Networking is something everyone does, whether they realize it or not. We are always constantly meeting new people in an effort to better ourselves and to solve the problems we encounter, whether they be personal or professional. As I said recently in this space, I have found that it is much more efficient to network with people online than it is in real life. People online seems to be more friendly and willing to share their experience and knowledge. Through my blog and other efforts to network online, I have met a lot of great people over the past few months.
I have compiled my top five reasons for networking online.
- No one knows everything. The fact is that most people have one main area of expertise and are less skilled in other areas. The owner of an e-business has to take on many different jobs and tasks. Though I have learned many skills in the past few months related to running a business, in truth I am a business novice; there are many situations that I don’t know how to handle. Thanks to my network of friends and supporters, I am almost always able to find the right advice from someone who has experience in a specific area.
- New opportunities for business ventures. Just because you live in Hong Kong and I live in Arizona doesn’t mean we can’t work together! Networking business people and entrepreneurs is something the Internet does very well now through social networks such as LinkedIn and PartnerUp. These networks are the stomping grounds of successful people and those who are looking to become successful.
- Market yourself before you ever meet. One of the best things about blogging is that you are able to market yourself and your abilities prior to interacting with others. If you convey a professional, dedicated, and serious online persona, people will seek you out for knowledge, business opportunities, and work!
- A global perspective. Let’s face it. Despite how much we think we know, we know precious little in the global scheme of things. We are fortunate that the Internet brings together diverse people and cultures. Who do you think knows more about marketing in China – I or someone from China? That being said, there are fundamental similarities we all share, and a love of the Internet and business is something I have used as starting point to find common ground with people all over the world!
- The perfect candidate is out there. All of us who have started or run our own business know the difficulty of finding the right person for the job. We all have an idea of who the “right candidate” is, but in the traditional hiring process, we hire only those who are local to us. The Internet has changed all that; businesses are now being started and becoming successful without its employees ever meeting each other!
Conclusion
If you have not started chatting with people in your community or network, I highly recommend that you begin doing so. And by chatting, I mean using an IM client, such as Skype, Gtalk, MSN, or AIM. I use all four of those to keep in contact with between 30-50 people, all of whom I have “met” in the past 4 months. Some of the best business advice, tips, and strategies I have received have occurred in instant-message conversations.
I strongly believe “What goes around, comes around,” otherwise known as Karma. By sharing your knowledge and advice with others, you generate good will that comes back around to you. The potential for generating goodwill is virtually unlimited through online networking. New eggs are hatched constantly that may determine your path and success in life.
You’ve got great perspective on this topic, Nate. I couldn’t agree more with what you are saying here. Great post, man!
It’s amazing, my blog is a personal/article/tutorial blog (really, whatever I want to talk about), but people often come to me asking for blogging advice, even though I probably make less money than them. I don’t know why (think it’s because I’ve been blogging for five years), but it’s nice to be loved!
I need to get on these IM clients and start chatting with my fellow Web Entrepreneurs. My problem is my laptop at home is horrible, and my desk is outside in the garage. I need to move everything into a central location in the house, especially since I have a toddler and newborn running around.
awesome points. It’s amazing how many people you can meet on the internet! You never know what may come from a networking opportunity.
Very good points Nate! I agree with everything you said. For as much as you’ve been helping me lately on GTalk, your Karma should be high! 🙂
So which IM client are you using for those four networks, Nate? Personally I use Pidgin (http://www.pidgin.im) to connect to GTalk, AIM, and Yahoo simultaneously. It works great, it’s fast, and it’s ad-free.
I use iChat for AIM and Gtalk, and then I use skype and MSN separately. I am logged in to each client simultaneously for most of the day. I have used Meebo before and that is pretty cool!
I don’t know where you find the time my friend.
When working 12-hour days, 7 days a week, I can always find time to chat with some of my trusted e-friends. We should chat sometime, Armen – would like to hear how everything is going for you!
Working 7 days a week is dangerous Nate. Every man needs a day of ‘downtime’, even if you physically feel ok. People crash and burn all the time, that’s why 4 million people every year in the US contact professional help.
(Sorry to sound so pessimistic, just thinking of you)
Anyway, back to what you said. I’ll try to IM you within the next fortnight. (I’ve visitors who I don’t really know, staying with me next week, and being a host to them is going to eat up most of my time).
The funny thing about my work is that it doesn’t feel like work. I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing with my life right now, even if it is so singularly focused. Balance is key and I am aware that breaks are necessary. Hey, when it’s 115 out, it’s quite nice to take a dip in the pool…
I don’t use IM client that much, the main reason is … i can’t really finish my work, on road and there is too many IM client:) I usually prefer email, one stop center and “reply” when you are free.
Well, i’m a bit out date in the IM, and my friends will get very surprise when I’m available in IM, but definitely using IM will make you feel closer to your friends. maybe this is the area that I need to work on, use IM and get work done:)
Great post. Thanks for reminding me about the potential and benefits of online networking.
very very interesting! nice posts, good ideas! i love your blog! it has a calming affect, it seems to speak to the monkey inside me! 😀
Great post Nate. I love the world wide web. I’ts like a friendly community and it feels great to be a part of it.
Great post man. These are some of the same reasons I am constantly trying to meet and talk with people online. Also, when you keep yourself humble and realize you are not an expert in every field, people are much more receptive to your questions becaue they know that you are going to take their advice to heart. Keep the insight coming!
Couldn’t agree more Nate. Even in the 3 months I’ve been blogging, so many opportunities have arisen from the almost accidental meet ups I’ve had. That’s the one think I like about networking online – sometimes great things happen without you even trying! And if you put a little effort into it…the possibilities are endless!
Nice post, networking is definitely one of the things I need to work on. I bet a bit more networking could really help me to improve my business but I’m quite bad at it.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Networking is a must for any business be it online or offline.
Simon
I found that I am able to network with more people online faster and more efficient too… It’s a must for anybody who wants to do business in both online and offline!