Balancing Online Networking with In-Person Networking

I used to be a great online networker.  I was on Ryze (www.ryze.com) before it became big and trendy.  I established many relationships through Ryze long before I even had a functional web site of my own.  Now there's MySpace,  LinkedIn, and a zillion others.  I also adore the close-knit group at Biana Babinsky's Marketing Salad.  There are a ton of high quality online networking resources that are free or low cost to join.   

For awhile, when I was a single parent working at IBM 40-50 hours a week at IBM, online networking was perfect for me.  I could do it late at night, early in the morning before starting my technical writing day, in my pajamas if I wanted!  It also allowed me to express myself the way I do best: through the written word. 

In 2006, I commited to building my local networking efforts.  I joined BNI and worked tirelessly to build my brand in the local community in and around Burlington, Vermont.  It worked. The business is growing.  I've met great new people.  I've honed my public speaking skills (never my forte in the past...now it amazes me that I actually ENJOY giving an elevator speech about myself and my business).  I've honed my professional wardrobe to match my brand (casual, classic, elegant, and  polished without the stuffy suits from my NYC days).  I am proud to note that at the beginning of 2006 this introvert was terrified of presenting myself and my business in-person.  Now I'm addicted to standing up and speaking.   I want more. 

Unfortunately, my online efforts have fallen through the cracks.  I haven't posted to Ryze in ages.  I've lost touch with many of the people I enjoyed in my online forums.  I hate that.  That's where I got started.  The relationships with people I've never met in person are some of my strongest and oldest. 

So for 2007, I resolve to designate a set time each week to regularly post to my online networks, to re-cultivate those old relationships that helped me get started, and to maybe, just maybe, join MySpace after hearing how it's working for my other internet marketing friends.  I resolve to find the right blend of online and local networking for my business and to write a report or article about it in 2007.   

Networking in the 21st century is not like networking of my father's day.  It's far more complicated now.  The basics, however, will never change.  Networking will always be about building relationships.  It's really that simple.   I'm darn good at that...AND I have a lot more to learn in 2007. 

How do you blend your online and local in-person networking efforts?  The shortbread queen wants to hear from YOU! 

   

Comments

[Steve Harper]

I just found your BLOG and loved this entry. I think you and I would have much in common as to our approach to networking! It isn't about the quick connect but more about the long-term relationships we create. I so dislike the informality of traditional networking that I created a function called The 8 Minute Ripple. It is all about connecting as an individual without the falsity and posture/performance that traditional networking imposes on us.

Keep up the great work. You have a new fan/reader!

Ripple On!

Steve Harper