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Who is going to win the battle, the explosive online networks with millions of members or the strong local network group that meets up once a month? The answer is easy, there is no battle, there is no one or the other if you are a true networker. Nothing will replace the connection and trust that can be generated in meeting people face to face, and no local network will ever be able to give you the access to the same number of people that an online network can. The trick is to use the online and the “offline” network to compliment each other for maximum effect.

Example; As a DABGO member you have access to many more people than you have time to meet with in person. But it gives you the option of searching and finding just the right people for you to connect with, and then establish offline meet ups or events where you invite a number of people with the same interest. With the power to choose your offline network, it is no longer up to coincidences at a local network meeting if you happen to meet the right connections. With an online network it’s all up to you to make that happen.

This is not to say that you should quit your local network and just start your own network of only like-minded people, because it’s at the local network meeting (chamber of commerce, local Danish club etc.) that you meet diversity and personalities which are just as important to grow a strong diverse network.

Are you a passive or active networker, or are you just wasting time?

A large percentage of business people today have an online business network as well as a social one. Which one do you spend more time on and how effective is it?

Social Networkers generally have a broad group of connections whom they chat with and send messages to. They may share holiday photos with them and discussions are of a social nature rather than a business nature. It doesn’t really matter if you have 5 social contacts or thousands. How many of them are bringing you more business?

Passive Business Networkers have an online profile which they fill out well, and then wait for someone to contact them. This works provided you have uploaded your photo and filled in at least 85% of your data. This includes listing your summary and your specialties. There is no point in just listing yourself as a “interested in career opportunities” without listing your attributes. Make online business networking really work for you by providing enough information for others to learn more about you. How can you add to your online business profile?

Active Business Networkers have an excellent online profile including a photo, past experience, summary and specialties. They use online networking as their online business card which introduces them effectively to others. They join and create Groups and connect with others who have common interests. They also start inviting other business contacts to join them on Linkedin and DABGO so they can network together. Active networkers quickly create their own micro-networks by daily involvement, persistence and dedication. Online networking for active networkers is smart business practice.

Successful Business Networkers make online business networking an active part of their daily business routine, anything less is time wasting. How can you make your networking more effective? Start by updating your profile, see how to here…