Networking Journey 101
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 04:02PM Bouncing off my last post, Chantal got me thinking about networking. I think I can safely discard the word “market” for ‘network”. Not that there is anything more noble about the word network, it just fits the description better.
Finding places like Bloodhound and Bigger Pockets meeting people like Greg and Joshua and The Phoenix Guy named Jay, the whole Renegade group, the Relib gang, Carey from P2 and, yes, even the loonies at Zillow, has been a great enhancement.
There’s more – it grows and spreads with little connections here and there. I’m currently deciding where to place advertising dollars online, but that will be a small part of the plan. I’m also playing with my website to improve its functionality and performance, but even that’s becoming smaller than the networking (except as a receiving center for requests and a place from which to broadcast).
What I hope for is more of the authentic connections I’ve made that transcend the machine and become human, A thousand MySpace “friend”ships made by clicking an “approve” button don’t equal one human connection that makes the network palpable, alive, mindful. This is the promise being fulfilled of the internet and anyone who fears these relationships will cripple the ability to have flesh relationships doesn’t understand the power of the mind and spirit to transcend machines.
As I continue my network journey (see marketing plan) I’ll search for the real connections that allow the network to come alive, and as time passes I’m sure for some us our flesh will cross paths among the brick and mortar reality, which is all for the better; but even if that doesn’t happen, the real connections will continue to be a vital source of my personal and business growth going forward.
Reader Comments (9)
I can't count how many people I've "met" through "electronic networking". And I think I know some of them *very* well.
When I do get to meet one of them face-to-face, it's often like long lost friends at a reunion. Instant rapport and great feelings because we already know each other.
I agree. I've met a few "online" friends in person and it WAS like meeting a reunion.
Some people I've connected with online are people I haven't had much contact with but I've connected to them through their thoughts in writing on blogs.
I think of many people I've met online as a friend and of course, when you have the opportunity to meet them in person, it's even better ( unless they are having a bad day on the links - Mike - just kidding <grin> )
Hey, I wasn't the only one having a bad day, buddy.
:)
Mike and Jay - good post both of you. So, now that we're electronic friends can either of you loan me some money?
:)
Virtual money?
Sure Mike, I take credit card.
:p
Mike, when commenting, I don't have to highlight my bad shots hitting the little white ball.
God, I'd have to highlight the whole post. The weather is getting right -- this year I'm going to practice before going to Hilton Head -- that might help, you think?