Guide to How to Market and Network Online in 5 Easy Steps

Online Networking is the use of the Internet to build relationships focused on becoming the resource for. 

Let’s start with some basic Preparation: --Your end goal for global online networking is to get those who view your stuff to do something (Build Database).  That something should be to sign up to your ezine (weekly).  Your ezine should have it’s own web address to brand you.   

--Provide a real name and e-mail address where you may be contacted. To prevent spam email, some people provide a yahoo address (for business) or a designated company email address for postings.

--Photo’s are great because people identify with their emotions and seeing an actual person is a good trigger.- -Digital Signature that you can copy and paste for postings, articles, etc. 

The reason I use this signature is because I want savvy entrepreneurs to sign up for my newsletter.  This gives them the opportunity to check me out and they can remove their name from our list at any time.  That's why having a newsletter is key to marketing and networking online. Now…the Basic 5 of Global Online Networking 

1. Posting – Posting is typing in text into an internet forum.  Internet forums can be message boards, discussion boards, and blogs. You should post either a response to something you've read or a completely new question or comment. Normally your postings are going to occur on forums and message boards.  While the procedure differs from program to program, the general outline is always the same.  
 
2. Socializing (The Most Common) –  Social networking online connects people with all different types of interests, and backgrounds.  There’s a difference between the business social networking sites and the social networking sites that provides business connections. 

Here’s a great newsletter that will keep you up to date on social networking sites and companies:http://www.mashable.com/ 

Here’s an example of a business social networking site: 
www.fastpitchonline.com/shereseduncan     

Why should you engage in social networking?  Because it expands your reach, gives you the opportunity to test out new ideas and it allows your business to grow without the expense of traditional advertising.  Just make sure you’re about business with a little personal touch.  

3. Talking –  Free calling from one PC to another on the Internet has been around for quite some time, but now you can make calls to standard telephones for free. There’s a service called skype and it allows pc to pc communications and it also allows Podcasting, chat rooms, and most importantly…connecting with individuals all over the world.  I can’t explain everything here, sometimes you just have to try something to learn the benefits it brings to your business.

Check out skype at http://www.skype.com/.  

4. Hosting – hosting an online event like an, e-seminar, telecourses, or even your own radio show is a great way to get exposure and become the resource for.  It builds credibility and it shows you’re up on the newest and greatest.  For a radio show, here’s a great service without the costs, scheduling or headaches.  It’s called Now Live.   

5. Promoting – Article submissions, press releases, blogs, google alerts, lensing (http://www.squidoo.com/), video casting (http://www.youtube.com/), being an internet radio guest (http://www.efficioradio.net/), podcasting (http://www.learnaudioandvideo.com/), audio clips or blogging are great ways to promote not only profiles but also your business. 

If you’re just getting started I recommend starting a blog and posting your thoughts weekly on three subjects that you’re an expert it.  By making weekly posts, you’re exposure and credibility will increase traffic back to your web site or instant sales if you’re promoting an informational product. 

For a free blog check out http://www.blogger.com/.  Just take it slow and do one post at a time. Keep in mind that any form of networking takes time and it’s important to have many streams of marketing established. 

The basic five is a good place to start.  Your web site traffic will keep coming because you have lots of little streams pouring in from many different sources including your offline activities. You may not reach the cash cow at lightening speed, but it will happen.  

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Start with defining what type of online personality you want for your business.
• Stick to business when it comes to networking and marketing online. This will keep your profile simple - just add some personal stuff to your business profile.
• Keep your activities focused on your top three goals for utilizing virtual tools. The more narrow your focus the better response you will get and you'll be able to manage your online activities.
• Use virtual assistants to manage your profiles and friend requests. Your focus should be on more high-payoff activities.