Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!
Have you ever heard the phrase, "In order to get something, you must first give something?"
The same is true of networking. If you want to be seen as an expert in your field, it is imperative that you start building relationships and working on building those relationships up. It may seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of opportunities for people to engage with new people - it can be done over the phone or even over coffee. If nothing else, always carry a business card!
Now that we've discussed why networking matters in today's competitive world and also how to do so effectively and efficiently let us talk about some of the best websites/places/ways to network that I've found.
I would recommend www.LinkedIn.com (www.linkedin.com) - There are many reasons to use this site: it is free, very well designed, easily accessible, and allows you to have a quick send/receive message feature which makes it great for sending out invites or offering up advice or ideas. As far as I know though, LinkedIn has become the only professional networking site where posts are not limited in length - meaning you can post longer and more detailed information about yourself and your business, which makes it an excellent place on the web to become known!
My other choice would be www.Twitter (twitter.com). It is a social network site much like LinkedIn but used by professionals. Many times people will just tweet links to their own website instead of the whole site so that it is simple and quick to read. This allows you to gain followers who may not have time to view your entire website. Also, in my experience more business transactions are done through Twitter than any other networking site.
A great tip for both of these sites - In order to be an effective user of LinkedIn or Twitter you need to focus your efforts on being seen as an expert in your field. This means writing engaging content (not advertisements) and posting blogs that are helpful rather than promotional. This will make you more visible than someone who does nothing but promote their products or services.
Another great tip is to join groups (note: it is best to join groups that are related to your field or interest rather than joining a group just to join because you think it will help networking). If the group is active and members are posting content that interests you, then this can be a great way to network. There are many many ways to network online, but I find these three sites most helpful. Always remember though, networking comes in all forms and there is no one right way. Be creative with what you have available!
Good Luck,
Kristen "Pixie" Lenz (www.KristenLenz.com)
BIO:
Kristen is a 20-year-old sophomore at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA. She helped found the student business plan competition GCSU SPARK! Her inspiration for starting this competition came from her company, Lilly Tech (www.lillytech.com), which she founded to help students create their own Internet/mobile businesses when she graduated high school. After selling Lilly Tech in 2007 to founders of Cheezburger Media, Kristen now helps companies generate traffic to their websites with paid Google AdWords PPC campaigns and other marketing programs. Kristen is also the founder of www.KristenLenzWeddingsPictures.com (www.KristenLenzWeddingsPictures.com), a website that delivers beautiful wedding photography to customers across the country!
Kristen is also a freelance photographer and Red Hat woman. She currently lives in Atlanta, GA with her boyfriend and her sister (who is also her best friend). Kristen has created more than 250 Power Networking resources for sale on www.KristenLenzResources.com, so if you haven't already purchased some of these resources please do so now!
Links:
Kristen's LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz (used by permission) - http://www.linkedin.com/in/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz
Kristen's Twitter Profile: www.twitter.com/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz (used by permission) - http://www.twitter.com/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz
Kristen's Website: www.KristenLenzResources.com (ostensibly a marketplace for The Power Networking Series and KristenLenzWeddingsPictures.) - www.KristenLenzResources.com
Biography: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz (used by permission) - http://www.linkedin.com/in/dazzledrewepoetanstrositykristenlendz
Power Networking Series: www.KristenLenzResources.com - www.KristenLenzResources.com
The Power Networking Series Blog: http://www.POWERNETWORKINGBLOGS.com - http://www.powernetworkingblogs1blogspotcom
Credits: Cheezburger Software, Inc. www.cheezburger.com
Copyright © 2013 Kristen LenzAll Rights Reserved Unauthorized reproduction, in whole or in part, is a violation of applicable laws. All content is copyright protected. The information and opinions presented on this site are the sole property of their respective authors and may not be reproduced without their express written consent.
Be sure to check out my new website for all of my Power Networking Resources at: www.KristenLenzResources.com Order any Power Networking resource at: http://www.KristenLenzResources.com/shop-cart/ Or order direct from me at: www.KristenLenzAuthor@gmail.com
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Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kristen_l0734/ - http://www.pinterest.com/kristen_l0734/
Google Plus: http://www.google.com/+KristenLenzAuthor - http://www.google.com/+KristenLenzAuthor
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Google Plus: http://www.google.com/+KristenLenzAuthor - http://www.google.
Conclusion:
By now you should have a good idea of how to use four of the most common social networks to find new customers and build your business. You will likely spend some time each day interacting on one or more of these networks. When you are logged into your online social media profiles, try to do something that adds value to the business community - don't just push product!
Good luck with building your network and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this serves you well. Happy networking!
Cheers, Kristen "Pixie" Lenz (www.KristenLenz.