I have profiles on many networks but ....
Hi Karen
I have to admit I have profiles in many places on the web but I have hardly expanded business. I'm actually thinking of changing direction at the moment so I would like to be prepared for the changes and how to make the best use of my networking.
Any advice how to make the most out Pledging for Change?
I have to admit I have profiles in many places on the web but I have hardly expanded business. I'm actually thinking of changing direction at the moment so I would like to be prepared for the changes and how to make the best use of my networking.
Any advice how to make the most out Pledging for Change?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen Maskall on -
Well I'm sure your'e not alone there Juliette.
I too have many profiles throughout the web but I have to admit it's not from the profile alone that you will make the most gains in your networking. Networking is about connecting and engaging. People join bunches of networks, post a picture,upload a video and their link (again), and then wait for people to come to them. Another variation on this is that they start making friends with lots of people and then they never talk to them. Then they come to this conclusion: Networking doesn't work.
The trick is: Don't just randomly join groups (or networks) because they have a big membership. A small group that is related to your business (niche)is a lot more beneficial than belonging to a group/network full of people that aren't interested in your niche area at all. It is important to find networks and groups that fit your business niche or are related to a hobby or other interest that you have knowledge of.
You can of course always consider starting your own group but you would have to be sure that it really does compliment the network and the members overall. If there is a group that is similar to the one that you have started then it may be better to join that group than start a new one. And starting a group isn't the end of the matter. You have to be prepared to work the group and to find your target market just as with any website or niche business.
I'm not suggesting that networking has to be all about business. However, if that's your primary goal, you need to be sure that you maintain a presence in areas where people in your niche are likely to be.
Basically a group is like a mini network. It's a way of getting more specific in a niche. I see you have already started a group "Green and Free Days Out Uk "and one or two have posted in there. Your group is a nice compliment to Pledging for Change and is a niche area and really it should be or could be frequented and posted in by my many of our members. Group promotions is an area that I will be concentrating on for our new and revised ezine. But you really do have to market and support that group yourself too!. I'm sure you have been to many places yet you do not seem to be posting much yourslef into your on group. Are you with me? When you post in your group it is going out to Twitter,Ecademy and Facebook. And the more you post the more it will be on the front page of Pledging for Change in the current activity.
As founder of Pledging for Change I really do appreciate activity in groups. Without activity we will have too many of what I would call "dead groups" which would potentially prevent someone else taking a lead and starting a group within that niche.
So for anyone else reading this please contact me if you would like to start a niche group. I love to hear from you and I love to support you.
As for general networking I know that sometimes we feel like we are talking to ourselves when we don't get feedback but just as with any social network you have to connect and engage with other members by talking to them. Selling your products and services to them immediately will be just a great big "turn off".
Most of the time people won't find you unless you find them.Be sure to interact with the people in your network at least once a day if you don't do anything but stop in on them to say hi! I know you've heard this plenty of times before, but it's worth repeating. Networking is a process not a one time event. You have to consistently be interacting with people if you want to see results from your networking.
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Permalink Reply by Diane Stafford on -
Hi Karen great advice, I'll be linking to this article from my Art Hobby Craft site for my members interest if that's ok with you?
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Permalink Reply by Karen Maskall on
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Hi Di
Of course... just help yourself and have fun helping others too!
K
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