businessreport

I was involved recently in a lengthy discussion about one of the group owners in a social network.  During this to and fro in email, this man was labeled a master networker.

 Then there have been others who talk constantly about the number of their contacts.  Many have 500.  I saw one complaining that he had 10,000 contacts and was mad because the website kept him from getting more.

 This got me to thinking.  Since when does a big number of contacts on a list, anywhere, equal to you being great at networking. I network for various reasons, none of which are equal to a virtual rolodex of people I don’t know.  And, I contend there is no way in this world these social networkers actually know all of there contacts.  It is ridiculous to think so.

 Networking is great for meeting people in your same field that you can brainstorm with when you are stuck.  They can also be helpful when you have a work overload. The key issue of whether or not your networking is successful is your bottom line.  If you are spending a lot of time chatting up a group of people, whether online, or face to face, and you aren’t making money from it, you are barking up the wrong tree.

 Don’t get me wrong, networking is an important part of building your business.  Take minute to look at how you are spending your time and what it is bringing you in return.  If it isn’t business now or the promise of business, it is time to revamp your networking plans.

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