It's All About the Connection

How well connected are you these days? One of the best ways to build a business is through networking. Now, I'm not telling you something that you don't already know, right? Most business owners belong to at least 2-3 associations or networking organizations, such as Amspirit, EWomen, and LeTip. Obviously, by attending regularly and getting involved in your networking groups, you have the opportunity to meet prospects and strategic alliances. Through networking, I've met many of my clients, invitations for speaking engagements and even profitable partnerships. My JV partner, Meredith and I, met through, yes, you guessed it, networking. (eWomen Network)

There is just no doubt about it! Good things happen when you get out there and connect with others. People do business with those they know, like and trust. While there are many, many obvious benefits to live, in-person networking, there's a new kid on the "networking block", and it's called Web 2.0.

Basically, Web 2.0 has opened the doors for networking and you don't even need to get dressed up to do it! Through various online social networking sites, such as Facebook,Plaxo,Linked In,and Twitter our world has suddenly become even more accessible and connected!The beauty of online social networking is the "six degrees of seperation" concept.By connecting with your contacts, you then have the ability to widen your sphere by being introduced to their circle of influence, and this pattern can replicate itself many times over.

Are there any downsides to the new phenomena of online social networking? Sure, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of online networks available and by learning this new system.Just as anything we learn for the first time, there is a bit of a learning curve. You definately want to be strategic and smart about how you use these new tools.

Here are 2 quick tips to leverage your online social networking:

1. Hire a savy web 2.0 person to help you set-up your accounts so that they are all connected to your blog. It's actually pretty easy to do yourself, but you'll save yourself tons of time by having someone set it up and walk you through it.By using a "hub" such as Hello Text, you can reduce the amount of time updating your communication to your network.

2. Do your homework, learn the "rules" and the basic protocol for Facebook, Twitter and Linked In. A couple of excellent resources include Nancy Marmelejo, of www.VivaVisablity.com and Mari Smtih of rwww.MariSmith.com.Both have the programs to help you master Web 2.0 quickly.

It really is a brand new world out there and the best ways to increase your visiblity with your target market and like minded individuals is to plug into online social networks.

Please join me on the web and let's get our networks connected! You can connect with me at Linked In & Facebook.