One of the refrains when using online networking portals [ like LinkedIn and openBC ] is “Just because we can connect, should we?” Some have even asked the question many of us are too afraid even to think aloud “What if everyone got connected to everyone else?” Apart from the fact that alone time is precious [ "me-time" like Oprah raves about ], one cannot even begin to comprehend what would happen if we all connected just for the sake of being connected and having someone’s name on our contact list.
It’s great to be able to check my contacts list and find the right person for whatever it is that I was looking for, but having everyone on that list would be awfully boring.
Above thoughts based on this post on Tom Peter’s blog.
September 23rd, 2005
Found this dialogue on BostonWorks.com and since I’d been hearing some similar networking questions, I thought I’d post it here.
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, as part of Big Help week, networking expert Diane Danielson talked to readers about making the right business contacts.
I am sampling some of the questions and answers here, but it would make sense to go read the complete article on their website here:
rich: Q: Should I try and keep up with a former boss with whom I did not get along? Is that a good network contact for me?
Diane_Danielson: Generally speaking, I apply the “airplane test” for networking. I don’t network with anyone I wouldn’t want to sit next to on a cross-country airplane flight.
Diane_Danielson: If you don’t “click” for whatever reason, you’re both on edge and wary of what the other person wants.
rich: Q: Supposing I have not spoken with a college classmate for 25 years or so – can I still pick up the phone and call?
Diane_Danielson: By all means, yes! Who doesn’t love getting that unexpected call.
Diane_Danielson: Just lead with whatever it was that sparked your memory – ran into another old classmate, recalled that you were in the health care industry, etc.
mjc_1001: Q: Diane, how can a small IT outsourcing company attract new business? Are there recruiting companies out there that recruit business to business opportunities?
Diane_Danielson: Part of networking is “networking for information” I would try to go to organizations like a Chamber of Commerce and ask just that question.
And lots more questions from networkers who want to learn some more! Go here for the full article.
September 21st, 2005
Lately I’ve been very busy with work and family and have had no or little time for online networking. My visits to openBC and LinkedIn have been few and far between in the last month. It has also left me wondering why we network online.
It’s been great for business because I have had the opportunity to work with clients from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and USA – but does online networking have only one purpose? Another advantage I have gained [which is a huge advantage for an online business] is that people who are internet savvy now are aware about me and my business – they know that there is a certain “Naina Redhu” who runs a design studio in India. In fact, I’m popularly known as the “25 year-old hardhat wearing designer”
My next question(s) is(are):
- Is the time that I spend networking online justified in accordance with the returns?
- If I invest 4 hours each day into networking will it be more fruitful as compared to spending 4 hours a week?
- How do I maximize the potential of my time spent networking online so that it is efficient and effective?
Would be nice to hear how some of you network and invest time in your online networking activities.
September 16th, 2005
