How to be a successful networker online. 17 ways of how to be the kind of person you want to present and be.
If you are involved in business, then you know that networking is essential for your success. With websites like Linkedin, Facebook, Ning and other services it is easier than ever to network online.
Unfortunately, most people don’t network they tend to pitch people. Do you like the people who pass along their business cards just so you would know who they are. I confess, I used to do this… I got smart.
1) Your number one goal is to get your suspects to look at your blog/website or your profile. Make it clean and easy to understand. Avoid flashy graphics. When people come to your site they’ll only take a few seconds to decide if they want to engage with you. Like leaving a comment after they read your post, or fill in your call to action for a report or newsletter or contact form.
2) Use advanced search features like on LinkedIn, you can have up to three saved searches and they will be e-mailed to you. Or Ryze that allow company searches. If you are networking do the search for people that you want to connect with.
3) Put your website URL inside your profile name. It should be “John Doe www.mywebsite.com” When you do this, then every time you post it on a message board or guestbook, people will see your URL and possibly visit your website.
4) Start a group on Facebook or Linkedin or Ning, and become the expert. People will see you as a leader. It also gives you an easy reason to contact others. Simply say, “Hello, I just started the XYZ group. Would you like to visit it?” It’s an easy conversation starter.
5) Don’t use the spam bots. There are other tools for adding people quickly in your group. If people know it’s a machine they will delete it as spam. Who wants to be friends with a spammer?
6) Don’t send friend requests too quickly. People don’t like push aggressive people. Exchange a few conversations first.
7) Look at their profile and ask them something about their expertise, be sincere.
8) Network in groups. Find your favorites – something that interests you, like a hobby, a business and community based one. Be active in the group. If people like what you say, they’ll extend an invite or want to get to know you.
9) Don’t spam out a business opportunity to your friends. Don’t add someone as a friend and turn around and give them a sales pitch. Instead give them a soft welcome message. Ask them if there is something you can help them with. Send out helpful articles and tips that you have found.
10) If someone calls you to try to get to know them, give then some time. Don’t just brush them off. You never know what a great relationship or networking partner you could have. Facebook is about having friends not just doing business.
11) When you set up a Facebook business page share helpful tips and ask questions. Don’t plaster your opportunity on everyone else’s wall.
12) Check out APSense , APSense is a business social network where people get paid to come together to share their business. We enable users to share their business through networking, deciding, exploring and creating quality business content.
13) Alignable, it’s for small business owners according to your zip code.
14) MeetUp Groups are about doing something, learning something, sharing something or changing something. It’s just isn’t about business any more. It’s the largest network of local groups. They have 7.2 million members. A great place to network on and offline.
15) LinkedIn is another place to find friends, leads and connections. YOu can do a category, company or connection search to find people that you would like to meet. The groups is where you really can get to know someone.
16) Facebook of course are good for business pages as well as your personal friends profile. And you can join groups on Facebook or start your own as well.
17) Twibes is a group format using your Twitter connections. On Twitter I have met many people offline, so it’s nice to meet people off line as well.
