It’s About Who You Know
I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am in this industry without knowing everyone I do today. My contacts network has helped me become successful and yours can definitely help you do so as well.
A lot of people overlook networking because it doesn’t make them money immediately and directly (in most cases). Well, I’m here to tell you that some contacts you make will be worth more money than you can imagine. It truly isn’t 100% about what you know, but also about who you know
Networking isn’t hard but takes effort. As a result a lot of people may shift it to the backburner. I’m here to tell you that you definitely shouldn’t. I want to outline a few tips to network that will help you network more effectively and build out your network that can be the difference between failure and success (literally) for your web business.
Reach Out: The first step to networking starts with you. If you don’t reach out to anyone, how do you expect to network. Just reach out to people in your field. You’d be surprised how cool a lot of these people are. I have made tons of friends, business contacts and have also learned a ton through networking. None of this would have happened if I had never reached out.
Don’t Be Scared: I know networking can be scary. Don’t be scared, the worst that can happen is you learn a bit and the person doesn’t stick with you. This applies for larger entities in your field too. Don’t be scared to approach the “big dogs”, they’re only human too and most are really nice. If you never reach out, you’ll have a 0% chance or gaining any traction with these people versus a much higher percent if you do actually reach out. The worst thing that can happen is you can be “rejected”, and there are always more great people…
Give And Take: Networking is a give and take relationship. You have to give value to your relationship with the person you network and you should also be able to take value away. This can be business related, or even just friendship. Remember, the relationship will never work out if all you do is take. You have to add value as well (by giving something of yourself that the other person can find useful).
So get out there and start networking. You won’t be sorry you did. A good contact can boost your business to the next level, teaching you something new and just be a good friend. Do you have any good stories about how networking really helped you out? I’d love to hear them 
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So far networking has simply netted me a few products that I would have otherwise had to pay for. I don’t force myself to network though, I just do what comes naturally, which is commenting on blogs, getting to know people and helping them out where possible.
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
You? commenting on blogs? JK mate, you’re all over the place
Ben - frogstrs last blog post..The frog loves you
Pfft, I only comment on one or two blogs, I’ve been going overboard on this one though because I want that flip camera!
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
I see that man - 30 comments on like 4 posts is impressive
I see you’ve been going overboard on ShoeMoney as well
Simon from Otooos last blog post..It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know
Eh, I appreciate seeing you around, it’s good to see people caring about stuff, even if it is only a contest
I recently got into a new network and can see the benefits being tremendous. It is a private group and I have learned a lot and haven’t even got into all the material that is being shared. I am sure a few joint ventures are going to come from this, so I am excited. Just trying to focus on my business and get everything in order.
Networking is important online and offline!
What do you mean by network Freddie? A blog network?
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
Maybe network is a bad word, more like a Mastermind group. We are networking together to share ideas, information, and resources to help one another grow their business, understanding, and reach.
I’ve been networking a lot more recently because of my new blog. It was kinda one of the things i wanted to learn more about the industry, and even though i havent met a load of people it definatley alot more fun that i thought.
CanJohns last blog post..Dont Knock It ’till You’ve Tried it…Now Running Kontera!
It certainly is fun, especially getting to know people, you added me on Twitter before and already we have learnt something new about each other.
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
I do a little buit of networking but not to the extent I should. I am still out there though comment on blogs and providing a suggestion or 2 if I see something could be tweaked a little bit.
Bruno Augers last blog post..Foolproof Website Promotions Strategy
I’ve noticed your increased activity and it made me click on your blog, so I guess its working!
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
Networking is THE catalyst for success! Period! If you don’t network, you will never reach your full potential. Sure…you may be successful without it, but not near where you want to be! Great point max man.
People are totally key. I worked in outside sales for a marketing company and networking was the core of what we did. I met all kinds of people around town and learned a lot. I have read several books on networking and people. Gitmoers books are good and Carnegie. On the flip side I make a great effort to network online, I have met a lot of people through my ebook sales on Digital Point. I have spent a good deal of time helping people, but some of them have helped me in ways I could have never done myself. I have earned a good ammount of money due to other people helping me too.
The funny thing about people is they are real. Sometimes the “big wigs” seem ellusive, but when it comes down to it, they are people too. When I help people online, they are most of the time grateful. Some of them have gone way out of there way to help me too. After that I tell them thanks and I express that I owe them for their help. Most of the time, they come back saying that they owe me and I have helped them more then they helped me. Its just true, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I will send you one of my stories.
nice article
I am inspired and just bought a banner
Problogineers last blog post..Motive Interactive Launches Advent 2
Good on ya’ mate, the ad prices seem really cheap around here, if I wasn’t running my case study I would have bought a review.
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
No man is an island! You can’t survive on your own on and off the internet. In most cases, I rely on my social network for tips or solutions to any blogging-related issues. In fact, I recovered fast enough from being hacked with the help of some good fellow bloggers.
You have ‘hit the nail on the head’ with this article.
Yan
Blogging for Bloggerss last blog post..The Importance of Choosing the Right Niche
I haven’t really seen many tips on social networks, I just use them for networking
Danny Coopers last blog post..What’s on Your RSS Reader?
Excellent networking article, spot on! I gotta agree with Danny also…try to force it and it will show, this will do more harm then good in a few different aspects.
Dennis Edells last blog post..Knowledge Link Love #1: What Are Your Favorite Social Networks and Why?
This is so true. One of my main goals has been to network with as many people possible during my time blogging, and it seems that I am on the right track…
Rajaie AlKoranis last blog post..Fame, Fortune, or Fun - Why Do You Blog?