I have just read several blogs that deal with all these topics. Some were suggestions, some were rants, and others were just ideas to help others with sales.

I am a huge believer in networking and “mutually beneficial marketing”! I write articles, give teleclasses and live seminars. These are all forms of marketing and gaining exposure, but the goal isn’t to sell someone on something, but rather to provide useful, insightful info from my own experiences.

And now I am benefitting from the social networking arena – mostly Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Meetup and Ning – where they can all come together. So here is my take:

Successful online networking is not much different than in-person networking: Build your personal and business brand into a cohesive message and attractive experience.

The key to great networking is to develop relationships by:
• Connecting
• Finding common ground
• Being service oriented
• Providing great value – resources, content, ideas or connections

By doing all these, people can get to know you and at the same time enhance themselves and their business, while you expect nothing in return.

And the key to turning people off right away and therefore NEVER being able to make a sale:
• Beat them over the head with your sales pitch

People need to know, like and trust you.

Helping others without expectation is the easiest way to get that accomplished. Plus, others will be drawn to you as you truly are, not as some marketing guru wrote webpage copy to “spin” the real you. This starts off the relationship on the right foot, as people will know what to expect from you.

These are my philosophies, and they have worked very well. Here are two recent articles about online and offline networking strategies and skills here:

“10 Holiday Networking Tips”
www.tinyurl.com/Networking10Tips

“How can I use Twitter to draw business to my website?”
www.tinyurl.com/7dpqrm

Good luck, and please feel free to connect so we can help each other. :)

All the best,
Jason

P.S. If you ever want to check out what free teleclasses and workshops I have coming up on these topics, just go to www.DistinctiveCoaching.com/events.htm

Jason E. Rosado
Business Coach

Helping self-directed and self-managed professionals achieve your ideal business in 12 months or less. Ready to start? Sign up for your FREE “Business Success E-Series”!

773.829.1276
Jason@DistinctiveCoaching.com

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