In my ongoing efforts to help more people get started with social media and networking, it’s important to stop for a moment and reflect on how truly life-changing the Internet has been. We should never take for granted the incredible leverage the Internet and convergent technologies provide us to do more in less time. I am very grateful for the many relationships I have been able to build and maintain because of the Internet and social media and networks of like-minded people. And it’s exciting to know that there are millions of other people online right now who are willing to meet us and build meaningful relationships.
Social network marketing, social networking, and leveraging social media are terms we use when talking about building online relationships and expanding our network. So if you are just getting started with social media and networking, don’t be shy. For most people it takes a little while to comprehend how many people are online at any given time of day or night. The adoption rate for the Internet has been astronomical in percentage terms. So even though millions more will be online in the years ahead, there are plenty of people who are waiting right now to meet you.
The great news is millions more will be online in the years ahead which can only mean good things for ecommerce, social media and networking, and bringing the world closer together. You can read the complete figures from the source here. Now take a look at the key points.
A. Expect significant growth. There are almost 7 billion people in the world and only an estimated 25% (1.5 billion) are online now. The growth rate from 2000-2009 has been 485%.
B. Millions are online now in North America alone. There are almost 340 million people in North America and 74% of us (253 million) are online. The growth rate from 2000-2009 has been 134%.
C. Think and act globally when online. North America only represents 5% of the World population.
Again, it’s important to emphasize that for the purposes of marketing and growing successful businesses, that our focus and yours should be on building meaningful business and personal relationships online. The lesson here is there are already millions of people ready, willing and able to network with you. And many more to come.
Is it worth the time and the effort? Yes. But it takes time and effort and not everyone is willing to commit to doing what it takes to get results from social networking online.
The theme here for getting started is keep it simple. So if you’re intent on growing your network of people, commit to being online consistently. We make time for the things that matter the most to us. Block time regularly to build your online network of people. It’s like networking in real life. If we don’t keep showing up people forget about us pretty quickly. Build complete profiles on at least two or three major social networking sites to start. Set up a Twitter account and start “listening.” Join in and participate on the conversations taking place. Blog and micro blog. Be yourself. Be considerate. Share. Contribute. Help. Make comments that reveal who you are and what you stand for. Make friends because if people don’t like you online, you won’t have the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship.
Being social online can make a huge difference in terms of growing your network and your business. So be aware of how you’re “showing up” online. I always tell people getting into the social media and networking world to take some lessons from Dale Carnegie’s classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” His fundamental techniques for handling people are as follows. Check out the rest at Wikipedia here.
1. Don’t criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
3. Arouse in the other person an eager want.
Apply the same thinking when you’re online and you will undoubtedly meet new people and create meaningful, lasting relationships. A prime example of real wealth.
How has being online changed your life or business?
Clifford Jones, Founder
WealthNet Partners, LLC
“Discover The Art of Business Development”
Scottsdale, Arizona
Follow up on twitter http://twitter.com/clifford_jones
Get LinkedIn with us at http://linkedin.com/wealthnetpartners
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