Why I love networking from my desk
So far my two networking posts have been about going out to networking functions. While I LOVE networking face to face, and meeting new people, I find that these days I tend to do even more networking from my desk. How you ask? Well mostly via Twitter and LinkedIn.
The basic principles are the same – you connect with people, build a relationship, share ideas, thoughts, referrals and maybe one day do business together.
What I love about using Twitter and LinkedIn for networking is:
- it’s not restricted to my desk – I can network anywhere – as long as I have my laptop or blackberry
- I don’t need to make myself look “presentable” – you know, hair, makeup, clean and ironed clothes – I can network in my PJs. Or my stinky gym clothes. And I often do
- I can share things with people that are harder to share face to face – such as links to my blog, photos, links to interesting articles
- it doesn’t cost anything except a bit of time (I especially love not getting stuck in traffic!)
- it’s easier to find out more information about people, and more quickly, then a 5 minute chat at a networking function can offer - just think of all that extra info on LinkedIn and Twitter – reams of information about their personality, other followers and connections (which can say a lot about a person), and of course business and personal interests.
So how much do you network from your desk? And what do you love most about it?
Tags: LinkedIn, networking, relationships, twitter
This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 11:55 am and is filed under communication, networking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
March 24th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Hey Mel,
I have always traditionally used the standard face to face methods of networking and am now starting to come around to ways that I can network from my desk at home.
Twitter I am still getting used to the idea and it has been a slow start to this road but I can keep working on it for sure.
thanks for the tips.
Suzy
March 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hey Mel,
I love networking from my desk too … like you I love how time-effective it is … and what I love most of all is how easily I can see the web of interconnected networks … for example, I discover ‘who knows who’ by watching convervations on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn … so I see my ‘expanded’ network.
March 24th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Thanks for the great article Mel!
I love using Twitter and LinkedIn for following up with people that I meet through traditional networking functions. Definitely saves time plus keeping connected to my clients in these formats helps me better manage those relationships too.
March 24th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
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March 24th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Hello Mel
After a very slow start (and taking Cat’s advice) I’ve begun ‘desktop networking’, and I’m enjoying it, building relationships and beginning to reap all sorts of benefits.
Thanks Mel.
March 25th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Hi Mel
Thanks! This is so true, how fantastic is it that you can network from you office and not spend time wasting in travelling & cups of coffee etc. Though I do love talking to people face to face and will continue to do so for new networkers, you know how I love to talk under water & brainstorm. Love your work!
March 25th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
It allows me to reach people I would never meet in face-to-face situations, especially those from interstate or even international connections. I’ve ‘virtually’ met so many amazing people who have offered great advice and support, and if I ever happen to be in their city I’ve got at least one contact to have a coffee with – and who knows where that may lead?
March 25th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
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March 30th, 2010 at 6:41 am
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May 8th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Yes! thought your post is a time saver!
May 20th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Up until now I’ve been primarily a desk networker. But as of this week I plan on getting out and about and meeting some smiles! Starting off with Hive Brisbane next Tuesday!