tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post2252068095964940182..comments2008-09-18T07:24:46.593-04:00Craignoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post-59287417795842371712008-09-18T07:24:00.000-04:002008-09-18T07:24:00.000-04:00@Gordon: Your personal blog is hilarious! Very addictive sense of humor. Thanks for leaving the tip.<BR/><BR/>@Janet: Yes, I think focusing on others is really the key. It's a wonderful way to make friends. Thanks for the tips!<BR/><BR/>@Anne: Thanks for sharing the ROI twist; I'll remember that! Also, thank you for posting the Kanter link. Very interesting. I guess I need to develop a social network management strategy!<BR/><BR/>@Tom: Always glad to mention writerriver.com. That site was a brilliant idea. And thanks for your comments!Craighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04621628357103326360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post-38770245833340545722008-09-17T13:04:00.000-04:002008-09-17T13:04:00.000-04:00Excellent post. Also, thanks for mentioning Writer River. <BR/><BR/>People who engage in activities online, whether via blogs, podcasts, listservs, or other discussion groups, tend to be highly visible. When someone needs a presenter or someone to write an article, your name will often pop up if you're visible.<BR/><BR/>Re the STC, that's another great opportunity.Tom Johnsonhttp://idratherbewriting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post-28966306863883406882008-09-16T23:03:00.000-04:002008-09-16T23:03:00.000-04:00I too confirm the value of blogging as networking. I talk about the ROI of blogging being Reach Or Influence instead of Return On Investment (although the barter and trade of services rather than money is a certain return, I've found.) I also like Beth Kanter's "secrets" of effective online networking at http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page8075.cfm?rss=1 - she also lists "Invest the time" "Don't spread yourself too thin" and "Keep it personal" along with other efficiency tips.Anne Gentlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17185009432657862878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post-25054528006419300232008-09-16T12:41:00.000-04:002008-09-16T12:41:00.000-04:00I heard a variation on the last tip many years ago, and it completely changed my attitude towards networking. There's a world of difference between meeting someone and thinking "How can this person help me?" versus meeting someone and thinking "How can I help this person?"<BR/><BR/>Some other tips:<BR/><BR/>* Network with <I>everyone</I>. Your personal trainer may hear of an opportunity that would be perfect for you from another client. Your paper boy may become a start-up billionaire. <BR/><BR/>* Always be in networking mode. When you need a job, it's too late to start building your network. And when your approach is towards helping others, it's always fun, so there's no reason not to.Janethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06304333582205913351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60519089531078052.post-45402917206764473452008-09-16T09:46:00.000-04:002008-09-16T09:46:00.000-04:00I can confirm that, without my blog (www.onemanwrites.co.uk) I wouldn't have landed a speaking gig at the TICAD conference last year and wouldn't be able to contribute to the ISTC newsletter each month either.Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00858316092785787898noreply@blogger.com