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Is networking online a waste of time? Some people seem to think so. They spend time networking online without seeing any results, so they come to the conclusion that online networking is not useful. However, networking online can be extremely lucrative, provided that you take the time to do it effectively. Networking online has generated many new clients, hundreds of newsletter subscribers, new affiliates and countless promotional opportunities for my business and me.
However, many people spend lots of time networking online without seeing any results. A business owner has recently told me that he has been networking online on a regular basis for the past two years. He networks about 5 hours a week for about 45 weeks/year (vacation and urgent client work occupy the remaining 7 weeks).
This person has networked for about 450 hours. If his regular rate is $50/hour, he has invested $22,500 into networking. At $80/hour, this figure grows to $36,000. If he simply spent those 5 hours/week working with clients, he would have made a lot more money. Or would he? Networking can generate many opportunities (affiliates, joint promotions and cross promotions) that can result in at least the same return that you would get by working with clients.
In order to get these kinds of results from networking, you need to make sure you are clear on your networking goals and network with your goals in mind. Here is a three-point plan that outlines how to do just that:
Until you know exactly what results you need to get out of your networking efforts, no one will know what they are either. It is extremely important to know exactly what you need to get out of networking. Do you want to meet certain kinds of people? Get more newsletter subscribers? Find business owners to cross-promote your business with? Gain more clients?
You need to be crystal clear on what your goals are before you even start networking.
After working with many clients I have found out that the majority of people who have complained about not getting results from networking online have been networking in the wrong groups. When you network with people who are not in your target market, you will not accomplish your goals.
To find the right groups to network in, look back at the goals you have set for your networking. What kind of people do you need to network with to reach these goals? Once you know the answer to this question, find the networking groups where the majority of participants are these people.
Participate in discussions that let you show your expertise and knowledge. This will help your target market notice you and it will help you reach your networking goals faster.
And remember to always evaluate your networking goals and how networking in particular forums helps you achieve them. If you have been spending a lot of time in a forum without getting any results, it is time to use the above three point plan and stop wasting your networking time.
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