Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts

Social Networking

So you have heard about it on the news, read about it in the paper and you still have no idea what all these people are talking about. No problem, I have you covered guys.


What are social networking sites?


All that social networking refers to is people coming together on a website to discuss similar interests. What! That's it?


Yes, there are lot of ways to put it and spin what this is, but in a nutshell that is it guys. These are a very powerful way to get a group of knowledgeable people to share what they know and how they learned. Not always are these groups about knowledge, but in most cases they are.


The reason that these sites are super powerful as a online marketer is that you can meet people and get to know them. Most people look at selling items like you actually have to sell an item. What I mean by that is that you can become a power seller of any product on these sites, not by trying to tell people to buy, but by making friends.

Yes, believe it or not, it has been proven that people are more likely to buy and tell friends about products that are offered by somebody that they feel they know.

Social bookmarking sites are very similar to these network sites, the difference being the focus on sharing links to popular blogs, videos and pictures online. These sites have an amazing power to grow website traffic and raise your Google search engine listings overnight if you have a lot of friends on them!


So quit trying to sell and learn how to make some new friends and get wealthy instead!


This is the first article in the series on Social Networking so make sure to watch for the next articles as they come out.





Related Networks Articles

Photo Networking

Pictures say a thousand words and indeed they are the best means to keep memories alive. Whether its your friends wedding or your first birthday it is actually possible to live bygone moments even after decades. However, lovely memories are best cherished when shared with your loved ones.

Here comes the significance of photo online sharing in the present era. Prior to the advent of the digital age, the most popular means of photo sharing was to take double or triple prints and either mail them or give them to the person we wanted to share with. But then, this was not only expensive but also time-consuming.

The dawn of the digital age and Internet to be specific has been instrumental in easing out the photo online sharing methods. Especially, the free online photo sharing websites available have made things further hassle free. No emails, no attachments; you simply need to upload photos and specify the email address of the people on your Photo rating list.

You can even create albums and display them on any social networking account you have. Since there are varied photo online sharing websites available, finding a few trendy websites that stand out in the crowd is tricky. Below is a list of four photo-sharing websites that are not only popular and offer free online photo sharing, they are the trendiest of the lot as well.

It is still the reigning portal in terms of features, popularity and audience when it comes to online photo sharing websites. Originally envisaged as a video game screenshot sharing portal in 2002, Flickr soon surfaced as an online photo sharing website with a bustling community. Even though, this Yahoo! owned portal offers limited space and often users are pressed to pay for unlimited accounts, Flickr users are increasing every single day. The portal allows unlimited uploading, sharing and other features. A recently included feature is the video sharing facility.

Another prominent contender to the title of trendy photo online sharing website, Photobucket is a favorite among the younger people. A few years back, this portal was popular as the most hassle free image hosting and sharing portal, especially, for online community forums and blogging sites such as MySpace, etc. With Photobucket you can create and share albums, devise slide shows and share them too. The site has recently turned eyeballs with its technology driven features. It attracts both amateur and professional photographers.

A popular pick among university and college forums, Shutterfly is another name among the trendy and popular online photo sharing portals on the web. This website allows you to upload, edit, mail-to-order and even print photos. However, the reason behind its popularity among student forums is the unique feature of the portal allowing teams and groups to share and even use photos on several other websites.

Though a paid photo online sharing website, Smugmug is the first choice among professional photographers. However, the best part of the portal is its attractive and user-friendly interface which turns it into one of the trendiest portals in the true sense. ThCult: For starters, TheCult is by far the coolest photo sharing website. Its interesting interface offers images displayed under different categories. You can upload any kind of image you like and share it with nth number of people you want.



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Networking Fatigue?

The holiday season gives us a great opportunity to meet lots of people. I actually love meeting new people, but I consider the holidays to be my "vacation time" and working is the last thing I want to do. Now that the holidays are officially over, all the parties are done and the decorations have been taken down, I've had some time to think about how I could have improved the golden opportunities that were presented to me.


First off, a changed attitude and a plan could have done wonders. Rather than thinking of it as 'work', I could have had more fun gathering interesting solid information, engaging in intellectual pursuits, and getting news I could use. Once the conversation turns to the weather, I know it's my time to either change the course of the conversation, or leave. 


I also discovered a few ways to relieve the fatigue of networking, especially during the holidays


1.

Enjoy the party!

You don't have to make it into a business function. Even though having a plan is important, most of the time the plan happens without much effort. So, sit back and enjoy the festivities.


2. Go with a purpose in mind.


A purpose doesn't mean it can't be fun. Find a person who has the same hobby or enjoys reading the same author. Seek out the Real Estate Agent and find out about the market in the area. Learn about community changes, new buildings, new streets and new pubic appointments. Meet your new neighbors and maybe meet a few old ones whom you don't know. 


3. Make it a personal achievement game.


Again, make it purposeful, but FUN. Create a game to earn points for the number of people who meet a certain requirement  you've set. (i.e. How many people have read a book by both Hemingway and J.K. Rowling? How many people have never seen 'The Wizard of Oz')


4. Schedule yourself


Plan to attend this event for 2 hours or specify a time that you must leave


A few more general suggestions:


* Remember Etiquette


If you have received an invitation, respond within 24 hours but don't ask "so who is coming?"


** Be Prepared 1


Add a small pen and pad (better yet an index card) in your pocket, in case you need to write down contact information. An index card is heavier and will stand out among your other papers.


***   Be Prepared 2


Create a list of interesting questions. The three below are just a start.


a. "What are you reading?" This question always takes me by surprise. Reading is such a solitary pursuit that I am delighted when someone actually asks.


b. "What interested you in your career? What has kept you in the field?"


c. "What are you passionate about today?" This question usually takes people by surprise, but I ask, tell them something that I'm passionate about (for me, it's a new found passion with music) and see where the conversation goes.


**** Networking is about attitude. Put on your best smile, bring an inquisitive mind and you're good to go.


The key components of networking are to remember that if you are in business, you are always selling. If you want to meet new people who can help you grow a business or a community, you need a plan. Know your outcome before you step foot into that crowd of people.


Make networking work for you - you'll enjoy yourself more and it will inevitably be profitable.

Social Networking

Once signed onto a social network, having answered a few basic profile questions, it is easy to sit back and wonder what you are supposed to do next. Networking is based on a certain structure that allows people to both express their individuality and meet people with similar interests.

This structure includes having profiles, friends, blog posts, widgets, and usually something unique to that particular community website. Special features include the ability to 'poke' people on Facebook or high-five someone on Hi5.

Career websites can provide the cornerstone to recruiting efforts for a company and can be a great asset to the hungry professional hoping to leverage their corporate contacts in order to improve their job. Focused on business, these social structures provides the tools needed to reach out and make connections, find new jobs, or find specialized job seekers.

Whether you are looking for a promotion or looking for new opportunities, community business networking can be just the thing to advance your career. Career websites are also a boon to recruiters looking to fill urgent vacancies.

CompanyLoop is a business structure aimed at workers in the same company. By restricting access to only co-workers, CompanyLoop allows you to connect with your fellow employees and share knowledge specific to your vocation.

Not only can you stay up to date with your co-workers, you can find the people you need to get your tasks done faster. DoMyStuff is a website designed to connect people who want stuff done to people who will do it.

DoMyStuff allows everything from household chores to corporate tasks to be outsourced to thousands of assistants bidding on the jobs. An alternative to hiring a temp agency to fill short-term needs, DoMyStuff is also a good site for people looking to do odd jobs.

DOOSTANG is a company structure marketing itself as an exclusive career website for top young professionals. To become a member, you must either be at a company that is hiring or have an invite from a current member.

While the idea is to raise the level of talent in the job seeker pool, whether this is actually true is open for debate. Fast Pitch connects enterprising professionals to other professionals and is a great way for job seekers to become involved with potentially their next boss.

It also provides tools for businesses to market themselves and helps drive traffic to the company website. In this way, it is a great community for entrepreneurs.

Konnects is a website aimed at the young professional who wants to start building a network of contacts. It is also geared toward the new business looking to start their own community and offers the tools needed to promote the company.

LinkedIn is the most popular business website and one of the most recognizable social networks in the world. Focused on helping professionals maintain their list of connections, LinkedIn also provides invaluable information on companies and is a great resource for job seekers and for filling job vacancies.

PairUp takes a step away from the standard career website by focusing on the frequent business travel. Providing the tools to share travel plans and alert colleagues that you are arriving in town, PairUp is a great resource to cope with changing itineraries.

Ryze was one of the first social networking websites. With the ability to set up company structures, Ryze is a great destination for companies wanting to get more done on the web.

It is also great for professionals who want to create their own networks and connect with other professionals. Spoke is a business community that specializes on the recruiting aspects of social networks.

Unlike many other social structures for professionals, Spoke is an open-ended structure that allows companies to search through the database and tailor their recruiting efforts to a specialized audience. XING is one of the oldest business-oriented structures.

With over six million professionals using the service every day and conducting business in 16 different languages, XING is a world leader in career networking. An excellent site for keeping track of your contacts, XING can also help employers fill job vacancies and help young professionals land their first big job.


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Business Networking

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is the leading authority on hospitality and tourism issues with government, media, industry and opposition. It represents 3, 4, and 5 Stars accommodation hotels and 8500 pub-style throughout Australia. Importantly, the AHA is a political lobby group that looks for change in order to benefit the hotel industry. The AHA (NSW) maintains strong personal links with government and opposition members at all government levels, builds a strong media profile by the use of a professional public relations campaign, and corporate image program for the current modern hotel. Importantly, this association offers many other services to the members like getting involved in negotiations with trade unions on different matters, monitoring social and community issues like problems of gambling, excessive drinking as well as smoking, distributing industry developments and news by the use of magazines, reports as well as meetings, and offering insurance that is specifically meant and designed for hotels.

The main aim of this association is to become the leading hotel and hospitality company association that offer leadership and responsible approach to represent the needs of the stakeholders. It is located in New South Wales in Australia where it can be contacted through; Site Address: Level 1, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000

Postal Address: PO Box 18067, 45 Collins Street East, Melbourne Victoria 8003
Telephone: (03) 9654 7100 Facsimile: (03) 9654 1724 Email: aha@ahavic.com.au


It is not restricted to join the AHA online but an interested individual ort group is required to fill an application form online. The cost of joining this association is not great but one is required to fill a payment authority form and pay some subscription fee. After joining this association there are some benefits like representation in a strong political lobby group that looks for change in the hotel industry. Protection of gaming investments, access to industrial relations department for information and advice, discounted accommodation rates, an opportunity to network with hoteliers through social and exclusive industry events. The Australian Hotel Association in located in urban areas of New South Wales in Australia with its headquarters in this state.


On the other hand, Real Estate Association is a federally and state registered union for employees in the real estate industry. In this case, this association is industry-based with extensive knowledge of issues affecting employees. Employees, property managers, property officers, and strata managers among others in the real estate are the most eligible individuals who can join this association. The cost of joining is 5.00 including GST for the first year, then .00 per year (including GST) thereafter. When members join this association, there are benefits like; assisted with contracts of employment, advices on employment and professional issues, negotiating and employment conditions. In order to join this association, there is a form which one is required to fill online. The headquarters of this association are located at New South Wales in Australia where they can be contacted through;


REA Office
P: 02 9672 6777
E: administration@reansw.asn.au
F: 02 9672 6772


Or Address
Real Estate Association of NSW
Suite 110
Level 1 Versatile Building
29-31 Lexington Drive
Bella Vista  NSW  2153


Importantly, these two associations may be very helpful in business situation especially by helping deal with a business professionally. On this basis, the Australian Hotel Association will help in a business by providing protection of gaming investments, access to industrial relations department for information and advice, discounted accommodation rates, an opportunity to network with hoteliers through social and exclusive industry events. Additionally, the AHA may be used in offering many services to the business owners like getting involved in negotiations with trade unions on different matters, monitoring social and community issues like problems of gambling, excessive drinking as well as smoking, distributing industry developments and news by the use of magazines, reports as well as meetings, and offering insurance that is specifically meant and designed for hotels.


On the other hand, the Real Estate Association in New South Wales could be very beneficial business situations. In this case, it is very cheap to join this association and hence businessmen can use it to secure their employees and properties. These benefits are very essential to the business. In this case, employees will be assisted with contracts of employment, advices on employment and professional issues, negotiating and employment conditions.


In order to connect to the other business professionals a company in Australia can use links like linkedin to connect to other business professionals of the world. This will help in increasing the profitability and production of a business. In creating this link, online linkage may be very helpful. In this case, there will be development of business networks with other professionals who are well engaged in this field. Importantly, one needs to fill a form when applying for online networks and guidelines will be given. This is very helpful as it will assist a business to prosper in terms of networks all over the world.


It is of important to note that, some people do not have the self confidence of socializing with other people and hence find it hard to talk with people who are strangers to them. In such a situation, the Australian Hotel Association and the Real Estate Associations in Australia would be found more helpful in providing career advices, social counseling, and professional terms in business through professional associations. In this basis, these associations would be of much benefit to various businesses as they provide networking which would be of much importance to them.


The Australian Hotels Association is the leading authority on hospitality and tourism issues with government, media, industry and opposition maintains strong personal links with government and opposition members at all government levels, builds a strong media profile by the use of a professional public relations campaign, and corporate image program for the current modern hotel.


Importantly, this association offers many other services to the members like getting involved in negotiations with trade unions on different matters, monitoring social and community issues like problems of gambling, excessive drinking as well as smoking, distributing industry developments and news by the use of magazines, reports as well as meetings, and offering insurance that is specifically meant and designed for hotels. The AHA does not restrict new members from joining and hence is the best in creation of networks in businesses. It is located in an urban setting making it very easy to access. Additionally, it is very easy to join online by filling in an application for.


In conclusion, it is very important to join this association as can be seen from the benefits provided to its members. Importantly, there are a lot of opportunities which are created through this network that are very helpful in any business.


In my role and industry, there exist two associations namely; Australian Hotels Association and Real Estate Association which help in providing personal knowledge, skills and expertise. In this case, by working with AHA it is of significance since I will gain knowledge in business and networking. This would be of benefit to my professional in business. On the other hand, the REA will help in gaining knowledge about how I can motivate and control my employees in a business. This is done with an aim of getting profits. The main aim of this association is to become the leading hotel and hospitality company association that offer leadership and responsible approach to represent the needs of the stakeholders


It is of importance to note that, the Australian Hotels Association would work very well in aspects like marketing plan. In this case, the AHA (NSW) maintains strong personal links with government and opposition members at all government levels, builds a strong media profile by the use of a professional public relations campaign, and corporate image program for the current modern hotel. This would be more helpful in planning for marketing. As a result of its links with the government, opposition and media; it would be very much beneficial in marketing products of an industry in Australia. Additionally, the media would be a very viable type of marketing which would help in reaching a wide range of people in New South Wales and the rest of Australia.


Additionally, as the main aim of this association is to become the leading hotel and hospitality company association that offer leadership and responsible approach to represent the needs of the stakeholders, it would serve as a very crucial tool in marketing plan. On this basis, the AHA helps in marketing of tourism in the hotel industry as it's a global association which can be accessed online. Ion the field of tourism, the AHA plays a very significant role in connecting tourists to the hotel owners and managers hence bring about huge amount of money to the company. Additionally, this would be very important in the field of tourism as it helps in making up a marketing plan. This is because a hotel manager already knows where to market his/her hotels to.


When dealing with networking in a business situation, there are negative and positive behaviors. These behaviors are brought about by the aspect of networking in a business. Among the positive behaviors are; huge exposure, more pointed exposure, find partners, gauge the waters, and inexpensiveness. On this basis, when networking in a business context the social networking websites offers various perspective of customers. This can be very friendly, amusing, enjoyable and so no. additionally, the negative behaviors are; there are costs whether there are sales or not. Additionally, there is less emphasis on personal development as well as financial freedom.


usiness context needs to be built over a long period of time. On this basis, if there is some personal interest in a certain business there will be some trust in that business. On this basis, personal interests indicate that an individual is interested in that business. On the other hand, when one is friendly and approachable by customers trust in that business will be easily built and within the least time possible. A person who is available when needed by customers will experience business success in long run. Additionally, trust in business may be built when one acts secretively. In this case, there will be successes in cases of competitions.


In a business context there may be a relationship between the employee and the client in an office. Additionally, there may be a relationship between an employer and the employee in an office. Importantly, the relationship between the employee and the client is very important as it will determine the amount of profits accrued in that business as a result of customers' satisfaction. This relationship can be maintained when customers are adequately satisfied with the services provided. On the other hand, the relationship between the employee and employer is very crucial as it will tell how the work is being performed. It can be maintained by employees performing their best level while the employers adequately satisfying the employees through motivating them.


Importantly, when maintaining the relationships in a business there may be challenges like lack of training of the employees which may result to employees not adequately satisfying their clients. On the other hand, the employers may not be motivating employees making them perform poorly. The clients may be very disturbing hence annoying the employees.


Basically, problems occurring in business relationships may be minimized by making sure that there is respect in every sense of relationship. This can be obtained if employees are well satisfied and hence they perform well towards the employers and the clients. Additionally, the employers should make sure that the services provided in that business are of high quality in order to satisfy the clients. Also the recruited employees should be well trained in order to improve their performance.


In a business, relationships can be managed by satisfying employees by motivating them which would help in improving relationships in businesses in future. Certainly, when employees are satisfied they will be willing and well motivated to provide the clients with high quality services which will improve the business performance in future. In order to do this, it is of importance to consider increasing payments given to employees and provide them with trainings. Additionally, employees will feel more motivated to work if they are given leave and other benefits in their places of work.


Australian Institute of Professional Education (AIPE) provides services to the students in Australian colleges. It is located in a modern, spacious, and air conditioned premises in North Sydney. On this basis, students should join AIPE because it provides students with better presentation techniques as well as reducing fear of presenting before other students. Further, through working together in AIPE students are in a position to network with other international students and get the best information about any topic of issue. There are internet services provided to the students, first year students are given a 10% discount if payments are made in advance. Certainly, the AIPE offers its students with a complex student support networks it terms of employment advice, counseling or information concerning upcoming social proceedings.


It is of importance to note that, verbal or written presentations will help students in AIPE to learn better presentation techniques as well as reducing fear of presenting before other students. In this case therefore students will be more encouraged to learn presentation techniques. Moreover, verbal or written presentation will help in cross-cultural exchange of ideas and experience. Further, there is an interaction where many people interact and hence educate each other. For those students who are not fluent in talking especially when they are before other students it would be a very great chance for them to be taught how to go about it.


It is of importance to note that, the major role of Australian Institute of Professional Education alumni tries to unite people in colleges and other institutions of higher learning. Basically, it helps to encourage those students in universities and colleges to form a network where they can help each other in terms of encouragements, advices, counseling and other issues on matters concerning issues of life after school. This it achieves by bringing people together and providing a website where students can learn from others online. Additionally, it achieves this by creating and extending it networking to so many students in the whole of Australia and to other international students.


A point worth noting is that, there are different ways of improving networking ability of AIPE alumni. In this case, internet is a very viable means of communication where students will be sending their comments to a certain created website or an email address. In addition, there should be some selected individuals who will be receiving information from different students and giving feedbacks. In order to strongly maintain networking, there is a great need to have annual meetings in one place where contentious issues will be discussed

Business Networking - Am I a Nurturing Networker?

What exactly is a Nurturing Networker, and why does being one matter?  If you are in business you probably think of networking as a necessary part of marketing. You find some groups of other business people, you go to their events, and you talk about your business. Your focus is primarily on you, your needs, your sales. If you can help someone else without too much effort, you probably will, but mostly you are trying to encourage others to help you. If you attend a couple events and get few good business leads, you decide it's a waste of time and stop going.


The mindset of a Nurturing Networker is very different. And yes, being a Nurturing Networker starts in your mind. You see networking as a way of life, not a series of events you need to attend for your business. Whether in a group setting or talking to someone individually, you are networking. You think of networking as primarily a way to connect, develop relationships, and help other people. As you are listening to someone you are looking for an opportunity to make a connection or otherwise assist them with their goals. When you are alone, you spend some time thinking about your contacts and how you might be able to help them. As a Nurturing Networker, you know it's all about the other person, and by focusing on them you will benefit much more than you will if you focus on you.


Nurturing is defined as promoting the development of someone else by providing nourishment, support, and encouragement during the stages of growth. As a Nurturing Networker, you recognize that everyone is in a different place in their business and their life. You can nourish them by promoting them to others.

You can support them by providing resources and ideas. You can encourage them by inspiring them with confidence and courage. You genuinely care about the whole person: their business, their family, their hobbies, their dreams. It shows in your actions.

Why does being a Nurturing Networker matter? It matters because you want to make a positive impact in the world, and the only way you can do that is through your relationships. It matters because it is more satisfying to give to others than to always be grasping for what you want and need. When you are giving, what you need will come to you effortlessly. It matters because it will change the way you look at things, and your life will be richer.

Networking Management

Today it is nearly improbable for a business not to have PCs, whether or not it is a construction company or a high technology firm. When a business has more than one PC, they're nearly always connected together in a neighborhood network. These networks might be nearly complicated and thus kind of pricey.


Firms invest so much ( vis both time and cash ) in a neighborhood networks because there are several advantages a neighborhood network brings to a business and how it is administered.


Some firms utilize a neighborhood network in such a manner they're highly dependent upon it mostly working. If the organization's's network fails, then you will see all of the staff speaking away in the corridors because they can not do their work. This suggests huge losses for the company and causes pressures on the workers. All corporations must consider their neighborhood networks a critical asset and down time must be evaded.

This imposes massive demands on the network staff to keep such networks running about a hundred percent of the time.

The benefits of PC Network Management


One of the key benefits of installing and maintaining LANs is the break they create for better communication and cooperation between workers and clients.


Security points to consider : neighborhood Network security can be both a help and hindrance. All-encompassing security is beneficial as it offers a central and safe methodology for information access and accident recovery. All info is guarded by the design and implementation of the network security solution. From another viewpoint, interconnecting PCs in neighborhood networks creates a risk to security, since doing so makes it technically possible for trespassers to access many machines on the network right now.


Cost issues : Installing a neighborhood network is a comparatively pricey project. Servers, wiring, switches, routers and software can all be pricey and should never be acquired without expert recommendation. Keeping the network operating and secure also needs a large amount of resources and can be expensive.


Amazingly , a neighborhood network can bring a considerable number of savings. Sharing resources avoids the necessity to purchase kit for every individual. Far more significant is the safety a neighborhood network can provide. Information loss could cost a business a good deal of money and in a number of cases, cause the business to shutdown altogether. Computer Network Management should need a consistent routine for information backups with consistent checkups of info quality - a practice that may save a company large sums in the eventuality of a mishap.


PC Network Management : initial research phases


The first section of PC network management is to pinpoint the source of the issue ( an initial study that looks into a few options of differing scope might be helpful here ) and outlining it in a design of wants. Examples of what should ideally be evaluated are dissimilar network operating systems, mail systems, and other applications. The selection of hardware elements should additionally be evaluated. This phase is often directed at building what the system should do, not how it should do it.


PC Network Management : design phase


The intention of design phase is to work out how the prerequisites of the blueprint are going to be met. The present approach to giant, complex projects is to damage them down into smaller, more controllable subprojects.


PC Network Management : implementation phase


This phase involves the physical installation of the neighborhood network. Wires are run, software is installed, and PCs and other hardware are implemented.


PC Network Management: integration and system testing phase


In this phase, commissioning of the network starts, and routines are evolved to users and the operating staff. The system must be tested, both to guarantee the networking meets the prerequisites set down in the blueprint and that it's stable enough to perform the central function it has in the organization.


PC Network Management: operation and upkeep neighborhood networks have complicated operating routines.


This is as there could be significant results when faults happen or unapproved people get access to the system. Many firms have workers devoted only to look after running and maintaining PC networks. These system directors may handle network issues like performance, trustworthiness and security of both hardware and software.





Related Networks Articles

The Value of Your Network and Networking

"The value of a network grows in proportion to the square of the number of users."


Metcalf's Law


In an increasingly noisy world, we are all becoming more immune and even resistant to messages and information from others.


Go back a generation or two and you'll find most business/personal transactions were done on a handshake with someone you knew or got to know through someone you knew. Your route to success today is still tied to your roots . . . the relationships you have built in your life, on trust.


A Network is a group or system of related or connected parts. The action form of Network is Networking - the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.


Both the Network and Networking are important.


Most people are familiar with the principle of Six Degrees of Separation, where it has been proven that almost all human beings are no more than six people or contacts apart.

But without an intentional strategy to build your network or to be involved in networking, Six Degrees of Separation is only a mathematical principle with little or no intrinsic value.

Think about it. Who do you prefer to do business with and provide referrals for? The usual answer is people you already know. The key is to get to personally know and connect with even more individuals. The more people you are directly connected with, the more people you will have inside your network - and also waiting just six contacts away from you.


The art of building a valuable network is strategic in nature - it does not happen by accident.


Successful networking is built on trust. Essentially, it is more about giving than getting. Inexperienced networkers have the attitude of what can I get from this group or person when, in fact, the opposite mental set must be present to build a long-term network. Yes, we must be strategic with the individuals and groups with whom we connect, but we must have in our heart: what can we give or contribute, not what can we take.


Networking is also about quality, not quantity. It took me several years to learn not to be anxious or frantic when attending networking events or opportunities. I used to try to meet as many people as possible. With that approach, I met everyone but really knew no one.


Building relationships takes time and effort. This holds true in the networking world. I have found that if I go to an event or attend some type of networking opportunity and connect (not meet) with just one or two individuals, my time has been well invested. The challenge is that today's society wants us to think that the fast and the furious win the race. When building a network, being focused and intentional is far more productive.


Networking is a principle that usually defies logic or predictability. Many of us will try to determine in advance who and what will come out of a specific network or contacts. My experience is the exact opposite. Your successful contact, connections, and contracts will usually come from where you least expect them. The best examples of this are the true stories each of us has lived.


Here is an example. In 1989 I joined the National Speakers Association (NSA) and attended my first national convention in Dallas, Texas. Admittedly it was an intimidating event; I met Zig Ziglar, Cavett Robert, and other luminaries from the speaking industry. On the first day, I met fellow Canadian speaker Brian Lee and we became friends. The next year at the NSA National Conference in Atlanta, Brian introduced me to his friend Patti, a trainer who lived in Atlanta. Patti and I also became friends.


Here is where the story reveals the power of a network. Two years later (1992), Patti called me, - all excited. "Ken, I have just met this person here in Atlanta who is looking for trainers for a large project in Canada. I gave Jim your name. Here is his information . . ."


I called Jim the next day and soon thereafter, we met. Jim and his committee selected me to work with them. That single contact referred by Patti resulted in a contract with a Fortune 100 company that, over 10 years, was worth over million dollars to our firm. Never could I have anticipated or predicted that sequence of events. I also wonder where I would be without that single contact made with Brian Lee over 15 years ago.


No matter what your need, focus, or interest, there is almost always an association, network, or group of like-minded individuals. Find out who and where these groups meet. Use the Internet to search for these groups; they range from obvious business organizations to associations for Parents with ADHD Children to thousands of other groups.


I encourage you that whenever possible, be part of a live event. The impact and quality of a person-to-person interaction cannot be replaced by phone calls or email.


Be intentional, be strategic, be giving, and watch what happens. You will be amazed at the power of networking. Remember the old cliché - success is not about what you know, but who you know!


Action Steps to Help You Increase the Value of Your Network


First you must acknowledge that your network and networking are highly influencing your success level.
Building a true network of value does not happen by accident.
Become intentional and strategic about your network and networking activities. Determine how you want your network to look and who should be in it. Define its reason or benefit.
Find out where the individuals you want to target are already meeting or if they are already part of a network.
Be clear about your objectives and purpose.
Always, always, always focus on what you can give not take from the network. Think of what you can offer or contribute; let people know about it.
Become likable, confident, interesting, and attractive.
Think quality, not quantity.
Stay connected on a regular basis in some form or another by letter, email, phone, or in person.
Be willing to let go. Sometimes you might think an individual or organization fits your purpose, passion, and direction but if that is really not the case, acknowledge that you might create more mutually beneficial relationships elsewhere. Because none of us has unlimited time, we must prioritize our networking and networks.
Have fun, enjoy, and let the process unfold. Don't try to control it - just be in it.

Business Networking

A lot of people think business networking is all about ‘selling yourself’ or ‘working a room’, whereas, for our money, networking isn’t about that at all. It’s about relationship building and making yourself and your company attractive to people in a way they hadn’t realized before. It’s about developing your business, not cramming it down someone’s throat.


Business networking is the process of establishing a jointly valuable relationship with other business people and possible clients and/or customers. The purpose of business networking is to increase business revenue – one way or another. A business network is a type of social network whose reason for existing is business activity. The best business networking groups operate as exchanges of business information, ideas, and support.

The Business Network is noted to be one of the most successful networking systems of its kind. It offers an opportunity to communicate, to learn and to share – not only in the logistics of running a profitable business, but also in the joys and pitfalls, successes and sorrows that inevitably go hand in hand with entrepreneurship.

The most important skill for effective business networking is listening; focusing on how you can help the person you are listening to rather than on how he or she can help you is the first step to establishing a jointly valuable relationship.


There are different types of business networking.


Online business networking:


Businesses are increasingly using business social networks as a means of growing their circle of business contacts and promoting themselves online. In general these networking tools allow professionals to build up their circle of business partners they trust.


Face to face business networking:


Many professionals tend to prefer face-to-face networking over online based networking because the potential for higher quality relationships are possible. Many individuals also prefer face-to-face because people tend to prefer actually knowing and meeting who they intend to do business with. Face to face business networking is often facilitated by referral networking clubs.


General business networking:



Before online networking, there was and has always been, face-to-face networking. “Schmoozing” or “rubbing elbows” are expressions used among business professionals for introducing and meeting one another, and establishing rapport.

Networking Courses - Learn Networking Now

You may be someone trying to install a wireless network for your home or someone trying to start a networking firm. Either way you need to know about computer networks. Networking is how computers stay connected to the internet. Not only that but how the computer stays connected to other computers.

Having some knowledge in computer networking is common. If you know how to connect yourself to the internet you have some computer networking knowledge. There are more things to learn other than how to connect to the internet though. You want to be able to connect to the internet and share files with other computers. This is how information is shared. You share information with other via email, social network, or instant message every day. This also is computer networking.

To learn how to actually set up your own network, you need to take networking courses. There are free networking courses given by some off the top colleges in the country. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of these schools. Being one of the best schools in the country, taking networking courses from MIT can expand your knowledge of networks. To take the course online is free, thanks to Open Courseware. You will get all of the texts, notes, assignments, figures, and other course materials free and will be able to complete assignments and grade them yourself.

You can even take exams to test yourself on the material. You won't be able to keep in communication with the professors like you would if you were going to the school, although you should be reassured that the knowledge you are receiving is top notch. Don't forget you are taking networking courses from one of the best colleges in the United States, and also one of the hardest to get into. You don't have to pay for the course so you will not receive a certification, but because you are taking the time to still take the networking courses you will be able to gain the best knowledge of computer networking.


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Positive Networking

Networking is skill which is extremely important in order to make contact with different people. Not only is networking required within the workplace, it is also required outside in various other situations. For a woman to have positive networking skills is very important. Not only is a woman usually in charge of the socializing of her family, she is also sometimes responsible for gathering more clientele for the business she works in. If she has her own business, networking becomes a mandatory skill. For all these circumstances, positive networking skills are extremely important.
Some people just meet others in order to add as many names in their database and hence disregard quality and give more importance to quantity instead. When networking is used incorrectly and for quantity purposes only, it is known as networking abuse or when it comes to emails may be regarded as spam. As a woman entrepreneur, you must avoid this where possible as your name is your business.
In order for networking to be positive, women must develop a well thought out network game plan. Focus initially on getting to know the people who you meet, make a decision about whether they are a match with your business and if they arent move on. Always be polite, however, dont go to networking events expecting to hand out many cards work on quality and not quantity and your business will reflect this decision.
In order to develop positive networking skills, there are some tactics which you can follow. Seven of these tips are mentioned below:
1. Always smile: A smile shows a person is warm and friendly. When meeting new people, smiling is welcoming and appropriate.
2. Look at people in their eye: When talking to someone, look them in the eye while you speak. This is seen as a compliment and is the best way to interact with someone new and whom you have just met.
3. Listen to the other person speaks: When having a conversation, it is polite to listen to what the other person has to say. This shows interest and if the person with whom you are conversing is likely to be someone whom you can deal with in the future, active listening skills will help immensely.
4. Have appropriate body language: Whatever impression new contacts will have of you the first time you meet is bound to be the lasting impression. In order for them to remember you in a positive way, have good body language and be relaxed and friendly.
5. Do not be pushy: No one likes a person who behaves strongly or acts in a needy manner. Hold your head up high and do not be afraid to show people who you are and what you believe in. but remember not to go arrogant.
6. Give a compliment: Everyone likes to receive a compliment. Ensure it is heartfelt and truthful. Most people can judge if a compliment is genuine or not, so be careful about what you say.
7. Have a business card ready: You never know when these may come in handy!

Business Networking Through Social Networking

 


Maximizing the potential of social networks can keep an edge from the competition. Maintaining a good communication line with customers online will increase the awareness of your brand and will establish your name as an established business owner.



In addition, social networks can also provide an excellent opportunity to begin a strong business networking virtually. Aside from savings in time, other important resources and funds for travel and other expenses needed to go to physical networking events are also eliminated. There are several means where social networking strategy can help in business, specifically in these areas: 


 


·   Marketing and advertising


·   Establishing brand name


·   Long-term customer relations


·   Building quality business interactions


·   Gathering business-related intelligence


·   Making online shopping a more positive experience


 


When selecting the right social media platform to be used for the business of the online business, it is essential to know where the customers are frequenting as well as their habits, preferences and demographics.

Once such information is known, the efforts should be aimed on the channels that they usually use. In some instances, these social media channels can be combined to cover what the business needs. 

 


Social Networking Sites


 


These are online platforms where people make their profiles, connect with the people they know or want to meet, let them speak out what they think, send messages, chat, and stay in touch with each other. There are general networking sites such as Twitter, Myspace and Facebook while there are networking sites for professionals such as LinkedIn, Swom, or Talkbiznow.  


 


Social networking sites also allow businesses to create pages representing the company, brand or service. In here, fans can follow and be updated with the latest events, promotions, or news about the online business promoted. These pages also allow business owners to have interaction with customers such as receiving feedbacks and answering inquiries. There are social networking sites which are converted into e-stores to allow online shopping for customers.


 


Blog


 


Blogging consists of regular writing and posting stories, commentaries, reviews and other related contents into a website. Customers and other professionals can access and read these posts. Usually, these blogs provide interaction, letting visitors leave comments, questions and message one another. 


Thought-provoking and issue-based questions can be posted to stimulate discussion and communication with customers. The blog can also be a channel to let customers find the business’ website which is not well-known in the public.  


 


Internet Forum


 


It is an online site where people posts questions about their specific concern. Other visitors can leave comments and answers. Business owners can maximize this channel by sharing their expertise and establish their reputation and might even build a strong business networking activity. Since many forums have moderators, posts have to be analyzed carefully to prevent deletion. In addition, those who are posting sales messages can be banned from the forum. 


 


Online PR


 


This includes joining into blogs which are not owned by the company with the intention of advertising the product or service. Blogs should be carefully chosen to get the right target market. 




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Try Networking

Networking in business is essential to make money. But does it really work? It all depends on how you define networking. One definition of networking is 'attending business functions and formal or informal meetings to gain potential clients.' Well, that's not really enough. It's only the first step. You need to do more that just turn up, announce who you are and what you do, and collect business cards.


If you do then all you are doing is making a guest appearance and add to your overflowing business card collection. Here is a quick test to see if you are effectively networking. Calculate how many business cards you have in your collection. Now, count how many of those cards have led to a business relationship or sale? If the answer is not very many, then you really are not networking effectively. You are just making meaningless contacts. You need to netWORK.


And effective netWORKing involves selecting those business people with whom you would like to work with.

If you jump at every opportunity and are desperate to make money, regardless of ethics, you may end up with the client from hell or people who will not benefit your business. And you may also lose your self -respect. Here are three selection criteria when networking.

1) Respect 2) Trust 3) Confidence


Focus on developing a relationship of respect, trust and confidence between the person and yourself. When you have achieved this then you can work with that person. And you will find by acting in a respectful, trusting and confidential way you will usually attract the same kind of people who you want to be associated with. If a person does not respond in the same way then you politely avoid forming a business relationship.


It is tempting at times to form a relationship with a person who you don't trust because of the lure of potential money. But that is usually fools gold because that person will let you down in the future. If there is no respect, trust or confidence then there is no real relationship. So remember, when you network, make sure you do some real netWORKing.

Comfortable Networking

Networking is an important part of business and every business woman must conduct networking in order to do well in their organization. Due to other commitments, some women find it harder to network during the evening and hence prefer to attend functions during the day.

There are many options which allow women to carry out networking with ease and comfort. Some of these options are being described below:

1. Telephone calls: Every day ensure you are calling people. Whether these people are friends or family, you are building relationships and networking. So next time when you call any of these people in your life, give a call to a colleague as well. Touch base with people regularly to make your relationships stronger.

2. Emailing: Sending and receiving emails is one of the easiest and quickest ways by which you can keep in touch with people. You must be sending emails on a daily basis to people in your contact list. Send an email to your colleagues as well; just to say hello perhaps. Add value send them something you know they are interested in - this is a way in which you can strengthen your relationships with your clients. Other than that it is a great way to communicate and it is extremely convenient. Apart from keeping in touch, you can also send emails to perhaps find a job or contact someone in your field to get some further information.

3. Snail mail: On a daily basis, you must be receiving flyers, newspapers, magazine and newsletters. What many people do not realize is that this too is a form of networking. It could help you find out about the new trends in your field. This type of mail too can be beneficial, so before you throw it mindlessly in the bin, give it a quick look over. You never can know where new information is going to come from.

4. Internet: The internet has become a great networking tool as well these days. The internet provides people with all sorts of information which can be helpful. It is also considered to be one of the low risk places where networking can begin. All that you would be required to do is research and then you would be on your way.

5. Message boards: Another way of networking is by joining a message board. You could sign in without revealing your name and you could ask for any information you are seeking.

By making use of the above methods, networking can be conducted in a comfortable environment and in a very comfortable way. Everyone wants to carry out things in an easy and convenient way and the above methods are great ways of carrying out networking during the day and with ease.

Each of the methods has their own advantages and disadvantages. Although always remember the best way to build relationships is usually face-to-face meetings and then phone calls. Practice makes perfect so try all the other ways but dont forget to go out there and meet people. Believe me - it does get easier with time.


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