Why and how to network?

This article is taken from the blog of a very successful translator Mr A M Sall.(http://translatorpower.wordpress.com/category/social-networks/) It describes how translators can use Online Business Networking. ----------------------------- Social networking online should be one of the strategies you use to broaden your horizons. Reach out to the whole wide world to make friends and build business relations on the 5 continents. Registration is generally free, with the possiblity to upgrade for a small fee to get some premium services. In most cases, it is not really necessary to upgrade, in particular when you are just beginning, testing the waters, as it were For example for LinkedIn, this is how it works: you complete the free registration at LinkedIn.com, and then you can 'invite' others you know and trust to become 'LinkedIn' to you through the site. Now, through your connections, you can ask to be introduced to others in the LinkedIn network. You can make as many connections as you want. However, it is not really a matter of numbers but rather the quality of networks and underlying relationships are what creates all sorts of opportunities, including of course business opportunities for you. Says freelance marketing consultant Scott Stratten, who runs a company called "Un-Marketing" in Ontario, Canada: "I'm making more revenue from Ryze without ever having to approach a customer. They see my profile, read the views and commentaries that I've posted in previous discussions on the site, and they approach me with opportunities." (Quoted in a Fast Company article ) The main social networks I would ask you to check out: LinkedIn, "a community of more than 8 million people who rely on one another to get things done" or again "an online network of more than 8.5 million experienced professionals from around the world representing 130 industries", Ryze, Ecademy, Soflow, Spoke, OpenBC (mainly European) There a great article in Ilise Benun's Marketing Mix Blog, which leads you to another 3 excellent resources, and also check out Guy Kawasaki take on LinkedIn To conclude: always keep in mind you are a global communicator and a global communication facilitator. Consider that no human being is unapproachable, no place in the world is inaccessible. Slowly but surely build your own personal network. This could eventually prove to be the most productive of all marketing strategies. P.S. Here is my profile on LinkedIn Posted in Amsall, online business networking, social networking, social networks, translators. ------------------------- Want more direct clients? join my yahoo group. I will alert you when there is new tip posted in my blog. To subscribe just send a blank email at TipsforTranslators-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now, on http://help.yahoo.com/l/in/yahoo/mail/yahoomail/tools/tools-08.html/