We all know how networking works in the offline world, but did you ever think that the same principles can be applied to the online world and that it works equally well across all spectrums of internet marketing? Whether you are blogging for money, or focusing on affiliate marketing to earn an online income, networking, whether offline or on can have a definite positive impact on your bottom line at the bank. Online networking should be part of your plan to succeed on the internet.
How, you ask, do you network online? Networking has spun a whole new business model –daily there are several networking events held throughout any major city at venues as diverse as the people who attend them. For a small entrance fee and the cost of a wallet full of business cards you can attend these well orchestrated functions where it goes without saying that the reason you are there is to make connections and so is everyone else. No need to chit chat about sports, kids or the last adventure down the Amazon. Cut to the chase and go for the jugular: What do you do? What are you looking for? How can I help you? No fit, no worries, move on no offence taken.
But how do you do that on the internet?
There is no virtual room that you can enter, tap someone on the shoulder and exchange URLs, contact info and other bits of critical information about each other’s businesses. But … develop online relationships you can
First off I am not a great fan of the organized network functions. They are too frenzied for my liking. Long before someone came up with the idea of throwing a party for no other reason than to facilitate encounters of the business kind, networking was alive and well. Have you ever moved neighbourhoods or cities, perhaps even countries. How did you meet your new neighbours ? Chances are that you joined some associations, societies, private clubs and extended and accepted invitations to social gatherings.
If you are new to internet marketing think of it as a new neighbourhood. How might you meet others on the internet and more importantly how do you meet the right crowd? Here are a few suggestions:
- FORUMS:
Search for online forums that are either complimentary to or the same interest as your own. Register for an account and start visiting. There is usually an introduction thread going, do that. After that just hang out a bit, read what others are saying and if you like the tone and the content, participate. Best way is to be helpful. When someone is looking for an answer to something and you know it, supply it, or weigh in with your opinion or suggestion. The key is to make your responses of value. Get noticed. - BLOGS
Find blogs in the same or complementary niche as yours. Visit the blogs – some you’ll like some you won’t. Bookmark the ones you do and make a habit of dropping in and not just reading the posts, but commenting as well. Think of yourself as a guest and what is the role of a guest? To enjoy oneself of course but also to add value to the host’s party. The blog is the party. Be gracious, read the whole post and make a comment, either by complimenting the host on the article or suggesting something that may extend the value of it. - TWITTER
Twitter is a great place to socialize and is perhaps the best gateway to online relationships. Done with an end purpose in mind you can develop strong relationships with others of a similar industry or common goal. Most people go about “meeting” people on Twitter the wrong way – they immediately start following people without any thought as to whether they should. I mean when you think about it would you go out on the street and tap people on the shoulder to say that you are new in town and want to get to know them? Of course not.Similarly with Twitter. Ideally you should start by only following people you already know, but if you are completely new to this scene and you don’t know anyone – or at least, you don’t know that you know anyone – you start with a simple search. Look for people in your profession or industry, similar hobbies or common goals. Select no more than 10 to start with and before you follow them, visit their profile. Do you like what you see and read? If you do then go ahead and follow. Be sure to log in once a day to see what your new online compradres are tweeting about. Follow the thread. If you like what you are reading, stay a follower and begin to engage in the conversation, if you don’t, then simply unfollow.
- FACEBOOK
Similar to Twitter but different. Matt Astifan likens it to the next step after Twitter. Twitter is where you meet someone, get to know a bit about them sort of like doing due diligence, and then if you decide that this is a keeper, invite them to your Facebook. Facebook is a slower pace where you can get to know your new online friend a bit better – it’s like slow dancing vs rock or hip hop – perhaps even give a referral or two. - OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKS
Twitter and Facebook are the two most popular social networks out there, but you may want to look for specialized social networks – you know, something like where all the medical doctors hang out if you’re a doctor, or a neurosurgeon or where budding authors exchange good tips on editors, agents and publishers.
Do all of the above without expectations. You will find that visits will be returned, tweets will be forwarded, invitations will be given. Not only will you be joining a community of like minded people but people who are willing to support each other’s endeavours, perhaps even signing on as affiliates and even joint venture partners in the future.
Now doesn’t that look just like offline networking? Have you in fact been doing online networking without knowing it? What have you done that has grown your community? Can you suggest other ways of online networking? Have you benefitted from online networking? How? Don’t be shy, post your comments below.
