Social Networking For Business
By S. Housley
Associations and trade organizations are great places to meet
individuals. Usually organizations have a common theme, and it
is an understood implication that all members participate to
improve themselves and their businesses.
Whether it is a chamber of commerce or a trade association,
members have common problems, issues and concerns. By sharing
issues and resolutions, members can benefit by the experience of
others. Many business owners participate in organizations, not
only to network, but also to hopefully circumvent some of the
pitfalls encountered by other small businesses--learning from
others.
Networking Tips.
Many trade organizations provide forums for networking. In some
cases, these might be private online newsgroups, casual
meetings, or even professional events with speakers. In order to
take full advantage of these networking opportunities consider
these tips.
Who You Know.
It is often not who you know, but who they know. I can't tell
you the number of times I've seen someone put-off someone who is
clearly a beginner only to learn that the "beginner" is the
brother or friend of a contact they've been trying to meet for
weeks.
Honesty.
Be honest. Pretending to be something that you are not, or
implying you can deliver a product or service that is outside of
your abilities, will foster an environment of distrust and
potentially harm your reputation. Keep in mind that networking
is viral?vital? and if promises are not kept, word will spread.
Establishing yourself and firm as an honest, reputable company.
Professional.
Keep conversations to strictly business subjects. In a business
environment, it is important to focus on safe non-emotional
topics. The last thing you want to do is alienate or offend a
potential client because of an outspoken view on a controversial
topic. There is a time and a place for everything and discussing
political views or cultural issues is not a generally accepted
business topic. Bearing that in mind, it is also important to be
aware and sensitive to cultural differences. The Internet has
opened doors to a global market and respecting cultural
differences is critical to establishing strong business
relationships in the global marketplace.
Socialize.
Now is not the time to be a wall flower. Whether you
participate in social business events, or monitor trade forums,
it is critical that you participate. Participation will help you
distinguish yourself in your industry. Attempt to remember
individual personal details and foster introductions among
others in the industry.
Positive.
Stay positive. It sounds simple, but it will really impact how
others view you. If you are constantly negative and pointing out
the flaws in others, it will reflect on how others view you.
Presenting the best and positive business experiences will
enhance your image.
Help.
Provide genuine assistance to others. Whether or not they are
able to reciprocate, networking is viral?vital?. Helping others
will establish you as a useful member of your business community
and will endear you to others. If you are unable to help an
individual, attempt to refer them to someone who can.
Research
A little research goes a long way. Be sure to research people
and companies in your business community. Knowing their common
goals and interests will build topics for discussions.
Acknowledging the need to connect with others to grow and
expand a business may seem like common sense. Cultivating
business relationships and interact with other small businesses
is often mutually beneficial and should not be underestimated.
Networking is about building relationships and mutual
interaction benefiting both parties. Being proactive and
following up, you can have a network of contacts that you will
be able to access quickly when you need them. Whether by more
traditional means, such as in person or over the Internet,
personal networks are essential for furthering your business.
Relationship networking is give and take, be sure to help others
in your quest for help.
About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for
FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating,
editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon
manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a
wireless text messaging software company.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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