Industry snapshot: e-networking

The Internet has changed our world over the past ten years. This is especially true for business communication, and networking tools specifically. With the employment workplace in constant evolution, it is more important than ever to stay in touch with friends, past colleagues, and associates who may have moved elsewhere. This network is vital for connecting with potential investors, employers, business partners or customers. Remember, it is always easier to get through to your target audience if introduced by a credible contact.

Today, one of the most popular systems for keeping track of and developing your network of trusted friends and associates is LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You and your trusted contacts agree to become part of each other’s network. You are then connected by degrees of separation to thousands of others, all tracked through the system. Each time you add a trusted contact, you add thousands from that person’s direct network, and all the others connected by degrees.

In the past, networking was done by phone, letter, or lunch. Today, e-networking tools provide an additional way to organize and grow your vital network of business connections. We were already using LinkedIn in our firm, but we felt even better about it when we read a recent article about a business incubator, Infobase Ventures, that has a rule, “If you’re not a member of the LinkedIn network with a minimum of ten connections and two endorsements on the site, don’t even bother calling me.” (Enterpreneur, July 2005).

We highly recommend that each Trekking reader look at networks such as LinkedIn or Spoke. They are free yet valuable ways to keep track of your network and get warm introductions to high quality contacts. Once you connect, you’ll be surprised how many of your associates are already linked in. Please share your experiences with us (info@trekconsulting.com), and we will be glad to pass on your feedback and opinions next month.  2005