Networking - does it work

Comment

Comment by Timothy L. Bird on July 20, 2010 at 9:07pm

Thank you Jeff for that insight. That is what networking is all about and so many people just don't get it. I have a large network of people and clients, that call me for services that I don't offer, but know people who do what they need. Got to give before you get. The down side is that a fair amout of networkers it is all about them and not working with someone to return the favor. I like the drop the "I" from the conversation and could not have said it better. I am always adding new true networking people to my list of networkers to get real networkers that are just as concerned about building my business as theirs. I also use FB as a way to hook two people up that need that service or contact, and takes very little time to do just that. I get a lot of thank you's when I do that because they know the lead is coming from me to them.

Comment by Jeff Herrmann on July 20, 2010 at 12:27pm

Networking is one of most referenced and seldon-realized business activities. This is because most people who try to do it don't understand it. Just as a small group of people what networking means and you'll get typical responses like:
Using your friends to get customers
Meeting for lunch
Spending time on the phone
Asking people for referrals
This is not networking, and only reflect form rather than true substance. True networking start's with "how my I help you" and a real interest in the person your talking with. Drop the "I" from the conversation and see if you're more effective.

Comment by Timothy L. Bird on July 16, 2010 at 9:02pm

This is great feed back and enjoy the ideas and comments that are getting on this blog. I have never done something like this before and find it rewarding and hope all that write comments with share this site with their friends. I must give a big shout out to you Joleen, as you helped me get signed up and the basics of how to use this site. David, you are one that I would like to have further discussion with, as you have taken this to a level that I am more interested in lerning about. It is GREAT that we cah share ideas and what has worked and not worked. This economy is pretty bad, and if we don't work together, then we will like those that keep doing the same thing, the same way, and expect different results. HMMMMMMMMMM think there was a very smart and famious that made a statement like that in the past. Hope all have a great weekend and keep cool, and keep the comments comming.

Comment by Joleen Ruffin on July 16, 2010 at 7:05pm

I think that online networking provides a relaxed atmosphere to get to know someone without the pressure of direct conversation. Like Tim says, sometimes when you are networking in person, personalities may clash. I used to hate networking, but I have gotten to know many people better online so when we actually meet in person, the conversation is much easier.

Comment by David Gardner on July 16, 2010 at 6:48pm

I have gained very good clients (some for more than 3 years) through LinkedIn (and from all over the world!) and have also gotten some clients from Twitter.

Now, this isn't through obnoxious and blatent *advertising* (aka "spamming"), but through thoughtful participation in various lines of commentary that pertain precisely to what I do.

I'm an editor/writer with a degree in biology/chemistry with experience providing documentation in the fields of networking, IT security, data centers, biotech, aeronautics, engineering, lasers, environmental, manufacturing, financial services, and business. Plus, I've been a freelance and staff writer/photographer for daily newspapers/magazines.

So, when I see commentary that's in one of the fields that I've studied or have experience in, I respond to others and add my comments. I respond to others' questions (if I know I can provide fairly decent answers). When folks see my comments and like what I have to say, I occasionally get contacted to see if I could help them with their documentation (in any of those fields in which I have experience). That's how I got my clients in Japan, Vietnam, the Netherlands, Denmark, Oklahoma, Alaska, and other places.

My LinkedIn network consists primarily my current and former coworkers and clients and some professional friends. My Twitter (@fanihiman95376) is for anyone and everyone (and I also follow anyone I find reasonably interesting in fields I'd like to keep involved in). My MySpace is also sort of a "free-for-all". However, I'm limiting my Facebook to family, former-classmates, former buddies from Guam & New Mexico, and a few close coworker/friends. I don't expect to get business (if any) from Facebook. I know that with LinkedIn, it's a definite possibility. There may be some opportunities with Tracy Island Online--because Tracy Island Online is more of a *community* rather than a world-wide-dispersed network. I already give my patronage to certain businesses on Tracy Island Online (also because they are here in Tracy)-- because I like keeping my cash here in my own community.

There are other "networks" out there that can be used to establish a "community" -- I have over 227 "lenses" on Squidoo (http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/editordave), a Zazzle "store" (http://www.zazzle.com/editordave), and I have a bunch of blogs and CafePress "stores". All this creates sort of my own network, which helps in bringing business to me. (And all this did not happen overnight. I've been working on it over the past 4-6 years.... and it's only now starting to produce decent results.)

Good luck to all who are entering this new world of *virtual* working and reality! ( In addtion to my seminars on "How Money Works", I may also start holding seminars on producing Squidoo lenses that make money (Just check out what's for sale on my Squidoo lens http://www.squidoo.com/upintheair -- scroll to near the bottom) as well as a seminar on "How to Be a Better Writer and Get Published". These I'll hold at what used to be "Tracy Virtual Office"... now called the "Altamont Cowork" facility. Teleworking. Networking. It's the new reality!

Comment by 3PigsProduction on July 16, 2010 at 2:39pm

I have used Twitter almost exclusively to market my 4 iPhone/iPad apps. Now I am NOT getting rich but I have been pretty excited by what I do sell. I am sure some of the sales come from just people searching the iTunes database but every time I do a app tweet I see a jump in sales. Again it isn't a huge increase but more then what I normally do. At least I can say I pretty much wake up every morning and get a sales report. Some days it is just 1 app sold and other days more. With Twitter it is all about what hashtags you use, etc...

Haven't really tried Facebook, etc.. Don't the iPhone FaceTime thing will really do much for social networking. I think it is a cool wow feature but that is about it.

This site is great. I just wish we had more people active.

Comment by Timothy L. Bird on July 16, 2010 at 2:04pm

I would say a big YES to that. I use FB to hook up different people/businesses that need each others services. I have been very successful being the one that hooks up people in my network. The network of people/businesses contines to grow and we all get new clients in the end. But it goes to the last part of my post, that we must get to know each other, done best on a face to face basis to really know the person and if they are someone you want to refer to people that you know and that you would do business with. I have found new places to spend my money in Tracy and other areas because of how I share who I know.

Comment by Mike Pihlman on July 16, 2010 at 1:49pm

So what do you think of the new way to network? Tracy Island, Facebook, Twitter, the old fashioned email, and the new up-and-coming Facebook videoconferencing (3pigs: See how I said "new" :-). Do you think the same types of relationships can be developed using the NEW networking?