Broadband and Me

Use networks

Iunctura Daily -- Center for Strategic Relations

Use networking to grow new business relationships
Networking is so powerful for building business relationships, I highly recommend it. However, in this global economy it is difficult to reach out to oversea contacts. With the Internet this become eaiser than every (and very cost effective.)
I'm currently a member of both Ryze and Ecademy. (These sites are strictly for networking, but you may find the same in your trade group or private topical website like Applying Strategic Relations.) It's important for you to understand how these online communities work, how you can benefit from them, and what is expected of you as a member.
Online networking isn't selling, it's matchmaking. You are not involved in a networking group to sell your product to those individuals in the group, but to build relationships that extend your customer base. It is more valuable to you that group members refer you to their customers, than to buy directly.
Give a full description of what you have to offer. People what to help your business be more successful, so in turn you can help them be successful. But how are people going to know what you offer if you don't describe it fully. At least cover who, what, when, where, and why in your profile.
Fully describe your most ideal prospect or project.

More useful stuff from Iunctura - nothing stunning but it does get the point across. I think if I was using this site as a sales tool for a business it would certain focus more and not be quite so jumping but then the only thing I am currently selling is me. And you all want to buy that don't you? Comments definitely expected :)