On Networking Groups ( Part Five )

The topic of networking groups has been covered in Parts One through Four. Here’s a quick recap.

Subgroups are a way to split up a larger, more general group into several smaller groups with the same focus. Doing this allows members to share their interests and experiences with people who have similar interests and experiences.

Electronic subgroups may include discussion boards or email lists that can be accessed anytime, anywhere via email or the internet.

Participating in subgroups is an excellent way to widen your sphere of acquaintances, as well as to find others who share similar interests and goals who might be helpful resources for you in your career path.

Group members often see each other at the same time and place. They interact with each other in person through discussion groups, workshops, and seminars, and sometimes even through regularly scheduled social gatherings.

To be successful in an offline group, it’s important to follow group protocol. For example, if you are a newcomer to the group, it’s usually a good idea to take a backseat at first so that you can observe how things are supposed to happen and learn about the culture of the group before participating more actively.

Getting involved with several different types of subgroups is also rewarding because it allows you to cross-pollinate your interests. For example, many people are enthusiastic about networking through professional associations and trade associations. Others are involved in professional unions or local business groups.

There’s a whole world of learning out there to explore. The Internet is one of the best ways to ferret out all sorts of interesting resources that can help you build your network.

To conclude this section, I’ll repeat my advice from the last few installments:

As a member of a networking group, it’s important not only to follow protocol but also to be an active participant in the activities of the group and share your knowledge with other members. If you’re not a good listener, you can’t expect others to invite you to their group.

The purpose of this series is to help you develop your networking skills so that you can connect with people and for your own personal and professional benefit.

So keep listening, and keep learning!

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Content: On Networking Groups ( Part Six ) [ARTICLE START]

In the last two installments in this series, I reviewed the basics of online networking: how to go about networking online and what kinds of resources are available on the Internet. Here’s a recap.

Rewards of Online Networking

Online networking is fast and easy. You can search for information and make contacts within just a few minutes, sometimes in your pajamas, if you so choose!

There are no geographic limitations to online networking. You can connect with interested people from all over the world. Participants in online communities may be more open about their interests than your local community because they’re not so concerned about what others will think of them. They may therefore be able to share more of themselves with you than the typical person you meet offline.

Online communities will give you access to a global network of people who have gathered to share ideas and knowledge on a particular topic or issue.

A good online networker will be well-versed in the ways of online networking. It’s just like any other type of networking–you have to put in the time and effort to get results.

Online communities are also a good way to learn how to use your digital devices and the internet. For example, you can learn how to blog, tweet, or use social media with your smartphone.

Disadvantages of Online Networking

Some people are more comfortable interacting with people face-to-face than by using writing or technology. For them, online networking may be more difficult than it is for some.

Finally, because you don’t know your partner in an online group as well as you would if you were meeting him or her in person, there’s always a chance that the relationship will not work out and that the two of you will have a falling out.

Despite those disadvantages, online networking is still an excellent way to build your network. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most people because there are so many advantages!

To conclude this chapter, let me suggest some resources on the Internet:

There are many good articles on social media that can help you learn how to use your digital devices and interact with others.

Conclusion

Even though online networking requires more effort than some might prefer, the benefits are great.

If you have no knowledge or experience with online networking, I’d encourage you to start with a few simple steps to get started. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can build a network!

To conclude this chapter, let me share with you some resources on the Internet that will help you learn how to use your digital devices and interact with others:

First, there are many good articles on social media that will help you learn how to use your digital devices such as blogging, tweeting, and using social media.

Second, TED is an excellent source of information on using technology to enhance human perception and interaction.