The Value of a Beer...hanging with @JBluhm et al
Using social media tools you can expand your network with people you know and those you don’t know. I’ve connected with friends, former classmates, family members and others via FaceBook. I’ve connected with former colleagues and peers via LinkedIn. I’ve met other marketers through LinkedIn groups. I’ve followed and been followed by fellow marketers who I probably wouldn’t have ever met naturally thanks to Twitter. I see people connecting with new people all around me online. I’m curious about whether it is increasing or decreasing traditional in-person networking.
Are people hiding behind their computers and not getting into the real world to really meet others? Is the value of traditional networking associations declining? I don’t think so. I think it is even more important than ever to continue traditional networking activities. But the business reality is that the recession has led to shrinking reimbursement policies at companies for membership in local networking associations and business travel for conferences. What are you doing? Are you attending conferences and networking events? Is it status quo at your company or are you paying the bill on your own? Or just dropping out? Are you still meeting others at local tweet ups and meet ups?
As individuals are working to create their online personal brand it is equality important to step out from behind the computer screen and continue to meet and learn in person. Personally, the in-person connection with those I’ve met online has been invaluable. It helps to transition a follower into a friend and friends into followers. It lets people see a whole other side to who you are.
While you are growing your online network, don’t forget the basics. Take every opportunity to meet those around you face-to-face. If you met online, step offline and meet in person to learn what happens between tweets, status updates and blog posts. If you met in person, connect online and keep up to date on what is going on with each other between events.
Regardless of where you met, get out of your every day environment and share a beer, a cup of coffee or a couple of sodas…have a laugh…and share your stories. Get out from behind the computer screen, out of the office and join networking associations, attend tweet ups, meet ups and the like. Use the opportunity to deepen your relationships and develop new ones.
What are you doing? Has social media decreased your traditional networking efforts or expanded them? How are you prioritizing your time between online and offline events? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Hey Nichole, I totally agree. Nothing like getting out there and meeting face to face. On the other hand Social Media is such a great tool to build a business or to brand yourself. I am a newbie when it comes to Social Media, but I am learning everyday thanks to people like you. Thanks. Network Marketing is my field of biz endeavour (Cdn sp) and needless to say face to face is huge for my business growth.
Thanks for the comment. I agree that social media is a great tool. My thinking is that social media just gives you more people to try and finally meet face to face! I hope we’ll be able to meet one day! Good luck on your business venture. I’m so glad you’ve joined the movement and that I’ve added value for you.
Very good post, Nichole, and I agree 100%. While social networks like Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook are good ways to meet and interact with people, there are real people behind these online profiles.
Case in point, after doing the book Get Back To Work Faster with Jill Konrath, I had the pleasure of meeting her for breakfast at the Yale Club in NYC. I still have fond memories of that face to face meeting. The world is filled with real people. Get out and meet them.
Jeff Ogden, President
Find New Customers
http://www.findnewcustomers.net
Jeff,
Thank you so much for your comments. I have loved chatting with you and Jill about your Get Back To Work Faster project. It’s another great example of extending relationships beyond social media.
Nichole
I actually found that social networks have given my face-to-face marketing a boost. I’m encouraged to attend more events, I hear about more events and groups, and when I don’t attend I see all the feeds of what I’m missing and all the video and images of what I missed.
I agree it has definitely enhanced my in person networking. But when I talk to some people they say…oh I don’t need to do that anymore I just connect on-line. I envision some creepy people sitting behind their computers and grabbing a Mountain Dew every once in awhile! LOL.