How To - Network

It's not my intention to tell people how to suck eggs but I was very surprised in the number of people who did not know how to network or why.

Put aside the details of what your business is about.  Whether that may be a stand alone business or if you're an affiliate marketer.  However, can we agree you are in the business of making money?

Readers need to know the year is 2014 because it's relevant.  Technology is everywhere and it's here to stay.  Sadly, the criminal element is siphoning huge sums of money from peoples bank accounts has made us all very cautious about who we do online business with.

 The above is one reason why many home business folks do not trust or engage in online business relationships.  Another reason is some people don't know how to establish these relationships.  More importantly, many folks don't think it's necessary.

Let me talk about the list (not how to build one).  Your list of names and email addresses are comprised of people who believe you are going to provide them with some form of value.  Something / someone has convinced these listed people to give you their details.  Furthermore, the value you are going to provide is exactly what your listed people need and are keen to receive from you.

In addition to that, your list of people must think you're an OK kinda person, they have some degree of trust in you.  You have obviously impressed these folks with your previous promotional material.  Perhaps you came across well in your video or slide show about your offering.  BUT wait, what's that you say!!!

NO list...you don't have a list!  At least the above two paras will give you a clue what you need to do to get a list.  Moving on....

Some people have a strange idea about networking.  They will join a few social media sites, fill in their bio and stick a pic of themselves or an irrelevant ghastly looking avatar on there and tell people how good they are.  They then post low value information and wonder why they are ignored.  I admit this is worse case but it happens.

To avoid my ramblings and a lengthy post, networking is about 'joining in'.  Subscribing to groups that you relate to.  Learn from others.  Take and offer advice or suggestions.   Respond to other people's posts, make constructive comment and invite remarks.  Yes, this will be an imposition for many of you and also will place you on the edge of your comfort zone.

I will tell you something I discovered.  By doing the above, I quickly realised I had more knowledge than many others and so my following grew.  This was a light bulb moment for me because I was networking, many of the folks that followed me knew about me via word-of-mouth.

In summary, networking is not plastering your posts on a social media site.  It's about getting involved and connecting with other people.  Seek out others in groups such as Google + or Face Book groups.  Forget about YOU for a while, get out there and introduce yourself to others.  Just like you would do at a party or business conference.

OK, that's it for now, I trust you got some value from this post.  Go ahead and subscribe to my blog, I reply to everyone.  Because it's Friday here in Oz, I wish you all a brilliant weekend.

TTFN

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