copyrighted Judi Singleton 2005I first wrote this article in 2002 here is an update on
article as
I have learned a great deal in
meantime. Here is a definition of a social network from wikipedia "A social network is a map of
relationships between individuals,
indicating
ways in which they are connected through various social
familiarities ranging from casual acquaintance to close familial
bonds." Another quote from Wikipedia on Social networks "Research in a number of academic fields have demonstrated that
social networks operate on many levels, from families up to
level
of nations, and play a critical role in determining
way problems
are solved, organizations are run, and
degree to which individuals
succeed in achieving their goals."
If you are going to be sucessful on
net or anywhere else people
need other people. 75% of career moves are made through others that
you know. Networking is a important part of being financially secure.
What is networking? It is forming partnerships and alliances based on
mutual need, respect, and trust. It is passing on and getting
information through
people you know. It is helping others to be
sucessful while helping yourself to be sucessful. Hopefully your
network is a group of people who are committed to each others success.
business networking sites
Ryze Business Networking
Affinity Engines
Appiir
Business Parc
href="http://www.businesspartnerships.ca/" rel="nofollow">BusinessPartnerships.ca
Contact Network
Doostang
ecademy
href="https://www.econozco.com/" rel="nofollow">eConozco
href="http://www.entremate.com/" rel="nofollow">EntreMate
eXtremeNetworking.biz
Friendly Favors
I'm Not From Here
href="http://www.interfacesoftware.com/products/interaction/ia_summary.cfm" rel="nofollow" title="InterAction">InterAction
ITmob
ItsNotWhatYouKnow
Join Network PLUS, LLC
Kickstart-Connect
LinkedIn
What kind of networks do you have. The primary network is made up of
family, and close friends that share your value system. They always
want
best for you. They will help you prosper in anyway that they
can. Your secondary network comes from aquaintences and your
community. This may include people you do business with, church
friends, organizations you belong to, people you just meet. Your secondary group is made up of
acquaintances, those with different values, beliefs, attitudes, and
friends. The casual contacts who make up your secondary group come
from everywhere, past and present: Work, community, school, and
service providers. They may be made up of people from your past,
employers, teachers, school friends. Or they may be people who you
work with now, present employers, people you are currently doing business with at
this time.
Research and my personal experience shows me whatever technical
advise, professional advise, I may need comes through people who I
know. They are available to listen and give me advise. They are people
who are willing to do things for me, meet a need in my business, share
their experience, people who will meet some of my business needs and
that I can do something for in return. Reciprocity, or fair exchange,
is
foundation of networking.
Some contacts are from your primary group family and close friends
they are best for providing support, helping you overcome
shortcomings, improve your skills. Secondary group are best for
providing information and resorces. A contact may be anyone who
provides you with access to what you want. An example of this I have a
friend who is absolute whiz at math. He has helped me figure out how to refinance my house, to find
financing for my business. He has helped me put on paper my financial