Online Social Networking

Back in the "old days", people networked or communicated in the following ways:

1. Meeting people face to face
2. Writing letters, i.e. Pen Pals
3. Telephone calls

As we have now entered the Information Age, it is now easier more than ever to network with others. As a result, online social networking has opened doors that did not previously exist.

With the presence of Internet social network sites like Facebook, PeopleString, and MySpace, one can communicate with friends and family by email or by downloading videos and photos. Online networking has made it possible for people to communicate with each other across the country as well as around the world-where they would otherwise never have the opportunity to connect.

As social networking becomes more and more popular among people and businesses alike, new social websites will emerge, bringing thousands of people together for a variety of purposes, such as:

1. Career advancement-finding jobs
2. Dating-finding a suitable mate for a long lasting relationship
3. Forming groups or clubs that share a common interest
4. Announcing or broadcasting important events
5. Maintaining contact with friends and family who live far away

Online networking also provides low cost or free advertising for businesses. This explains why many businesses now have either fan pages on websites like Facebook or a Twitter account. Business owners in general now realize the ability of social websites to reach millions of people. As an added incentive, many of these business fan clubs give their fans special discounts or savings that they otherwise would not receive.

Whether you love or hate social networking or have no opinion about it at all, online networking is here to stay, and it can be extremely beneficial to anyone who uses it. To really take advantage of online networking, I suggest that people join as many of these sites as possible so that you can contact lots of people to develop long-term relationships. Social networking is something that should be embraced rather than feared.

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Networking tips for small Businesses & Soloists on a Budget

Simple ideas that work perfectly for small businesses and soloists on a budget. Marketing does not have to be rocket science and does not have to be expensive to work successfully for you!

1. Create alliances within your circle of influence

Amongst the peers you trust, foster relationships to refer and receive referrals. Work together on joint ventures to expand your opportunities. Create newsletters together to double, treble, quadruple your database of potential clients. Share advertising opportunities together, expo stands etc if you have like minded products suitable for clients in the same buying cycle

2. Network to grow your business

Don't shy away from networking opportunities, make the effort to represent your business and watch the synchronous doors open. Be passionate about your business and sum it up very briefly with a hook of "what it is in for the listener". Rather than say you are a web designer, say "I create generating income websites that work while you sleep". Far more interesting to the listener and more likely to be a conversation starter.

3. A user friendly website is your best silent salesman

When did you last click through the links on your website? Is your site easy to navigate, is it up to date and is it search engine optimised. What year is noted at the very bottom of your template? Are your contact details visible on every page? Is there a call to action on every page? Is there a way to collect email addresses from site visitors respectfully? Can you read your web diagnostics, if not ask your administrator how so that you can take advantage of the marketing opportunities tracked behind your website.

4. Find ways to thank your clients

The great advantage of small businesses is the personal relationship you develop with your clients. Be unique and think of creative ways to thank your clients. Small and personal is generally really appreciated, don't try to compete on dollar terms with big business. For example, invite a client to attend a seminar, breakfast, information session, networking event with you.

5. Adopt the give not get policy

What can you do for a prospective client or existing client without expecting anything in return? Can you network two clients who will benefit from this business connection? It costs you nothing to connect people and making introductions that will benefit both their businesses means both parties will be grateful you thought of them. This is a win-win for everyone.

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