The way of the world is meeting people through other people. ~ Robert Kerrigan
I’m one of those people that actually enjoys networking and getting out there meeting others. I love the energy and the connections. And more importantly, I love what I do – helping people create their online presence using blogging and social media. And I love talking to others to let them know how social networking can work for them quickly and easily.
Many have told me that I’m passionate about what I do and that my passion is often contagious. This is a good thing.
I think many people forget that networking takes time. And many small businesses and solopreneurs seem to forget that more often than not, you are your sales and marketing team. Which means that if you want to get the word out, then YOU need to do some networking.
As much as I enjoy face to face networking, I realize that it’s a big investment in both my time and my energy. When you go to that event, you have to get dressed, drive there, spend your two hours mingling and socializing and then drive back. All in all, one networking event probably costs you at least fours hours in your week.
And then there’s the follow up (my weakness). I think the follow up often takes even more time.
One of the great joys of networking online is that you can do it at your convenience for as little or as much time as you’re willing to put in at that point.
Here are five simple things that you can do in just couple of minutes a day:
- pick one friend, colleague, expert, someone you admire or might like to get to know, and take a moment to read what they’ve said on their blog, Facebook page or Twitter and comment.
- set up a Google Alert for a person or key word related to your niche. This will send you an email whenever anyone mentions that name or phrase online and alert you. Now you can reach out and connect – leave a comment, send an email, etc.
- Follow up with one person that you met in person recently at an event. Invite them to join your online network, ask them how you can help them.
- Send a birthday greeting to your friends on Facebook. I love that Facebook tells me when everyone’s birthday is. I’m sending birthday wishes to old friends that I might have otherwise forgotten when their birthday was. Love that.
- Introduce two friends to each other. Let’s face it, women are connectors. We like to talk about products and books that we like and we like to introduce our friends to our other friends. Take this one step further and do the same for your virtual friends. Make those introductions. Embrace your inner-connector.
Remember, networking online doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Just remember to be yourself and join in the conversation.
And while you’re at it, feel free to drop me a connection note on Facebook or LinkedIn (just do me a favor and let me know how you know me) or follow along on Twitter or at the Success for Solopreneur’s Facebook page.
