Building a Network...a what?
In this time of digital growth many of us hear different terms being thrown around the social media landscape. Words like SEO, SEM and we often hear the term "building your network". Network. What does that mean exactly? What is a network and how does one go about building one online? A network is built from connections with people. Those connections, those bonds can be through any means of socialization. Pre social media networks were built by utilizing friends and family or even strangers that you struck up a conversation with. In small towns and tight knit communities, it is often through these networks that bring to mind the phrase "small world" as discoveries of mutual connections are made. With the advent of social media building a network has never been easier. It has allowed social butterflies to further extend their reach and present themselves to others in the world and expand their network. For those introverts who predominately keep to themselves, it has opened up a door to a world where they can take on a persona that allows them to become more socially relevant online.
The question is; how does one build a network online? The answer is simple. Get involved in the various forms of social media that are available. There are virtually hundreds of different social sites where individuals can create online profiles and open themselves up to the internet. That takes us to step two. In order to effectively build a strong network you must be willing to put forth some personal information about yourself online. People want to make connections and if you put information in your profile that another individual shares a commonality with, they might take the opportunity to introduce themselves to you or add you as a friend....connection made. If you share the same business sense as someone or wish to promote your business knowledge through writing a great place to present your papers is LinkedIn. Here you will find many same minded individuals that you can easily build networks with.
Once you have started adding people to your networks, start conversations with them. Don't just add people for the sake of adding them. This is where the true social media people separate themselves from the rest. Start talking to people and carrying on conversations with them. You will gain a different perspective on their thinking and open up a new way of gathering information from those around you.
Don't be afraid to get social, take the chance to 'add' someone you don't know and build your network. It has never been easier to do.
The question is; how does one build a network online? The answer is simple. Get involved in the various forms of social media that are available. There are virtually hundreds of different social sites where individuals can create online profiles and open themselves up to the internet. That takes us to step two. In order to effectively build a strong network you must be willing to put forth some personal information about yourself online. People want to make connections and if you put information in your profile that another individual shares a commonality with, they might take the opportunity to introduce themselves to you or add you as a friend....connection made. If you share the same business sense as someone or wish to promote your business knowledge through writing a great place to present your papers is LinkedIn. Here you will find many same minded individuals that you can easily build networks with.
Once you have started adding people to your networks, start conversations with them. Don't just add people for the sake of adding them. This is where the true social media people separate themselves from the rest. Start talking to people and carrying on conversations with them. You will gain a different perspective on their thinking and open up a new way of gathering information from those around you.
Don't be afraid to get social, take the chance to 'add' someone you don't know and build your network. It has never been easier to do.
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