VIRTUAL NETWORKING – A NECESSITY, NOT A LUXURY

By Rick Sherman

Last month we talked about the critical importance of virtual networking, and since that time, as I’ve met over a hundred new people, I realize that many of you are simply not embracing this critical component. Living in the virtual world is no longer just an opportunity…it’s a necessity.

I think we all would agree that there is one singular aspect critical to our organization’s success: WE NEED TO SELL TO SURVIVE…WE NEED TO SELL TO SUCCEED!

So how do you reach your targeted audience in a cost effective way? How do you increase your exposure beyond your current geographical or social barriers? How do you network with a million people simultaneously? BY LIVING IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD! This is simply the most cost effective, and time effective way to maximize your exposure, and reach potential clients.

CHECK FOR YOURSELF

Take 10 minutes and “Google” the following phrases:

Social Networking

1. Social Networking + Wall Street Journal
2. Social Networking + New York Times
3. Social Networking + Chicago Tribune
4. Social Networking + USA Today

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITY

LinkedIn.com

Over 30 Million users across 150 different industries. This is not a social site…it’s a business site.

Facebook.com

Over 130 Million users, with people logging 2.6 Billion minutes a day on the site. This is primarily a social site, however it does have great business opportunities by creating targeted ad’s, pages, and leveraging the “Visa Business Network” platform.

Ryze,Tribe, Twitter, Digg, Plaxo, Orkut, Multiply, Xanga, YouTube…AND ON AND ON AND ON Millions of users. Thousands of industries. Endless opportunities.

How many sites are you and your business on currently? If the answer is 10 or less, then you are NOT living in the virtual world.

Is there a commitment necessary to leverage this vast opportunity? Of course! However, consider the alternative: Do you want to spend time, money, gas, and expenses practicing traditional prospecting techniques? Or do you want to leverage technology and virtual networking to create business opportunities in the most cost effective way possible?

For those of you who are still skeptical…review your marketing, travel, and entertainment expenses over the past 3 months. Now, imagine reaching a thousand times more people at a fraction of the cost.

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

Virtual Networking is simply the tip of the proverbial iceberg. It is also, quite simply, the best place to begin. If you are new to this arena…virtual networking will provide you with the education, experience, and confidence to take the next step. If you are already a savvy virtual networker, then I would challenge you to go even further. Are you utilizing video e‐mail? Running strategic e‐campaigns? Are you blogging and posting? Advertising effectively on‐line? Do you have a fully integrated marketing strategy that combines traditional methodology with the power of the internet? Have you Googled your company and yourself to see the virtual world’s first impression of you?

BE CAREFUL

Remember…as you are looking at them…they are also looking at you. Living virtually provides the world 24/7 access to you 365 days a year! You are representing something much larger than yourself. It is imperative that you protect, promote, and represent the brand in a manner that is consistent with your ideals, goals, and mission statement.

ARE YOU READY TO LIVE IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD? YOUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE ANSWER.

Rick Sherman is a senior level business adviser and consultant for Forward Progress, Inc. and the President of New Essence Media, a marketing agency focused on developing strategies through “Intelligent Integration”. For Additional Information: [email protected]