Three Components to Networking...What's Your Mix?

Good morning and good week to you all!

After a much deserved techno-break over the last few days, I want to talk about your network. There are a few different ways to build your business and life before you need to call on anyone. (see Harvey MacKay's book, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty).

I bet when Harvey first wrote that book, social media probably didn't exist. He notes in the later pages of the book about email and how to keep in touch with people. So here is my take on the three components of networking essential to a thriving business.

1. Local Networking
   You've got to get out and meet people face to face. It's a litmus test. Can you communicate, live, with someone, where you can't hit the backspace key and reformulate what you're pitching? Can you present yourself with all the right subliminal clues making what you're all about congruent with everything you say, do or sell?
   
   
2. Social Networking
   Reach into the wide world of information and people. Can you relay your personality and commitment in 140 characters? Probably not in one shot but you must do so in multiple times. That's the key. Give sound bytes of what you're all about more than once. This network will also feed the local network if you do it right. As someone who assists, this is a critical fountain of information that I can feed to my local, non-friended or followed, network.
   
   
3. Research Networking
   It was suggested that listening was the first step in embarking Twitter and it's very true. There is nothing wrong with checking out the scene before you jump in. I couldn't help it since it was obvious to me I should be swimming there. Here's the thing: It applies to any kind of networking. Before you commit to either of the above, check it out and see what is applicable to you. There's nothing wrong in telling people what your intention is. If you are researching for information, please state that upfront. Most people are happy to share their experience. It will be up to you to decipher the quality of the information you get. This will also speak volumes about the kind of person you are.

In any kind of networking it's important to listen first, then talk. No one wants to be pitched right after "hello" so don't do it. I believe Mr. Godin was the guy who stated we're out of the "information age" and into the "recommendation age" and we should all keep that in mind as we sell our wares. I think Mr. Mackay would agree.

Regardless, you must network to live. It's up to you what combination you create for yourself. Just remember; what you do in one, you do in the other.

Nimbly,
JCM

Threading Twitter

So yesterday I learned something about others as well as myself.

In following various individuals through Twitter, creating my threaded network, I realized a couple of strengths of the medium as well as some weaknesses and it's only because no matter what kind of fabulous software exists, for the most part, people still need to be involved.

I was assessing the kind of information I receive through my day and thought it was time to prune a little here and there. I've unsubscribed to a few newsletters that just weren't speaking to me anymore. Some of them because they were repetitive and although used different words were essentially saying the same thing.

The same thing happened with Twitter. I'm looking to connect with real people; the kind I can relate to. There were a couple just sharing their pitch and propaganda and I will decide upon them later. There are those I'm following that haven't posted...ever since I chose to follow them. I guess they aren't really hurting anything being on my following list. And then there are those I don't agree with or offer very bold statements.

This is what I learned about us:

1. They have strong opinions.
2. They voice their perspectives.
3. I should dig deeper.
4. I can respect them.

You see in our sound byte lives Twitter feeds our need for pieces we can digest quickly. We are often quick to make judgements. Anyone worth following will go to the effort of expanding on their thoughts through their blog and you should dig deeper if you are moved by something. And there it was. Effort. That's something I admire. Confidence: something else I admire. Speaking your truth is huge on my list!

So culling has become more than originally thought. Turns out the people I thought I would ditch are the people I'm admiring most. Thanks for the lesson Loren Feldman @1938media. As for the other sensationalists that aren't consistent in their story or authenticity are the ones I'm blasting!

So put in the effort and I will follow.

Who knew?

People Connection in Blogging.

I've been blogging about my adventures in social marketing and making notes along the way about the resources I felt were useful. Today, I have added other blogs below (on the right) to those I have found most useful, intriguing, and insightful. Here we go:

Mack Collier(the Viral Garden): Blurring the line between company and customer.

Harte of Marketing: tips, opinions and observations on marketing, communications & social media

Jim Connolly: Marketing specialist who goes the extra mile for the people he works with (either for or along side of)

John Taylor: Experienced advertising guy with great comments and interpretations of worldly events and advertisements!

Perry Belcher: I'm in love with how this blog looks...Perry's Marketing Blog (among many of blogs Perry has) He has great content and wit...something about a gift from God.

These are all REAL PEOPLE connecting with others. Check'em out for yourself.

Nimbly,
JCM

Training: Fun?

Yes, we all need to improve. Some of us more than others in one area or another. Despite all the groans I can hear, we all know it. We can't be everything and all-knowing all the time. There's only one person with that job and thank goodness the position is filled!

That being said, why should we resist training? It doesn't have to be a cumbersome, lengthy, or a mind-numbing experience. I know, because I've attended some really fun training sessions. I like the short-burst training times. Either full-day experiences or half-days once a week for a short period of time. Let's face it; we are busy people and if we wanted to do this full time, we would not run our own companies (not that there aren't lessons learned every day). We would go to education centres and make full commitments of resources (time and money).

Recently, I attended a course for small businesses who wanted to increase their knowledge and understanding about ezines and blogs presented by Susan Regier (Vantage One Writing) and Jayme Cousins (In House Logic). I picked up some great information but I never expected to learn about how things "auto-magically" happen thanks to Google when you "play in their pool" or how many "flavours" there are or that there was "widgetry" out there. Apparently "content is King" and often "perfectly free" as long as "you're on the sniff" and consider the "gee-whizery factor." And never, ever, in a million years, would I have ever thought I would ask someone to "chew my chicklet!" Somewhere "under the hood" is a lot of detail that I should know about but don't really need to know what to do with it. I rested assured though, "it is permanent until you change it."

Yes, I have my tongue in cheek but the point I'm trying to get across is that I had a lot of fun and learned at the same time in a small, dare I say, intimate classroom where "conversation and interaction are Queen."


Nimbly,
JCM

P.S. Watch for The Nimble News, my new ezine coming out soon for other places you too can go for training and self-improvement.