Effective global networking obviously is carried on to a great extent online. Networking on an ineternational scale differs little from networking in your hometown. Once you join an online community, the usual networking basics apply. The obvious difference is to be sensitive to any cultural and racial issue.

Author Kim Lum outlines 13 points, the first five reproduced below, the remainded to be found at the link below.

1. Post an introduction of yourself when you first join a group. Tell the group something about yourself and your business. Better yet, tell them something unique and interesting to increase the likelihood of them remembering you or your business. Remember in online networking, people only have your name, they don’t have a face to go with it. Sometimes several members may have the same first name or a similar on to yours, so try to set yourself apart.

2. Keep your introduction short, simple and interesting. Never launch into a sales pitch right away as this tends to turn people off. Oftentimes, we’re so excited about sharing our business we forget that networking is about establishing relationships first and making sales later.

3. Greet new members when they post an introduction of themselves. A short welcome note with a brief introduction of yourself would be both a nice touch and an excellent public relations move on your part. Remember you never know if or when a member of the group could turn out to be your loyal customer or your biggest strategic alliance in business.

4. Read the rules of the group carefully. Every group has its own set of rules. Some allow you to post ads, others are discussion-only. Some have designated days of the week for different topics. Always play by the rules of the group. Make a note of which day is designated for what in which group. Stick to them and it will earn you the respect of the group owner, moderators and members.

5. Join in the conversations or threads. Don’t be a lurker. Well, obviously there are some very good reasons why you joined the group – to learn, share, establish business contacts – and these are reason enough to post. If you stay in hiding, nobody knows you’re there and certainly nobody knows what your business has to offer.
Copyright 2007 Kit Lum. All rights in all media reserved.

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