Online Networking that Brings Results

"The biggest challenge I see with conversations in the Social Networking stratosphere is the ability to find a balance between speaking strongly enough so people take notice and softly enough so that people will listen." Heidi Richards

Recently on a RYZE network someone posted the Online Networking Game. I only just found out about it because I never read the original post. And the way I found out was through another network. You see I got 3 private messages (PM's) from people mentioning that someone (only gave me a first name) had suggested they contact me. They did not make any other reference to the referrer nor did they mention they saw my name on the network as someone who should be contacted.

In addition, they did not say what possible connection we might have or why we should network in the first place. I deleted the first two PM's without responding since I had no idea what the person was talking about! I responded to the third one because she indeed gave me more information, said she saw the recommendation on a board and even gave the link in her PM to me. I checked it out and then responded to her.

In fact, I've seen this happen on several networks. You got this great referral or noticed someone online you'd like to connect with. And you cannot wait to reach out. Especially if you got the name via a casual referral as often happens on social networking sites such as RYZE. By casual referral I mean that someone made a post and said to the whole board, I suggest you contact "Jane Doe and tell them I said to call." Well, Jane Doe may not be a good referral for everyone, and yet, like all good networkers, many of us will stop by their RYZE page and send them a PM or sign their guest book and then, nothing! No follow up, no response, nothing!

That's not networking! That's being social. And that's okay. It's good to be social. I am all for it and encourage others to do the same. It can be the beginning of some great conversations if you know what to do next.

To me, networking is like advertising. It can take up to six times (or impressions) before the person on the receiving end really takes notice or tells you to get lost!

So here's some steps you can take to be more effective in reaching out and touching others online.

Before you connect with someone online, visit their RYZE page and website.

If they have a blog, go to their blog and read their posts – comment on them.

Then introduce yourself.

Tell the person why you are contacting them and who suggested you connect. Give the person's entire name and why they had suggested the connection in the first place. Many RYZE members don't read every post (I am guilty of that on some of the forums, especially if the subject line does not interest me).

Interview them. Ask questions to really get to know them.

Don't tell your whole life story in one message – keep your posts brief and fun.

Find things in common with those to whom you connect. Do you live in the same geographic area? Tell them! Do you also have children, grandchildren, pets? Say so.
Do you have a hobby in common? Ask them why they chose that hobby. Read any good books lately? Share your thoughts.

Never, ever try to sell them something in your initial contacts. If you do, chances are the person will never respond and you will end up with a reputation as a drive-by networker.

If you don't get any response, don't get discouraged. It may just be that the person you are trying to reach out to does not have an interest in what you have to say or does not want to connect for their own reasons.

That's okay.

Although RYZE is not as large as MySpace and some of the other social networking sites, (it has close to a quarter million members) if you find a few that don't respond, remember there are thousands more you can reach out to. Social networking is a numbers game as much as a game of patience and persistence and potential. And in the process, let's not forget it's about the PEOPLE!

True relationship building networking takes time. It cannot happen overnight. Virtual Networking is not "love at first sight," rather it is "slow and steady wins the race…" and the race is… to get to know, like and trust one another. And if appropriate, do business together in the process.

Just my 2 cents!

Heidi

Heidi Richards, Founder & CEOwww.WECAI.org - “Helping Women Do Business on and off the WEB™”www.EdenFlorist.com - "NO Reason is the BEST Reason to Send Flowers!Did you miss the Women’s Writing & Publishing Summit July 19 – 21 & 25? You can still register to receive the audio files of all 15 sessions available at – www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com