Wilmington, NC's 1st Social Media Network {Socialize} {Share} {Meet} {Network}

Why do we Network

I am going to be doing a talk at UNCW next week on Networking, I would like to get some quotes from anyone who may be interested in contributing about why they network and how they do it.
Lisa

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bruce Brown on February 3, 2009 at 5:36am

Hi Lisa,
Here are my quick lists.

WHY I Network:
1. it's FUN
2 I love to connect folks with each other - for business, social, personal and economic needs, whatever
3. medium to long term marketing goals - I never expect immediate sales or work (tho' it sometimes happens)
4. catching up with old friends
5. food at networking events usually good, sometimes interesting
6. it's FUN
7. it's an opportunity to share
8. cool random connections
9. I'm motivated to help folks
10. energy sharing (this is absolutely HUGE for me) - some find energy depleted, I find it added pre-, during, and post most networking, whether in person 1to1 , networking events, online, or on the phone. Somewhat via Internet social media type networking, too, but time delay lessens the energy impact
11. for me it's always spiritual
12. it's FUN
13. a place and time to hear jokes
14. to stay current with people and events
15. to keep perspective on my own stuff
16. I like the attention (blush)
17. to hear about, find, and experience new places (IRL networking events)
18. to enjoy other's connections and enthusiasm
19. to take photos for my blog - www.beingbrucebrown.com
20. to help promote others
21. (sometimes) to support causes and charities
22. it's fun
23. it's something I can do and can do fairly well
24. IRL and online networking are like life - you show up, have the opportunity to "do" or "be" and enjoy and learn from the way others react and interact
25. synergy - combined energy and opportunity can be incredible
26. to experience the common coincidence
27. I said something about it being fun, right?

HOW I Network:
1. As often as possible in person 1 to 1
2. I attend Chamber of Commerce, BNI, random business group (such as WPG), and friend's (such as the totally AWESOME STAR SOSA's monthly events at Spectrum Art & Jewelry at the Landfall Forum www.spectrumartandjewelry.com) . Some networking events I attend regularly, others on a more random basis - chosen by schedule, location, size, mix of folks, theme (?), and food!
3. At trade shows and conventions - not with attendees, but the booth folks - like, you KNOW why they're there and what they do, pretty good start
4. Social media (MySpace (some), FaceBook (more), LinkedIn (main one for professional listings), Plaxo (because I know the founder), ActiveRain (real estate specific), Twitter (it's really micro-blogging but I also consider it networking)
5. My blog - I e-mail or tell specific people about various posts as a form of networking
6. My home BNI group specifically - strong group of committed team players - we act as each others' sales force
7. Showing up at various places and events - sort of like existential networking (I goto places and see people I know - is that not networking? Love the randomness.) Dog parks one of my fav.
8. Be bold and introduce myself to folks in many situations - often leads to connections
9. Participate - the energy of joyful "doing" can attract others to want to network with you!

Have fun at your talk next week. Hope the above is helpful.

Bruce

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Coach Reggie on February 8, 2009 at 12:10pm

Lisa,

Looks like Bruce has it covered. The readers digest version on WHY I network is "To Build Relationships." Sometimes that is creating new relationships and sometimes that is developing old ones. I also try to focus on connecting others that need to meet so that they can build meaningful relationships.

WHERE I network...Wilmington Chamber Events, Local Business Events, Leads and referral groups.

Hope that helps.

Reggie