Is online networking truly effective?

[eric payer]

I’m relatively new to the whole LinkedIn and OpenNetwork thing. I was attracted to the idea of making new connections and expanding my world. That, coupled with my slightly “techno geek” habits, has caused me to join ON. My question is, “Can anyone give me some examples of how ON or LinkedIn has helped your life?” I’m anxious to use this new found tool, but want to know what to expect.

[Ray van den Bel]

Hello Eric, in general, the more personal your online networking is, the more effective it will be. You can do that here, but not on LinkedIn. Be informed that there is an article about it on the Open Networkers Blog and a review about linkedIn (go to the LinkedIn group en click on the hyperlink on the left..

Regards,


Ray

[GraemeNichol]

I'd like to say that I have had more success in getting clients and outsourcing work on LinkedIn than any other social network. Ecademy seemed great but never lived up to it's potential for a non UK or European based person. I met some fun people but that was about it!

If you get it right I think online networking can be awesome

Graeme

[iSLa Planet]

Welcome Eric,

I guess for me the short answer to your question is ...I started making relevant business contacts at Ning within hours after joining ...

I am active here at Ning and at LinkedIn. I find that, in general terms, each of these networks is populated by different people with different networking styles ... So I choose to be active in both networks. I particularly like this network (opennetworkers) because its members tend to be active networkers, rather than silent friends. I have met some great people here.

Best regards

Ricart Prats

[Mitchell James]

Hey I am new to Open networkers, but not new to networking & so if there is something that I could share with you from my experience on networking then believe its one of the best tools to extend your contacts around the world while you are4 just situated on one corner...... Its just until you get yourself started & get to know the right chain of people but once that clicks there is no stopping to one's networking & links, gradually you also get to see your network diverting fromk social, to business to mobile social or mobile business networking.....& likewise

[David]

Hi,

I am brand new to this network so I can't comment on it.

Please connect to me or whatever its called here, to help me build a network.

On Linkedin, I have established contacts that have allowed me to do hundreds of thousands of dollars of business.

Would I have missed out and starved if not for networking? No, but it was easier and quicker to accomplish using networking.

The new guy,

David

[Hazel]

I have been active networking for over two years, and my business and connections are where I am because of it. Each one is different, and you meet different people, and often you learn something different about people you other wise not know.

Your profile gets changed over the period of time, as you have grown, but i tried to write what I think at that time, as my process of thoughts have developed as the business has developed. I try to be active, when time allows, and i have learnt much from others how they do things as well.

My first network was Ryze, I had a policy to smile and say hello to everyone, and leave a footprint in their guest book, and I find this works for me, and I followed this through my all networks, if you look at my profile i sent saying thank you, and in time something clicks. I have made many partner international and many new friends, and enabled me to build relationships I would not have either with this side of the business.

I get access to the decision makers, share my views, etc, i couple this now with face to face networking, which is different way of networking, so I would say join a few more, and I am sure it will work for you, but you do need to put effort into it.

Hazel El Awamy

[Marcia Stein, PHR]

I'm going to answer with a qualified "yes", it's effective.

I interviewed recruiters for a book and asked each one about techniques for recruiters and tips for job-seekers. All are using the Internet and all are finding candidates this way, but all stressed the importance of personal contacts, too. If you rely too much on one to the exclusion of the other, you're not balancing yourself out and you'll miss some opportunities.