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Back when cake didn't need a reason and we
all kept our door keys under the mat, we were participating in Social
Networking. I have introduced new neighbors of mine to other friends, and so
have you. Most of us have given dinner parties and (perhaps) covertly did
some matchmaking. Even today business colleagues meet for lunch to make
connections and if a sale or two results, well so much the better.
So how does this experience help us in our
Online Business where we only reach them by way of the written word; a very
impersonal touch?
Social Networking online began as dating
services with such grand success, that it has radiated to music, sports,
politics and business2business.
Essentially it starts when someone posts a
profile on a social networking site. Soon an ever widening circle
results connecting friend to friend to friend. This can certainly help your
Online Business if you are cautious and obey some basic rules.
It will not be helpful to your business to
air complaints either personal or business related. Talk about your hobbies,
interests, and anything else that you'd talk about in "mixed" company at a
social gathering. Sooner or later conversations will get around to your
business and you can emphasize your strengths by offering personalized help
with a business problem or a recommendation to a fellow member.
Making recommendations is no different than
asking your neighbor for a good electrician's name. And if I were in search
of a good web designer, I might ask the group to recommend one. Linking to
the appropriate Social Network will connect you to people looking for what
you can offer. Don't link to a "sports car" group if your business is health
products.
Avoid using this as way of hawking your
products. Instead, use it as a chance to make appropriate contacts important
to furthering your business. You just may become know as the "go-to-person"
when a business opportunity or problem arises.
My first experience was with Ryze.com and I
joined for the business and social connections. They hold many offline
meetings in all States where you can personally meet friends that you have
been communicating with. Some are bound to be in your State if you choose to
join. They offer free and paid memberships.
Ryze helps people make connections and grow
their networks. Members get a free networking-oriented home page and can
send messages to other members, or respond to theirs. Within the program are
200 special Networks related to their industry, interests or location. Ryze
members are around the world in more than 100 countries. The idea is to
interact with each other and grow your organization.
Ryze is pronounced "rise", as in 'rise up'
through quality networking. Works for me!
© 2004 Esther Smith
About
the Author: Smith has published numerous articles and writes a blog for
all artists:
http://the-self-taught-artist.com/blog.html
She also coaches new students on how to leave the time-for-money trap and set up
Leveraged Income for life.
http://thepermanentventure.com/dcc.htm If you can’t sing or ride a
bull, you better learn how to make your money work for more money.
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