Networking Through Different Mediums

Some of the most popular include all the social media outlets available that allows us to meet people online through a variety of communities.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Twitter - Perfect place to meet a variety of people, establish credibility and offer small amounts of information to a captive audience.

2. Facebook - This community is leading the social networking arena simply because of it's size. It offers the ability to search for old classmates, find family and reconnect with friends and acquaintances. However, if used properly can be an excellent way to network and stay "top of mind" with your target audience.

3. LinkedIn - This crowd is geared towards the professionals of corporate America. I believe it's a great place to keep a "living" resume that shows all your accomplishments and experience. It can produce referrals to people you are linked to if you reach beyond your comfort zone and ask for it.

4. Perfect Networker - A fast developing community of serious professionals that want to network with others throughout the world with the purpose of getting more business.

5. MeetUp - This platform is focused on events and will help you attract people to attend whatever they are interested in. There's a group for everything and everyone under the sun!

6. Chat Rooms - Although they aren't being used as much as in the past, these can provide immediate conversations with people online.

7. Conference Calls - When a group meets on the phone, they have an opportunity to interact with each other and have full conversations. This is the next best thing to meeting in person. It provides a real human touch!

8. Skype - An instant messaging system that connect globally and can allow for video communication. This can shorten the distance and make you feel like you're in the same room together!

9. Phone Texting - This method has been gaining in popularity with Gen Y also known as Millennial Generation that types faster with their two thumbs! You can easily follow up with someone or even invite them to go networking with you very quickly with sending a text message.
There are a variety of ways to grow your network other than in person networking meetings. However, I believe it's important to still have a physical presence in the world and not just behind your computer!

Darlene Willman, aka The Sassy Networker, is a keynote speaker author and coach, specializing in small business networking and referrals. She provides resources, connections and support to entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals that have a strong desire to promote their companies through relationship marketing. She will show you how to build an incredible network of people who refer business to each other plus so much more. You can start receiving her eZine, The Networking Focus by visiting www.SassyNetworker.com