The Pulse
4 great sites to start networking
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Businesses, Featured | Print Page |
Apr
Networking is an integral part of our professional lives. It’s really
important to build strategic alliances for your business. Doing this used to
have awkward connotations for me.
But soon I learned that the opportunity to meet like-minded people and peers on a similar career path as myself was a prized gift. If it brings in additional referral business, then that is just a bonus! Just replace the word ‘networking’ with ‘relationship building’ if it makes you feel better.
Networking can also introduce us to new ideas and help us appreciate unique thinking processes different from our own. My networking circles have also helped me in times of need, especially when beginning a new venture. Maybe it’s just me, but when I was a bit younger (and perhaps because I am a woman), trying to float a strategic project before a board of directors used to be quite frightening. Some of my fondest networking pals often came to the rescue with powerful encouragement. There are multiple ways in which we can build our network, but here are four of my favourite:
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MYOB online accounting software lets you manage your business anywhere, anytime. Which means you’re free to work wherever and whenever you like. Small businesses with simple accounting needs? Try MYOB LiveAccounts Free.
But soon I learned that the opportunity to meet like-minded people and peers on a similar career path as myself was a prized gift. If it brings in additional referral business, then that is just a bonus! Just replace the word ‘networking’ with ‘relationship building’ if it makes you feel better.
Networking can also introduce us to new ideas and help us appreciate unique thinking processes different from our own. My networking circles have also helped me in times of need, especially when beginning a new venture. Maybe it’s just me, but when I was a bit younger (and perhaps because I am a woman), trying to float a strategic project before a board of directors used to be quite frightening. Some of my fondest networking pals often came to the rescue with powerful encouragement. There are multiple ways in which we can build our network, but here are four of my favourite:
1. Meetup.com
The simplest and easiest way to build your network is to find similar-minded people and mingle. Sign up to the website meetup.com. You can find groups or ‘meet-ups’ based around a certain activity or passion. There may even be a think-tank around best practices in your industry. If there isn’t already something applicable to you, then start something!2. Eventbrite
Through this popular site, you can expand your network exponentially. It allows you to browse many different events and subscribe to the ones that suit your needs. I try and go to some kind of personal development course/training/information evening once per quarter. In digital marketing, there is always so much changing, I have to! There are many events to choose from, including professional industry events, various learning classes, music and food events and fundraising events. Eventbrite even allows you to create an event of your own and sell tickets (or offer it for free) on the site itself.3.LinkedIn
No doubt you have heard of LinkedIn. It has launched some powerful improvements lately, but the basic premise is still the same. HP recently reached 1 million followers of its LinkedIn Company Page. LinkedIn allows you to subscribe to groups around certain topics of discussion, or you can interact with people by commenting on their personal profile updates. Either scenario allows you to reach other people and conduct discussions in a more intimate way. So make sure you comment on people’s updates when you see something of interest. Just be careful. Self-promotion is a major social turn off in Australia. You could do more harm than good!4. In Real Life (IRL) Social Media Events
Whenever possible, try and move a number of your online relationships offline. For example, you can try to make real-life connections with your Twitter friends by offering to buy them a coffee. For example, I started Meet a Tweet a Week to try and form this habit. I’m so glad I did! It has super-charged my business._____________________________________________________________
MYOB online accounting software lets you manage your business anywhere, anytime. Which means you’re free to work wherever and whenever you like. Small businesses with simple accounting needs? Try MYOB LiveAccounts Free.
See full article: http://myob.com.au/blog/4-great-sites-to-start-networking/#ixzz2R4XaFWz3
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