Online Business Networking: Does it Work?

I have advocating using the Internet for a wide variety of things. Now the question arises; does online business networking work? You tell me. Thousand of new websites are being created on the Internet each and every day. It seems that every major company has at least one blog. Bloggers are making money hand over fist and are not even selling a product!

Is online business networking the most effective way to market a business? This question depends on many factors. First, like with most things, the amount of money you are willing to spend, will determine, among other things, the amount and quality of exposure you, your product, and/or your website or blog are going to get. However, the great thing about the Internet is that you are going to get “more bang for your buck.” Think about it like this; if you spent $100 to go to a networking event, you might meet a couple hundred people, of which only about twenty or thirty will actually produce any business for you (in exchange for you producing business for them). On the other hand, if you go on a social networking website (the larger free sites include MySpace and FaceBook, while there are paid sites that charge a small monthly fee but produce contacts specific to your business) you will be in contact with literally millions of people! So, common sense would tell you that free contact with millions is better than paid contact with hundreds.

However, something is to be said with face-to-face networking. It is a very valuable tool. People cannot really grasp your personality strengths in an e-mail. This is the disadvantage to online networking. However, if you are not the best schmoozer, online networking will probably be your best bet.

Take advantage of the free networking, but do not disregard the in-person networking. Remember, you get more bang for your buck with online networking, put you lose the advantage of presenting your personality strengths. Weigh the pros and the cons against your situation and use the two systems accordingly to help maximize your business networking opportunities.

The Importance of Networking

If you have found your way to this blog, then you are interested in pursing some type of career path as an entrepreneur. I am going to let you in on a little secret, networking is going to be one of the most important keys to your success.

I have written articles in the past regarding the importance of networking, and nothing has changed since that time. Why then am I writing another article on the subject? I am writing another article because networking is that important.

The whole idea behind entrepreneurialism is to create wealth were ordinary people cannot. Later in your career, when you have your own company and your own financing, you may be able to complete a project with most of your own resources. However, even then you will need the help of others. Until that time, you have to build your reputation and business contacts. This is achieved through, survey says, “networking!”

Networking is defined as “a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.” In case this definition is too formal for you, I think of networking as a way of getting my name “out there.” Networking is a great way to meet likeminded individuals that can help each other achieve success through the exchange of certain assets and skills.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what networking is, you now need to know how to network. First thing first, define your purpose for networking. Are you trying to find support on a specific project or are you generally attempting to acquire contacts? Once you have defined your purpose for networking, you will be able to effectively focus your networking efforts.

Many cities have events were aspiring entrepreneurs can meet and greet. These events are free to attend and can create many wonderful contacts that could help you now or in the future. Additionally, many cities have organizations or clubs that are specifically formed by aspiring entrepreneurs for aspiring entrepreneurs. Search the terms “Entrepreneur Organizations” in your favorite search engine to acquire a starting point for your discovery.

Also, be aware of what your local college or colleges are doing. Many times it will hold conferences, seminars, or the like that is open to the public. Be aware of these events as they can be a great place to begin spreading your reputation.

These are a couple of simple ideas about where you can begin your entrepreneur networking journey. Look around, be creative, and you should be able to find other networking opportunities.