the word about your business globally, it is like a search engine for the home marketer & entrepreneur looking to grow his market and contacts. Your little black contact book has gone on-line.
My advice will be to do your homework before you join a site - if you want only to socialize on-line then go for a social network. If you are into business in a niche market, see if there is one, or start one. If you are interested in meeting business people who work from home such as Internet marketers, small business owners, and freelancers / entrepreneurs, then look for the business site that fits your requirements.
Research has shown that people are prepared to pay for membership to a networking site if they find value in it. For the small business person and home marketer / entrepreneur you are going to need cost effective advertising and networking - you can find both in 1 place. You may even find staff, partners or capital as well as a market for your product on the right site.
So what should you look for in a business networking site?
· Is this site growing, not necessarily the biggest now, but growth equals life.
· How is the site managed and is there quality client service.
· What systems are they using, out of date or keeping up with the ever changing times.
· Will you meet the people you WANT to meet for your type of business.
· Is information and training available free of charge.
· What security does the site offer against sexual predators, scamming and protecting your information.
· What tools are available if you should need them:
Inter-community e-mail
Classified ads
Forums and blogs
Rebate shopping on-line
A matching service putting you in contact with like-minded people
Can you publicize business events
Video availability
What is important to one person may not be another's need. I would like a great compensation plan if I refer others as well as having some fun like contests and prizes.
In researching these sites I found one that suited me perfectly, being a work from home marketer.
The Business Networking site that I belong to launched in the USA in 2005. It is a privately owned company, and they have gone international in December of 2006.
Within a day of joining I felt at home, this is a community, and I was overwhelmed by the warmth of people from all over the world. The "double-blind" email system provides great protection and you can block anyone in the community should you wish. There is a 24/7 state of the art watchdog protecting the community from any nasty characters and pornography. I could choose if I wanted a business or social profile and by specifying my business profile I was matched with like-minded business people.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Networking - Are You an Extrovert or an Introvert and the 2 Reasons Why it Matters
Much is made by people on whether they are extroverts/introverts and that certainly being on extrovert is necessary to be a successful networker. Actually, both have natural strengths and weaknesses.
The intelligent networker first understands where they are on the scale of extrovert and introvert and uses the strengths (and works on the weaknesses) to their advantage.
First myth. Introverts are uncomfortable meeting strangers. The fact is EVERYONE is uncomfortable meeting strangers. And that's ok. A major part of networking is meeting new people. We just need to understand that being an extrovert or introvert has nothing to do with it.
So what are the differences?
Two things really..
* The interaction with other people
* Personal Energy
Extroverts love to interact in groups. If you're networking and see a group of 4 or 5 people (or more) with one person "holding court", chances are you're seeing an extrovert in action. Extroverts are bigger, more expansive, the hand gestures will be more pronounced.
The problem for extroverts is that we love to talk. Extroverts can be fun, hold a group together, provide the energy, but they also will do most of the talking. You will learn about the extrovert all sorts of things, but she may not learn much about you.
So it's important for the extrovert to scale back a little. Learn to not "take over" the conversation, listen, truly listen to other people when they talk, not just wait patiently until they can talk again.
The introvert is not someone who has difficulty networking. They just have to do it a little differently. Introverts for example excel one on one. Two people talking to each other is the perfect networking environment. Introverts are more likely cede talking time than others, but he might still need to learn how to listen properly just like everyone else.
For an introvert, groups are probably not going to be a comfortable environment for you, so if there is someone in a group that you want to talk to separate them from the herd! Take them aside and create that one on one comfort zone.
The other differentiator between extro's and intro's is energy levels.
Think of a long day at work. You're tired, but you have to go to some networking event. Geesh!
The extrovert on one hand, while maybe starting out bushed, starts getting energized as the networking event progresses. Extroverts basically get energy from groups and gatherings. Extroverts can typically last the night away!
Heck, as the event draws to a close, the extrovert might even try to get a group together and head out for a beer!
Understand that the extrovert will probably crash on the way home. They no longer have the group feeding them that energy and on the car ride home, tiredness will set back in. That's ok. The extrovert just needs to watch themselves because they can crash.
The introvert on the other hand essentially loses energy at group events. And if there was a long, tough day at work, the last thing you want to do is go networking.
So it's important for an intro' to recharge first. Perhaps between work and networking, stop someplace, do a caffeine and sugar thing, maybe if alone time with a book helps you recharge, stop at Starbucks or Mickey D's and take a half hour by yourself. If you show up a little late that's fine, especially if you are now more ready to dive in to the networking event.
Also understand that you may not last the whole time. Figure out what works for you. Don't make this an excuse to leave early (or not attend at all!) but try different things that will help you be on top of your game when you do network. It would be much more productive for you to be "all there" for 2 hours of a 3 hour event, then physically there, but mentally in la-la land for the entire event.
So understand where you sit on the extrovert/introvert scale and what are your strength's and weaknesses when networking. Adjust your schedule or behavior to maximize your networking to make it more successful and enjoyable for you.
The intelligent networker first understands where they are on the scale of extrovert and introvert and uses the strengths (and works on the weaknesses) to their advantage.
First myth. Introverts are uncomfortable meeting strangers. The fact is EVERYONE is uncomfortable meeting strangers. And that's ok. A major part of networking is meeting new people. We just need to understand that being an extrovert or introvert has nothing to do with it.
So what are the differences?
Two things really..
* The interaction with other people
* Personal Energy
Extroverts love to interact in groups. If you're networking and see a group of 4 or 5 people (or more) with one person "holding court", chances are you're seeing an extrovert in action. Extroverts are bigger, more expansive, the hand gestures will be more pronounced.
The problem for extroverts is that we love to talk. Extroverts can be fun, hold a group together, provide the energy, but they also will do most of the talking. You will learn about the extrovert all sorts of things, but she may not learn much about you.
So it's important for the extrovert to scale back a little. Learn to not "take over" the conversation, listen, truly listen to other people when they talk, not just wait patiently until they can talk again.
The introvert is not someone who has difficulty networking. They just have to do it a little differently. Introverts for example excel one on one. Two people talking to each other is the perfect networking environment. Introverts are more likely cede talking time than others, but he might still need to learn how to listen properly just like everyone else.
For an introvert, groups are probably not going to be a comfortable environment for you, so if there is someone in a group that you want to talk to separate them from the herd! Take them aside and create that one on one comfort zone.
The other differentiator between extro's and intro's is energy levels.
Think of a long day at work. You're tired, but you have to go to some networking event. Geesh!
The extrovert on one hand, while maybe starting out bushed, starts getting energized as the networking event progresses. Extroverts basically get energy from groups and gatherings. Extroverts can typically last the night away!
Heck, as the event draws to a close, the extrovert might even try to get a group together and head out for a beer!
Understand that the extrovert will probably crash on the way home. They no longer have the group feeding them that energy and on the car ride home, tiredness will set back in. That's ok. The extrovert just needs to watch themselves because they can crash.
The introvert on the other hand essentially loses energy at group events. And if there was a long, tough day at work, the last thing you want to do is go networking.
So it's important for an intro' to recharge first. Perhaps between work and networking, stop someplace, do a caffeine and sugar thing, maybe if alone time with a book helps you recharge, stop at Starbucks or Mickey D's and take a half hour by yourself. If you show up a little late that's fine, especially if you are now more ready to dive in to the networking event.
Also understand that you may not last the whole time. Figure out what works for you. Don't make this an excuse to leave early (or not attend at all!) but try different things that will help you be on top of your game when you do network. It would be much more productive for you to be "all there" for 2 hours of a 3 hour event, then physically there, but mentally in la-la land for the entire event.
So understand where you sit on the extrovert/introvert scale and what are your strength's and weaknesses when networking. Adjust your schedule or behavior to maximize your networking to make it more successful and enjoyable for you.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Powerful Networking in Three Easy Steps
Networking is such an invaluable tool for the small business owner...if the networker knows how to do it well. But learning this vital skill seems to be the most overlooked step in the process. Most people wouldn't consider starting a small business if they didn't know how to do the thing that their business offers...but they venture blithely forward with no idea how to sell the thing their business offers. Here are a few basic tips to help things run more smoothly.
1.) Be likeable. If you aren't likeable, fake it. If you can't fake it, hire someone who can...they'll be well-worth the money.
2.) Be knowledgeable. It goes without saying (I hope) that you keep abreast of current trends in your industry, but when networking it's incredibly useful to know a little about a lot. Sports, politics, local theater, celebrity gossip, cars...anything that the person you're talking to might find interesting is a networking opportunity. Provided, of course, you know enough to have a relatively informed conversation...and you're not too emotionally invested in the results. If you adamantly believe that Paris Hilton should have gotten off scott-free, and you'll cry over a dissenting viewpoint, veer away from celebrity gossip.
3.) Be flexible. Networking is not about 'closing' or 'hard-selling' - it's about creating relationships. When you're trying to build a relationship, you have to be flexible enough to do it on the other person's terms. If that means that they need to know you for six months before they even think about sending business your way, by all means prepare for that six-month slog. That is the way in which that person does business...and if you don't respect it, it's your loss.
1.) Be likeable. If you aren't likeable, fake it. If you can't fake it, hire someone who can...they'll be well-worth the money.
2.) Be knowledgeable. It goes without saying (I hope) that you keep abreast of current trends in your industry, but when networking it's incredibly useful to know a little about a lot. Sports, politics, local theater, celebrity gossip, cars...anything that the person you're talking to might find interesting is a networking opportunity. Provided, of course, you know enough to have a relatively informed conversation...and you're not too emotionally invested in the results. If you adamantly believe that Paris Hilton should have gotten off scott-free, and you'll cry over a dissenting viewpoint, veer away from celebrity gossip.
3.) Be flexible. Networking is not about 'closing' or 'hard-selling' - it's about creating relationships. When you're trying to build a relationship, you have to be flexible enough to do it on the other person's terms. If that means that they need to know you for six months before they even think about sending business your way, by all means prepare for that six-month slog. That is the way in which that person does business...and if you don't respect it, it's your loss.
Developing Referral Relationships
Once you've received a referral, gathered information, and ranked the lead, it's time to pick up the phone. The following advice and scripts will help you at each step of the lead-conversion process.
Making first-time contact
The first call is the hardest one. Until you make first contact you really don't know the quality of the lead. It could turn out to be a huge business opportunity - or nothing at all. You have to hope for the best. The referral lead could result in years of business and an important new referral alliance, or it could go into the trash 60 seconds after you make the call. As you initiate contact with a new referral, heed the upcoming advice. Know the two objectives of your first call or visit.
The primary objective of your first contact, like the objective of any other first sales call to a new prospect, is to book an appointment. The first appointment might take the form of an exploratory session aimed at determining the wants, needs, and desires of the lead, or it might be an appointment to conduct a buyer consultation or listing presentation.
The secondary objective of your first contact is to open the door, establish trust and respect, demonstrate your knowledge, and establish your position as a reliable resource.
In your first contact, you're not trying to make a sale; you're just trying to achieve a face-to-face meeting.
Use the name of your referral source to open doors
The best way to get beyond your prospect's defenses is to share the name of your referral source. By presenting the name of your mutual associate, you establish immediate rapport and credibility. In your opening statement, include a reference to your referral source using a script such as this:
"Hello, Mr. Smith, this is Dirk Zeller with Real Estate Champions. The reason for my call is that your name came up in a conversation yesterday with Bob Jones with the Acme Delivery Company."
Then continue by using a linking statement such as:
"He said you're neighbors," or "He said you used to work together,"
Or
"He said your sons play soccer on the same team."
"Well, Bob Jones is a very valuable client. Bob knows I primarily work with referrals; he suggested I give you a call. He thought it would be worth a few minutes of our mutual time to see if we should meet."
You could also use a variation like:
"Bob was pleased with the service I provided to him and his family. He thought you'd like to evaluate how I might be able to assist you in the future."
Converting referrals into clients or referral sources
Once you've established a solid opening connection, it's time to ask probing questions that help you determine the wants, needs, desires, and expectations of the lead. Depending on your findings, the lead might result in a qualified prospect that you convert into a client, or you might determine that while the lead isn't ready to buy or sell, or to commit to an exclusive agent relationship, the person is a valuable resource to be added to your referral database.
Personal visits and calls
Leads generated through referrals come with a higher client-conversion probability than leads received from ad calls, sign calls, or any other cold sources. Due to that fact, consider investing some additional time as you launch the relationship. Instead of, or in addition to a personal call, consider stopping by to personally meet your new leads in their home. Once they attach a face and voice to your name they'll find it more difficult to reject you or select someone else to represent their interests.
If a personal visit isn't possible, aim to enhance the sense of personal connection through an increased number and frequency of calls. It takes, on average, four to six calls for you to leave a lasting impression.
Written notes, e-mail messages and mailers
Between calls and personal visits, build a bridge with personal notes and e-mail messages. Written communications will never replace the personal touch of phone calls or face-to-face visits, but in between live contact they do a great job of keeping the connection alive.
Send market updates, testimonials, letters from other satisfied clients, information on your current listed properties, and news about key awards or recognition you've received.
Beyond that, treat leads as if they're already clients by adding them to your newsletter list and to insider mailings that share news from your office.
Making first-time contact
The first call is the hardest one. Until you make first contact you really don't know the quality of the lead. It could turn out to be a huge business opportunity - or nothing at all. You have to hope for the best. The referral lead could result in years of business and an important new referral alliance, or it could go into the trash 60 seconds after you make the call. As you initiate contact with a new referral, heed the upcoming advice. Know the two objectives of your first call or visit.
The primary objective of your first contact, like the objective of any other first sales call to a new prospect, is to book an appointment. The first appointment might take the form of an exploratory session aimed at determining the wants, needs, and desires of the lead, or it might be an appointment to conduct a buyer consultation or listing presentation.
The secondary objective of your first contact is to open the door, establish trust and respect, demonstrate your knowledge, and establish your position as a reliable resource.
In your first contact, you're not trying to make a sale; you're just trying to achieve a face-to-face meeting.
Use the name of your referral source to open doors
The best way to get beyond your prospect's defenses is to share the name of your referral source. By presenting the name of your mutual associate, you establish immediate rapport and credibility. In your opening statement, include a reference to your referral source using a script such as this:
"Hello, Mr. Smith, this is Dirk Zeller with Real Estate Champions. The reason for my call is that your name came up in a conversation yesterday with Bob Jones with the Acme Delivery Company."
Then continue by using a linking statement such as:
"He said you're neighbors," or "He said you used to work together,"
Or
"He said your sons play soccer on the same team."
"Well, Bob Jones is a very valuable client. Bob knows I primarily work with referrals; he suggested I give you a call. He thought it would be worth a few minutes of our mutual time to see if we should meet."
You could also use a variation like:
"Bob was pleased with the service I provided to him and his family. He thought you'd like to evaluate how I might be able to assist you in the future."
Converting referrals into clients or referral sources
Once you've established a solid opening connection, it's time to ask probing questions that help you determine the wants, needs, desires, and expectations of the lead. Depending on your findings, the lead might result in a qualified prospect that you convert into a client, or you might determine that while the lead isn't ready to buy or sell, or to commit to an exclusive agent relationship, the person is a valuable resource to be added to your referral database.
Personal visits and calls
Leads generated through referrals come with a higher client-conversion probability than leads received from ad calls, sign calls, or any other cold sources. Due to that fact, consider investing some additional time as you launch the relationship. Instead of, or in addition to a personal call, consider stopping by to personally meet your new leads in their home. Once they attach a face and voice to your name they'll find it more difficult to reject you or select someone else to represent their interests.
If a personal visit isn't possible, aim to enhance the sense of personal connection through an increased number and frequency of calls. It takes, on average, four to six calls for you to leave a lasting impression.
Written notes, e-mail messages and mailers
Between calls and personal visits, build a bridge with personal notes and e-mail messages. Written communications will never replace the personal touch of phone calls or face-to-face visits, but in between live contact they do a great job of keeping the connection alive.
Send market updates, testimonials, letters from other satisfied clients, information on your current listed properties, and news about key awards or recognition you've received.
Beyond that, treat leads as if they're already clients by adding them to your newsletter list and to insider mailings that share news from your office.
Beware of The Itis
Strange subject line don't you think?
If you do not know what the Itis is and how it can be devastating to your network marketing career then listen closely.
Let me start with a little background . . .
A few days back I was watching a TV show with my family. They were watching a show called Boondocks.
The show itself is an outgrowth of a comic strip. It's actually an adult oriented cartoon based around an African American family which highlights and pokes fun at the racial tensions here in America. Well, this particular episode was about how one of the main characters was given the opportunity to open his own soul food restaurant, called "The Itis", and what happened there after.
If you don't know what the "Itis" is, it is actually pretty funny, in fact I am laughing about the whole concept right now as I write this, it is that tired feeling you get after you eat a huge and unhealthy meal. If you've ever eaten lunch and wanted to take a nap 15 minutes after you finished eating you've fallen victim to the Itis. It stops you in your tracks and puts you to sleep. Well, in this show, that is exactly what food from this soul food restaurant did to anyone who ate it.
It stopped them in their tracks and put them straight to sleep. People were falling asleep at the table and I think one woman went into a comma. It was pretty funny to see this concept taken to that extreme, and naturally the show conluded with the restaurant being closed.
Well what does all this have to do with network marketing and your business?
Simple . . .
I see people fall victim to the Itis everyday in their network marketing efforts. Not the type of Itis I've described above, but a much more sinister and personally elusive form.
Here is how it happens . . .
They will join a new business and after 15 minutes of really hard work promoting it by sending out a few emails and not getting any response they will start to say "It is not working". Then they will buy information product after information product looking for the golden key to success and after skimming through the information and putting in a good two hour solid effort to see if IT works they say "It is not
working. Then they go off and buy an new golden ticket to freedom and income. They find a new business or they find a new info product that promises them the world and they always meet with the same results. They put their brain to sleep after gorging on a meal of
easy promises of riches and enter into a comma like state of waiting for success to find them for an undetermined amount of time. When they wake up and see that making money online or in their network marketing efforts actually takes effort they aren't having it.
They look for another meal filled with easy promises of riches to put them back into their comma like state where they can relax as they dream of the success that is just going to happen around them. When they find it they gorge. They never really think to look at themselves as they grow fat and lethargic from all this consuming. They never realize that the reason that they are not getting anywhere is because they aren't really moving, except to the next so called easiest meal.
If you do not know what the Itis is and how it can be devastating to your network marketing career then listen closely.
Let me start with a little background . . .
A few days back I was watching a TV show with my family. They were watching a show called Boondocks.
The show itself is an outgrowth of a comic strip. It's actually an adult oriented cartoon based around an African American family which highlights and pokes fun at the racial tensions here in America. Well, this particular episode was about how one of the main characters was given the opportunity to open his own soul food restaurant, called "The Itis", and what happened there after.
If you don't know what the "Itis" is, it is actually pretty funny, in fact I am laughing about the whole concept right now as I write this, it is that tired feeling you get after you eat a huge and unhealthy meal. If you've ever eaten lunch and wanted to take a nap 15 minutes after you finished eating you've fallen victim to the Itis. It stops you in your tracks and puts you to sleep. Well, in this show, that is exactly what food from this soul food restaurant did to anyone who ate it.
It stopped them in their tracks and put them straight to sleep. People were falling asleep at the table and I think one woman went into a comma. It was pretty funny to see this concept taken to that extreme, and naturally the show conluded with the restaurant being closed.
Well what does all this have to do with network marketing and your business?
Simple . . .
I see people fall victim to the Itis everyday in their network marketing efforts. Not the type of Itis I've described above, but a much more sinister and personally elusive form.
Here is how it happens . . .
They will join a new business and after 15 minutes of really hard work promoting it by sending out a few emails and not getting any response they will start to say "It is not working". Then they will buy information product after information product looking for the golden key to success and after skimming through the information and putting in a good two hour solid effort to see if IT works they say "It is not
working. Then they go off and buy an new golden ticket to freedom and income. They find a new business or they find a new info product that promises them the world and they always meet with the same results. They put their brain to sleep after gorging on a meal of
easy promises of riches and enter into a comma like state of waiting for success to find them for an undetermined amount of time. When they wake up and see that making money online or in their network marketing efforts actually takes effort they aren't having it.
They look for another meal filled with easy promises of riches to put them back into their comma like state where they can relax as they dream of the success that is just going to happen around them. When they find it they gorge. They never really think to look at themselves as they grow fat and lethargic from all this consuming. They never realize that the reason that they are not getting anywhere is because they aren't really moving, except to the next so called easiest meal.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Networking for Jobs - Who Needs Networking?
Networking is one of the most important business and career development skills anyone can learn. Yet, even to a seasoned professional it can seem intimidating or positively scary some of the time.
I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.
If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.
Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"
So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.
However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!
Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.
Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.
You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.
Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.
I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.
If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.
Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"
So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.
However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!
Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.
Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.
You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.
Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.
Five Tips For Using MySpace
I remember the days when AOL was pretty much the only community in town. In fact, I remember when they billed you by usage time versus a flat monthly fee.
Today, there are many networking communities available. My favorite is MySpace. I have met more people and gained more business from MySpace than from any other networking community.
I'd like to share five tips on using MySpace:
If you are there to network, then make it easy for folks to network with you. Often I find folks who say I need their last name or email address to friend request them. Since they are currently a stranger, I don't have that information. Their profile tells me they want to meet others but their profile settings make that near impossible. Choose settings that allow others to communicate with you and friend request you.
Share information. Posting ads is not sharing information. I've actually deleted those who only advertise. I want to know YOU. I want to know who you are. Networking is about knowing one another and hopefully helping each other. If all you do is advertise, I am not going to send business your way. I do not want to send those I know to folks who only pitch products and services.
Join a few groups. MySpace has thousands and thousands of groups. Do a search and find a few groups that revolve around your interests. For example, I joined a scrapbooking group. I also joined a group talking about a t.v. show I enjoy. Finally, I joined a Starbucks group as I love Starbucks. Find groups that are YOU and join a few. You'll meet others that you already share something in common with.
Use the email and comment functions. Talk to others but more importantly when folks talk to you, answer them. I still communicate with folks I met the first day I began networking on MySpace. Just as I answer personal email in a timely manner, I also try to answer MySpace mail and comments in a timely manner.
Remember your words and photos will be seen by many. I sometimes shudder when I see someone who claims to want to gain business swearing up a storm and posting very non G rated photos. This is going to turn off potential business contacts. The bulletin feature is wonderful, but when the topic is a string of profanity I never even open it. When I was working on AOL, we had a rule of "if you wouldn't say it to your grandmother, don't say it here". I really believe this applies in a networking community also.qa
Today, there are many networking communities available. My favorite is MySpace. I have met more people and gained more business from MySpace than from any other networking community.
I'd like to share five tips on using MySpace:
If you are there to network, then make it easy for folks to network with you. Often I find folks who say I need their last name or email address to friend request them. Since they are currently a stranger, I don't have that information. Their profile tells me they want to meet others but their profile settings make that near impossible. Choose settings that allow others to communicate with you and friend request you.
Share information. Posting ads is not sharing information. I've actually deleted those who only advertise. I want to know YOU. I want to know who you are. Networking is about knowing one another and hopefully helping each other. If all you do is advertise, I am not going to send business your way. I do not want to send those I know to folks who only pitch products and services.
Join a few groups. MySpace has thousands and thousands of groups. Do a search and find a few groups that revolve around your interests. For example, I joined a scrapbooking group. I also joined a group talking about a t.v. show I enjoy. Finally, I joined a Starbucks group as I love Starbucks. Find groups that are YOU and join a few. You'll meet others that you already share something in common with.
Use the email and comment functions. Talk to others but more importantly when folks talk to you, answer them. I still communicate with folks I met the first day I began networking on MySpace. Just as I answer personal email in a timely manner, I also try to answer MySpace mail and comments in a timely manner.
Remember your words and photos will be seen by many. I sometimes shudder when I see someone who claims to want to gain business swearing up a storm and posting very non G rated photos. This is going to turn off potential business contacts. The bulletin feature is wonderful, but when the topic is a string of profanity I never even open it. When I was working on AOL, we had a rule of "if you wouldn't say it to your grandmother, don't say it here". I really believe this applies in a networking community also.qa
Friday, November 02, 2007
Networking for Jobs - Who Needs Networking?
Networking is one of the most important business and career development skills anyone can learn. Yet, even to a seasoned professional it can seem intimidating or positively scary some of the time.
I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.
If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.
Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"
So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.
However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!
Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.
Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.
You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.
Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.
I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the most clichéd and misunderstood words in our vocabulary; the dictionary defines networking as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions." Strangely it doesn't define the rationale of networking.
If we view networking as the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually advantageous, it won't take long to realize that networking is an important business and career development process. The continual building of relationships that can last a lifetime is what makes networking an essential part of our own development. This is why we do need to learn networking skills and keep our contacts in touch with us regularly.
Because, when we lose touch with someone, then call on them when we are in need, we create a negative networking situation and your contact no longer want s to talk to you. The person at the receiving end perceives the call as "he can't be bothered to keep in touch, till he wants something"
So, positive networking needs to become a way of life. As the old saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know." This is truer than ever in today's competitive world.
However, networking is not something that comes easily to everyone. You may be essentially a shy person, possibly feel you don't have the wherewithal, or as most of us are today, just plain busy. More than likely, you may feel you simply don't have the time to network. This is just an excuse!
Whenever you meet someone new, you have the opportunity to network and learn new things thus enriching your own existence. The truth then is: we really don't have time NOT to network.
Networking can be done any place, any time. As you learn about the other person you are networking with and how you can help them, they learn about you and how they can help you. This reciprocal effect is a direct result of you becoming interesting because you are showing interest. Help others connect to the people you know can help them, keep your promises and stay in touch.
You will frequently have opportunities to meet new people whom you can add to your list of contacts. Once you have established a connection, identify the people who can help you, stay connected, and keep your network growing. Identify the organizations and activities where people you want to know gather, get involved and become known.
Networking does not have to be difficult; in fact it can be quite fun, but bear in mind that you will need to continually work at it. Then, before you know it, you will have a strong network behind you whenever you need to call upon it.
Running Your Network is Only as Good as the People Behind It
If you are going to have an internal team running your internal network, it is important that you place the right person for the right job. If George Bush was a candidate to run your network again, you definitely would want him reevaluated to ensure he is the proper candidate for the job. Maybe even replacing him with someone with a better education and coordination in order to ensure your network runs smoothly without major interruptions.
Your candidates to run your network should have experience pertaining to the devices in which you want to have your network to run under. Cisco is probably the most efficient and common choice of network equipment for networkers to operate. Cisco offers their own certifications as proof for businesses that the person has the knowledge to run Cisco devices. The Cisco CCNA is the most common entry level certification a business should look for. Nortel and Foundry also provide certifications for their products as well.
If you require a head network administrator for a large network with advanced securities and you are dealing with Cisco, a certified CCIE would suffice, although you may end up paying him over $100,000. Even someone who is certified doesn't mean your network will be smooth sailing. Experience is also an area you want to look at. I find that if you are running Cisco equipment, candidates should have at least a year of experience enter a junior position.
A networker should also be available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week comparable to a doctor. If you rely on web for money, you have to have someone in place to fix it right away. A day lost can turn into a customer loss. A 404 or 500 error screams, "We may be out of business or the internet swallowed our company". Just be sure you have the right person on call for advanced troubleshooting, meaning he's bright enough to restore your network quickly.
You may also higher a 3rd party source to handle your system support and networking support. It may not be cheaper than having your own team in place, but usually there is a mixture of all types of technical techies services your network's operability. Personally, I recommend having your own team of networkers on hand.
Your candidates to run your network should have experience pertaining to the devices in which you want to have your network to run under. Cisco is probably the most efficient and common choice of network equipment for networkers to operate. Cisco offers their own certifications as proof for businesses that the person has the knowledge to run Cisco devices. The Cisco CCNA is the most common entry level certification a business should look for. Nortel and Foundry also provide certifications for their products as well.
If you require a head network administrator for a large network with advanced securities and you are dealing with Cisco, a certified CCIE would suffice, although you may end up paying him over $100,000. Even someone who is certified doesn't mean your network will be smooth sailing. Experience is also an area you want to look at. I find that if you are running Cisco equipment, candidates should have at least a year of experience enter a junior position.
A networker should also be available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week comparable to a doctor. If you rely on web for money, you have to have someone in place to fix it right away. A day lost can turn into a customer loss. A 404 or 500 error screams, "We may be out of business or the internet swallowed our company". Just be sure you have the right person on call for advanced troubleshooting, meaning he's bright enough to restore your network quickly.
You may also higher a 3rd party source to handle your system support and networking support. It may not be cheaper than having your own team in place, but usually there is a mixture of all types of technical techies services your network's operability. Personally, I recommend having your own team of networkers on hand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)