Networking- Making your net work.

In the next 2 minute read I want to highlight some networking methods that will make your net work with greater effectiveness.

Now I must initially state that this is not going to make your profile sky rocket in likes, shares and followers. This is not a reflection of social media algorithms and so work will need to be put in. However this will give you a real and in-depth understanding of the your target market, as well as highlighting you as the go-to person in your field.

To explain this best I am going to use the analogy of your network being a physical net. If you can follow the analogy, you will have a way of catching your target customers as well as keeping your service secured in the centre.

Before I go into too much detail there are 3 key elements that TOGETHER create a good physical net

1. It is large
2. It contains many real connecting strings
3. & It is strong and supportive

Now a good network is similar

1. It is large
2. It contains many real connections
3. & It is strong and supportive

So firstly, how large is your network? This is the frame of your net, its borders. This element is important but only to provide perimeters in which real connections can be created (the strings), the larger the frame the greater potential for real connections.

Secondly, how many real connecting strings are present within this frame? This is in relation to interactions, going further than the 'connect' or 'add friend' button. This is often done with like's, shares, comments and direct messages etc. Can you increase this interaction rate by being proactive and interacting with others in your network?

Thirdly, how strong and supportive are these connecting strings? Here you best understand the frame you are working within. Creating a strong and supportive bond is very beneficial to ensure no-one (including you and your service) fall through the net unnoticed. The way you think you can best create a real connection with others is up to you, however I would highly suggest getting people on the phone/zoom, here they see how much (& why) you want to create a supportive network. In return these people will have room to explain the ways they need your service, I.e what you are doing good and where you can improve to increase the value of their reaction.

Imagine your current network, what similarities does it draw to a strong and effective net?

The great thing about this is it is never fixed, within your large net you can add loads of strings, and with every string you can increase its strength by dedicating time to its structure.

Create a place in which less things fall through the framework unnoticed.