Offline Social Networking

I have just returned from a weeks skiing in the French Alps with nearly 20 other business people. All people that I have met through networking in the last 5 or 6 years. The bonds built through this sort of social activity really do enhance the building of business relationships.

As William Buist put it in his Ecademy Blog on the skiing trip:

"There really is a lot of value in getting a deep understanding of how others think and seeing how they look out for you when you need support. Everyone in the party of nearly 20 was either well known to each other or to someone in the group. There's a camaraderie that's second to none."

Last year in 'Networking on the Piste' I reported on last year's trip. I have no doubt that the amount of business eventually generated between the people on the trip this year will exceed last year's as people got to know even more about each other.

Business Networking really can be fun!

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Online and Offline Networking go Hand in Hand

At a meeting earlier this month people were talking about how difficult it is to keep track of all the interactions we now have both online and offline. Last month in my National Networker Column I wrote about the many different ways we have of keeping in touch with the advent of social networks and social media. Online networks give us a a really effective tool for supporting our offline business networking activities. As I have written before, though, they only do that, however, if we go about both activities strategically.

In an article on the NRG-networks website I shared my top 10 tips for building business with the effective use of offline & online networks:

1. Get comfortable with how networking works
2. Develop a plan
3. Identify the people you already know, like & trust
4. Identify the offline networks to join
5. Show a genuine interest in other people
6. Always follow up contacts
7. Identify the online networks to join and start a blog
8. Make online contacts and build relationships first
9. Arrange contact meetings
10. Develop Networking Advocates

More on each point in the article, top 10 tips for building business with the effective use of offline & online networks

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Keep in touch

In my National Networker column this month I wrote about keeping in touch;

How often has someone said to you "Let's keep in touch" and that's the last you heard from each other? This excellent cartoon from the New Yorker collection shows how it is often:

When you agree to "keep in touch" it means to maintain communications so that you keep up-to-date with knowledge about each other. That is how you continue to get to know each other and how you can help them and they can help you. We have more and more ways of keeping in touch than ever as this illustration shows:

You really have no excuse for not keeping in touch! Become one of the who do regularly keep in touch and you will stand out from the networking crowd.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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How do you manage your contacts?

After yesterday's post on 'how good are you at staying in touch' a couple of contacts asked how can you 'manage' your contacts. It's becoming a problem for them because they use a combination of Outlook and other software and online networks are adding complexity.

Here are some things that I do to help manage the interactions with my network:

1. I use our internal contact management system in the member area of the NRG-networks website.
2. In Outlook I arrange my contacts into categories so that I can ensure I am spending enough time with my Inner Network & Advocates. I talked about these categories in a podcast, How to start building your network.
3. I arrange my online contacts into lists or groups on the different platforms.
4. I use an Outlook plug in from Xobni.com which shows me whether a contact is on Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter together with their latest updates.

I would be very interested in learning how you manage your contacts.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Are you good at staying in touch?

Like many others at this time of year we receive a number of letters from old friends summing up the year just gone by. It's great to hear about the stories they share. Sadly this seems to be the only time of year we do hear from some people. So it is great to find that more and more old friends, colleagues and acquaintances are creating profiles and posting updates on social networks and social media sites.

My experience is that online networks are great for staying in touch and a really good way to get started is to connect with the people you already know. You can also reconnect with people you have lost touch with. The major ones for me are Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Ecademy.

I created my profile on Linkedin about six years ago. More and more people I meet express the view that Linkedin is increasingly more important for business connections.

I joined Ecademy six years ago too and I have found it great for two things;
1. Connecting with some great people and building friendships through the clubs that meet offline.
2. Learning all about online social networks and social media.

I joined Facebook more recently and it is very useful for both social and business communication. I have a personal profile and a business one too. On the social side I am regularly in touch with family and friends who share news and photos. On the business side I can interact with people with similar interests.

Twitter is great for sharing content and signposting others to the useful stuff that people in my network provide regularly.

For more how the online fits into networking generally see 'How to Effectively Combine Offline & Online Networking'.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Social, Learning & Business

At a recent networking meeting the discussion turned to why people were networking. The consensus was that it was about business, but it was important to build relationships first.

One of the members said for him it was social first, learning second and then business. He drew this picture to demonstrate.

He explained it further by saying,  "firstly it's social as it can be lonely working in a small business so it's great to meet other relevant professionals. Secondly it is important to learn new things from your peers. Then as you get to know, like and trust the others a natural consequence is business."

It reminded me of a quote from someone at a networking seminar a couple of years ago when I asked what networking was to him and he said, "Networking is about making friends you can do Business with".


The key point is that it is the relationship first and business follows.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Everyone has something to say

Ecademy have been running a series of blogs about members to inspire others and show the power of social networking. In the 11th Community Story Steven Healey shares his story and provides great a couple of great insights into networking in general:

"To me networking is about listening... everyone has something to say.

To me networking is about doing... unless you take action nothing happens."

If you have the time read the whole story at the link above.

If you are wondering how to get started then follow Steven's challenge:

"My challenge is a simple one - Take the first step.

If you start networking online, and simply create a profile on a website then sit back waiting for the world to beat a path to your door... nothing will happen.

You need to be the one who takes the first step.

Write a blog, and interact with the people who comment... then write another blog.

Write an email, and interact with the person to whom you sent it , then write another email. Greet people at meetings , listen to what they have to say. Repeat until you know everyone in the room. Take the first step if someone needs help and you (or the people in your network) can."

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Does your website tell us about you or some Corporate We?

In an excellent talk at an NRG networking lunch in London this week Ecademy founder Penny Power was sharing some of the insights from her new book. Know Me, Like Me, Follow Me is all about what online social networking means for you and your business.

One of the points was that building trust is fundamental. Your clients are more interested in the person behind the brand not the brand. One of the mistakes that small businesses make is to try and look bigger and more corporate than they really are. You can see this in many websites which are all about some 'Corporate We'. People are much more interested in YOU than that.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Faster relationship building with Social Networks

In 'Can you accelerate trust?' I wrote about the process of building trust in business networking. The question of the time it takes came up again today in an NRG seminar on building business with the effective use of offline & online networks.

It takes time and regular interaction to build relationships as this graphic illustrates:

The old tools we had - address book, phone, mail and various face to face interactions have been supplemented by email and now social media and social networks.

That can help to make it all much quicker!

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Are you keeping up with your conversations online

I have blogged before about using Social Media and Social Networks to listen and engage in conversations. Here are a couple of examples from the last couple of days to illustrate this.

On Friday I blogged 'What is this #FollowFriday on Twitter?' and one of the people I mentioned was Jon Davey. Yesterday I received an email from Jon in reply because he had been alerted by Google Alerts. One of the thing he uses that for is to listen for mentions of 'Business in Berkshire'.

Yesterday I blogged 'Does it really cost that much?' and Nigel Morgan replied on Twitter, "If you question the value of networking, check the mirror!". A couple of people replied to Nigel on Twitter and then Nigel replied again, but on my Linkedin profile this time.

Are you listening and engaging online about things relevant to you and your business?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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What is this #FollowFriday on Twitter?

In a One on One meeting earlier this week the other person said to me "I have just joined Twitter, what is this #FollowFriday?" I explained that on Fridays many people tweet the names of Twitter users they would like others to follow and tag the update with #followfriday. "Who would you recommend?" she said.

So far I have advocated these experts in their respective fields:

@ajwilcox Mind mapping generally and Mind Manager specifically
@andylopata Advice on effective business networking strategy
@AlanRae helpful stuff for growing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs
@askten interesting facts daily
@BernieJMitchell Everything networking in Kings Cross and Olympic 2012 Boroughs
@BookMarkLee Helping accountants and those who want to work with accountants
@GrahamJones Great insights on using the internet to really connect with people
@jondavey Business in Berkshire and New Business Leads
@nicktadd Help with twitter & other Social Media
@Nigel_Morgan PR advice on creating a great reputation
@NigelTemple Practical small business marketing hints & tips
@Richard_White Daily sales tips and recommendations from the Accidental Salesman®
@Rodsloane No bull small business marketing
@Thebookwright Unleash that book inside you...!

For the history of how this all developed see '#FollowFriday: The Anatomy of a Twitter Trend'

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Social Networking and Business

I played golf with a number of business owners & professionals yesterday. Afterwards the chat turned to work matters and I asked the owner of a software company where most of his new business came from. He said "Much of it comes from Golf. There are lots of golf events in our Industry. After spending an enjoyable 3 or 4 hours getting to really know someone on the golf course they often ask about business. That then leads to finding opportunities for each other".

It's the same as any successful business networking where it is important to build relationships first & the business follows later.

If you are still wondering whether Social Networks are relevant for your business then think about the amount of business generated as a result of the connections made socially.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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The benefits of listening first

At a couple of seminars last week on social media people asked about whether Twitter was relevant for their business. Graham Jones gave a couple of examples in his talk about how the best results come from listening out for people who are searching for answers to their problems. He cited the millions of dollars of business being generated by Companies like Dell & Starbucks.

Instead of just broadcasting what you do use the technology to find what people are searching for help with. You can then provide the answers and share your expertise. Over time people will refer others to you and will be prepared to listen to your offers. If you just shout first then nobody will listen.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Are you an authority on your subject?

Yesterday I wrote about finding the time for online networking. One of the real benefits of your online contributions is the way you can use them to add value and demonstrate your real expertise. In 'How you can use Twitter and Facebook to be persuasive' Graham Jones explains the psychology behind this.

As Graham says you can use Twitter and Facebook and all the other social networks to show you are an authority on your subject by publicising:

* Your original content
* Your thoughts on current research
* Your readiness and ability to answer questions
* Your leadership position in associated organisations
* Your connections with other authorities

Read the full article at the link above.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Do you let others see who you know?

In yesterday's post, 'Do you know enough people already?', I talked about getting to know some people really well so that over time they will introduce you regularly to people you don't know.

One of the great features of the online Social and Business networks like Facebook and Linkedin is that you are able to see who else your trusted contacts know and request introductions.

Some people, however, hide their contacts from view. When you build trusted relationships you do that by extending trust a little or more at a time. Allowing your contacts to view your other contacts is one way of extending trust and building important relationships.

It can also be important in an emergency as I wrote recently in 'Facebook proved faster than the Police!'.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Facebook proved faster than the Police!

One of my wife's sisters is visiting the UK from the US currently. On Sunday her friends & family back home were trying to contact her urgently as her husband was in hospital after being in a bad car accident. He was the only person with her phone number and was in no state to be able to give it to anyone.

About 7 in the evening UK time my daughter spotted something had happened on her cousin's facebook status. One of my Sister-in-Law's neighbours had also sent me a direct message after finding me amongst her Facebook contacts. I phoned my Sister-in-Law who was then able to phone another neighbour back home to get the full picture.

A few hours later the local UK police knocked at her parents house with a message that she needed to get in contact with people back in the US. The information travelled by Facebook much quicker than it took the police. The Police performance was still pretty impressive too given the limited information they had to work on - surname + town.

Is this relevant to how useful Social Networks & Social Media can be for you?

I think it's a powerful illustration of a revolution in communications. How many important conversations are you missing if you are not online?

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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The Tipping Point & Online Networking

I was explaining how to integrate online and offline networking to someone at an NRG seminar recently. In '10 tips for building business with the effective use of offline & online networks' I suggest that you identify the online networks to join and start a blog. Your blog is the cornerstone of your online presence and the image below from the Logic + Emotion Blog in 'Twitter Tuesday, Influence Ripples + Tipping Points' is a great visual aid to illustrate my point.

The 3 types of networkers identified in the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell are shown and described. The Salesman uses knowledge to engage and persuade, the Maven connects people through sharing knowledge, the Connector connects people to each other. To be effective online you need to be a bit of each (or get people to do some of it for you). Think of your blog as engaging and persuading, then use social media to share knowledge and social networks to share connections.


Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Offline still most important for Word of Mouth

A couple of years ago in 'Word of Mouth: The real action is offline' I wrote about research from the Keller Fay Group revealing that 72% of all word of mouth interaction took place face-to-face.

A recent report from Mintel finds people still prefer real-life recommendations to online.

So while Social Media and Social Networks are becoming increasingly important in maintaining and building relationships don't forget to focus on the offline.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Extending your networking online

I enjoyed reading a couple of NRG member blogs on the subject of online networking yesterday from Nancy Williams of Tiger Two and Keren Lerner of Top Left Design. I have written before about integrating your offline and online networking and more and more people are asking how and where! I believe that online networks give you a real opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing contacts as well as making new connections.

In 'Personal Power' Nancy makes the point that she spends more time on those online networks where she has met the people and it is part of a relationship building process. She says, "On the sites I am intimately involved with, I know the people I am speaking to on there personally. I have met many of them, I have shared lunch, drinks or an event with them. I have got to know them as human beings rather than as avatars. That makes my interaction with them a lot deeper because I know I am talking to a real person whom I like and look forward to building more of a relationship with."

In 'Networking – combining online and offline' Keren explains the power of combining the two and says, "We really would encourage you to get in touch with people when you have met them in real life via searching for them on one of the online networks where you may both be a member."

If you are not networking online ask your network where they are and join them there. If you are already networking online then have a fresh look for the people you may already know.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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Twitter for business

Twitter, other Social Media and Social Networks are proving a great resource for building relationships in the small business area. Many of the people you meet or would like to meet are using these sites to stay in touch and share their expertise.

Getting started on a site like Twitter can be daunting so I am pleased that NRG-networks member, Graham Jones, has produced an easy to follow guide. It has links to other useful resources and you can download at:

Beginner's Guide to Twitter

If you are on Twitter already you can find me at http://twitter.com/DaveClarke

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
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