Networking used to mean attending chamber of commerce meetings and trying to start conversations with strangers. These events still exist and are certainly useful get togethers. But today, much of the interaction is taking place online. Not only do you not have to leave your home to meet people, but you can narrow your search or create your "niche" to people who are more likely to be interested in your product and business.
According to a recent report by Forrester Research Inc. more than four out of five U.S. adults who go online use social media at least once a month. And it also indicated that the most rapid growth occurred among adults 35 and older.
Although networking has gone high tech, some things haven't changed. There are certain rules of etiquette that apply online as well as offline.
1. Don't use social networking to make a generic sales pitch to thousands of people.
2. Do start a dialog of conversation by sending updates that will be interested to people. Offer valuable information.
3. Don't use public forums for private messages.
4. Do ask people if they want to receive your FREE newsletter before you start sending it to them.
5. Never, ever post negative comments on other peoples blogs, profile pages or websites. You always want to be positive.
6. Don't rely on one group or one website for all your networking needs.
7. Be sure to read other people blogs, tweets, websites to keep up to date on industry changes as well as staying connected to like minded people.
BELIEVE Success!
Lisa Willard
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment