Traditionally, business networking has been associated with live events, where business owners and executives can get together in a formal or informal setting. More recently, we’ve seen the growing popularity of online networks, where we can network with people from around the globe from the comfort of our own homes or offices.
Lately I’ve witnessed the development of something that combines the two: online networks dedicated to specific regions. This is a fantastic idea, especially for people who only work with local clients, but don’t have the time, or perhaps the budget, to get out to a lot of live networking events. Becoming active in this type of network means that when you do meet someone face-to-face, they feel like they already know you, because they’ve seen your picture, read your blog posts, and possibly conversed with you in the discussion forum. Not only is this a great time-saver, it’s a wonderful tool for people who are shy about introducing themselves to strangers.
If you’re in the United States, you can find a local network in your area by going to Inside Area Codes and clicking on your state. As far as I know, we don’t have a comparable site here in Canada, but we definitely have regional social networks. I’ve joined the newly launched People in Connection site and am finding it a great way to stay in touch with people I’ve met at live People in Connection events and to connect with others I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet.
If you belong to a local networking site, how is it working for you? Feel free to include a link to the site in your comments, so others may check it out.
What a great idea. As I move frequently, joining an online local networking group would be a great way for me to virtually introduce myself to a new area before I actually arrived.
Thanks for the great tip. I’m off to look for a local networking group in my future neighbourhood!
Jacki, that’s a terrific idea – I hope you find one!
We do have a local networking site here in Coeur d’alene, Idaho whose founders are very active in making it a useful site. http://www.networkincda.ning.com
There are profile pages, discussions, “friending” opportunities and they also hold live events. Because I also have both an eldercare support group and a home-based gift basket business that delivers both locally and nationally, it’s important for me to have a local presence, as well. It’s great way to learn more about some of the local businesses in town and an alternative (or additive) to the Chamber of Commerce. (Our online network group joined the Chamber of Commerce as its own entity, which will actually save me money.)
I would highly recommend joining one in your area.
Shelley
Shelley, thanks for sharing that information. That’s great that your online network group was able to join the local Chamber, giving the members most of the benefits of Chamber membership, without the high price tag!