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Face-to-face Social Networking
by
Matthew Bredel
Social marketing is certainly one of the buzzwords of
the year. MySpace, Facebook, and a plethora of blog networks and
discussion forums all fall under the umbrella of social networking.
Although it is typically described as interacting with virtual community
members, social marketing takes on new meaning when it becomes an
offline approach.
The convenience and comfort of the online world has
added much to business networking. However, is it possible that this
virtual connection has also taken away from the benefits real-life face
to face interaction offers?
Perhaps a healthy balance of online and offline
networking is what it needed to take a business even an online
business to the next level.
An Internet marketer can find numerous effective and
interesting ways to connect with people offline. Keeping a stash of
business cards to hand out to people you meet while out and about is one
simple way to create interest and discussion about your business.
Every Internet marketer knows to always include
signatures and links in e-mails, forum and blog postings in order to
bring in business. The same techniques can be applied in the outside
world by utilizing business cards or just your voice to bring your
business and interests into conversation.
Getting involved in local business networking events
is another effective way to enter offline social marketing. Attend
chamber of commerce events, lunch and learns, or happy hours for
professionals to get plugged into circles of people with whom you can
swap business advice and learn more about what is going on in your area.
Nervous about leaving the security of your office
chair and computer screen? If you have been able to be successful at
online social marketing, you can succeed offline as well. Simply use the
same social skills that have worked for you on forums and blogs: show a
genuine interest in people, be friendly and thoughtful, and use honesty
and integrity as you meet with people.
Internet marketing seminars are a great way to connect
with people who have similar interests and goals. By using your
people-skills, you can develop rewarding professional relationships that
will benefit your business and perhaps even your social calendar.
Furthermore, such seminars will provide you with information to build
your business. You are basically doubling your money with this offline
social networking option.
A true Internet marketer is always seeking out opportunities
to connect with others, and the offline world provides many avenues for
connection. True, it may not be as easy or comfortable as an
online forum. After all, in the real world we don't walk around with
our profiles, including hobbies, goals, and favorite movies, listed on
our shirts, nor do we have our favorite song playing in the background.
But by being honest and real and displaying genuine interest in others,
you will find yourself succeeding in the offline world of social
networking no screen name required.
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