How To Network With 1,700,000 Global Professionals in 6 Weeks

Networking offers great opportunities for professionals to connect with literally millions of potential clients, or at least connections who can lead you to clients. Successful and thoughtful networking can not only increase your business prospects but also add important and influential contacts to your personal life.

No matter how good you are at your chosen profession you can only physically connect with so many people in your lifetime. Even the very best professionals can gain from input and suggestions from the vast number of professionals available to you via the Internet. Well chosen connections may well mean the difference between success and just treading water.

My business is writing and global marketing. I started taking networking seriously after I set up my RAW Power Writing website and started the often tedious and seemingly unrewarding process of self marketing. I read several article on the best ways to market my business and the benefits of networking were soon clear to me as a resource to achieve my aims and much more.

I previously thought the term 'networking' referred to often sleazy sales techniques and spamming, neither of which I wanted any part of. I soon learned different and started seeking professional people all over the globe in order to not only expand interest in my business but to find people of a like mind to me with whom I could share my experience and advice. With over 25 years experience in global marketing after having lived in 10 countries and having done business on the ground in over 50, I felt I had something to offer. Most experienced professionals have something positive to offer others and are willing to do so, given the opportunity to connect. Networking provides that chance.

The type of person you seek to join your network is important. Though you can not 'vet' the entire network your direct connection may have, you can vet the direct connections themselves before asking them to join your group. In most on-line networking groups you then have the opportunity to review the credentials of anyone asking to join your group before you admit them as trusted contacts. In others (such as Ecademy; www.ecademy.com/) you are notified when a member merely views your profile, giving you the opportunity to view theirs in turn and then decide whether you want to ask them to join your group.

If you join as a paying member Ecademy also allows you to search for 'people like me' in order to find quality connections. This can include professional aspects or experience you might share with them or sporting, religious, travel or other interests. A great way to contact people just like you.

Forums and specific clubs within networking sites also offer you the opportunity to post your opinions and advice, along with your website address and an invitation to link or view your recent blog. This is an important source of free advertising which can not be ignored and reaps benefits with more visits to your site and the increased business this may bring. These clubs also often provide advice about networking events, meetings if you prefer physical contact or immediate connection with online members via MSN or Skype.

I started with 4 direct connections who were essentially friends and previous work colleagues who, in turn, linked me to some 4000 others. I thought this was impressive and wondered where more intense networking might take me. When the opportunity came to get serious about global networking I grabbed the chance and started searching for the best networking sites on the web. Six weeks later I had 52 direct connections who give me access to over 1,700,000 professional people from all over the world.

How did I do it? With hard work and persistence. My first few weeks networking were taken up searching out the type of people I wanted to connect with and then making the first introductory forays to gain their confidence to join me in my network group. I tailored my initial message carefully to ensure that the person I was inviting to my network understood clearly what I had to offer them as a valued partner or advisor in business. I added links within my message to make it easier for them to visit my website and my profile and I made it clear that I was ready to contribute to their success. I then encouraged them to take action by joining my network at LinkedIn. (www.linkedin.com/)

As a result I am now networked to people from all walks of professional life with distinct interests and business goals. I now have the capability to reach 1,700,000 people (without spamming them) in order to help them where I can, and ask them to assist me in my business goals.

I encourage you to consider networking as a great way to connect with people all over the globe and improve your business and personal life.

Ron A. Welsh RAW Power Writing http://www.rawpowerwriting.com/

About the author: Ron Welsh is a global marketer and techical writer and networker with over 25 years experience in international markets having lived in 10 countries and done business on the ground in over 50.