Create buzz and develop your relationships
What are experiences with Facebook & LinkedIn (others?)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by For demo on -
Recommend you view instructional videos like www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc before creating accounts on www.facebook.com and/or www.linkedin.com (if you have not had a chance yet). 2/3 of US professionals use some existing social networks like these to profile themselves, find old friends, identify opportunities, contact decision makers through mutual friends, strengthen weak ties/prepare meetings and learn from/influence others. Ask people who are plugged in for advice and reach out to create a virtual network on these sites. You might find www.linkedintelligence.com a good place to find tips on how to use LinkedIn. If you are interested in setting up groups, we recommend you start small and first take a look at http://manojjasra.blogspot.com/2007/09/successful-facebook-groups.html and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyt6bKa87FA. As you see here we are developing a CRE focused social network so don't overspend time on general social networks and stay tuned. Thanks, JC
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Permalink Reply by Pierre Michel on -
My perception is that facebook and linkedin are not an ideal platform fro business networking, sice they are quite unstructured and open to everybody. In my opinion we need to be selective and exclusive concerning who can become a member of our virtual network. A good example for that is asmallworld and probably the new website www.internations.org
By being very restrictive on memberships and invitation rights, asmallworld has manged to keep its level very high. Unlike facebook the atmosphere is extremely professional and structured. Strict penalties for breaking internal rules have kept discipline at a high level. last week i just got de beers as a client for Shanghai; the contact came through a forum in asmallworld, as in the second last week an italian group as another client; this shows the power of a well manged virtual network.
Before growing rapidly it is crucial, that we know whom we want to attract and how we will filter who will be accepted as a member
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Permalink Reply by Anthony M. Graziano on -
It's funny really...the old biblical quote - "there is nothing new under the sun" comes to mind w/ social networking. I think of Social networking sites like having an open party and inviting everyone. When you go to facebook, it's like attending a frat party. Everyone is invited; and shirts are optional. You know what you're getting on Facebook - fun, loose, personal, less business. Sure - you might show up at a Frat Party and meet a brother who you do some business with - but that's not why you're there. LinkedIn is like a Chamber of Commerce cocktail party. 90% of the people there NEED to meet someone; all different disciplines; they are there to network for business- but their existing networks may not be particularly deep. (that's why they're there). The high-level networkers can't meet everyone; and they get overwhelmed by how many people want to meet them; so they have limited time (and benefit) in connecting.
I think Pierr'e suggestion is to create an environment that is MUCH less Frat Party, somewhat less Chamber of Commerce - and more like "Press Corp Dinner Party"- where the participants are discreetly SELECTED; mostly targeted to one industry; and high-level folks who have the same interests- to meet other high-level, like minded, aligned businesspeople.
If you're going to go "Press Corp" - there will need to be distinct advantages to the members to jump hurdles and get invited. Track how much business has gone on between members; provide marketing opportunities for members; and probably have LEVELS based on how much business a Member can provide to the social network? Pierre has given you some existing samples; for which I am not familiar. To me though, this is a different business model....but one which would benefit from links to the other dominant social networks so you create a single PORTAL for the highly connected; allow your profile to be propogated.
This way - every day; you're at a Frat Party, a Chamber Commerce, AND the Press Corp Dinner if you are a highly networked person. you will interact wherever your current mood suits you.
In any case...there is still "nothing new under the sun..."
Just a different way of doing the same thing. Think about WHY people join; and why it works - and then build to that.
PS - As an example; my profile photo doesn't show me in a tie. As a high-level guy; everyone already knows I own a tie. My profile photo hopefully communicates; even to my highest level colleagues - I carry the most important business on my shoulders. This is what makes living right for me every day.
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Permalink Reply by CREOpoint on -
Thanks for your insight, Anthony - it provides us solid ideas to move on.
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Permalink Reply by John Corey on -
I think the various platforms will produce different outcomes.
A closed group will be self-reinforcing and it will keep the focus narrow. Many times best for current business and transactions.
An open platform will encourage connections that cannot predicted in advance. Many of the changes to the business world (social networking, changing tools for online sales, Loopnet and other listing tools) starts outside of the core. Change coming from the fringe.
John Corey
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