Let's face it, unless you have been living under a rock, you have some idea of what Web 2.0 and the power of social networking can do for your bottom line as well as your exposure on the net.

Social networking sites are springing up all over the place -- and there are far too many to name individually -- ranging from the norm (www.myspace.com, www.facebook.com) to very specialized social networking sites like www.classmates.com and www.rivals.com.  Many of us have profiles on some site like this...many of us use LinkedIn.  Many of us have blogs we post to frequently, whether they be on AR or outside sites maintained by us or others.  And, all of that is awesome! 

But, lets not forget about our OTHER social network...REAL PEOPLE!  Real people that we speak to and see daily.  From the grocery store clerk to our mechanic to our hair-dresser, we see potential clients on a daily basis...and we FORGET TO NETWORK THEM!!! 

Have we gotten so used to technology doing our job for us that we have forgotten how to interact with actual humans???  We are in the business of helping PEOPLE!  If you dont know how to interact with them and make them feel comfortable interacting with you, you are not going to be very successful in this business.

Tina Lo Sasso, Managing Editor for www.SalesDog.com supplied me with a couple of fantastic ideas on how to "network your network".  (By the way, you can sign up for SalesDog for free and recieve helpful hints like these weekly for FREE!  Go to www.salesdog.com for more information.)

1. Everywhere possible, get business cards and give business cards!  Write notes on the back of the card that help you recall details about your conversation with your contact.
   
2. Don't try to sell them right then.  Pit your sales pitch in your back pocket.  Get your new-found prospect to talk about themselves and relate to them on common ground.  This will help you solidify the relationship PERSONALLY before you go at them PROFESSIONALLY.
   
3. Ask questions! -- Keep the focus of the conversation on your new contact (NOT ON WHAT YOU DO).  Talk about their business, interests, hobbies, things that impact thier business/lives.
   
4. If at a social gathering, CIRCULATE!  Don't monopolize one person or allow yourself to be over-come with one person.  My suggestion, spend 10 minutes or so per person on #2 and #3 above.  You can always make an easy exit by saying something like, "If you will excuse me..." or "Its been a pleasure speaking with you...".
   
5. Follow up immediately and in a memorable way.  This is where your notes come in.  If you promised them a report, information on a list of homes, mortgage info, etc, get it to them!  Didn't promise them anything?  Send a brief handwritten note, even a referral to help with a thier business or help them with a problem they had mentioned.  A prompt follow-up shows your professionalism and is the key to capitalizing on your contact.

One last hint that will increase not only your personal network, but also your web 2.0 network -- put your profile locations on your emails, business cards, and correspondance.  Allow those you speak with daily to access your MySpace page...give them a link to your blog.  Who knows...maybe they will send it to their friends...And, isnt that what Networking is all about???

If you would like more information about www.recr.com and how we can increase your bottom line and provide you with clients, please contact Clint at 800-977-7058.