For networking to be a fully functional pathway to success one must first have a network to talk to. My meager beginnings on LinkedIn have grown in 4 months to well over a million connections just 3 degrees away! Granted I’ve had a time sink to reach out and connect or re-connect with the original 55 business partners, associates, friends, & acquaintances. Granted I’ve buttoned up my profile to be complimentary across all tools. And yes, I’m of the age where my tenure in the space has a “long tail” – but this number to me is just plain cool! Wow what a start, wouldn’t you agree?
I find the number boggling especially considering I did not set out with this goal. I discovered the statistic only after the fact as I clicked on the Network Statistics Link out of curiosity. My goal was to simply be present, be myself, be relevant, and be genuine. I feel as if I have won a popularity contest I didn’t know I entered.
Now when I have something important or fun to report, something to contribute that would be relevant to my business success or needs to be shared – WA LA – little ol’ me can reach what would be equal to an entire tertiary market with one little tweet! And you can too, should you like to jump in the pool.
OK – so you’re a bit skeptical that any one person can actually reach the million numbers at the third generation. What could be THAT important that everyone in your second generation would pass on the information? My answer to that is simple. My second generation is 10,900 people! Do you really think I’d be disappointed if my message was delivered to a community that size? I’m not picky here. I’m thinking ahead about how to reach an audience and NOT push. I’m interested in disseminating information of interest. If I can reach 10,900 people in the matter of minutes – that sure beats the tar out of the price of a TV commercial, a printed brochure, or bulk email that fails all too often. Right? So it’s not so much about the actual number – but it is about building a trustworthy reputation of adding value where your original 55 contacts are happy or compelled to pass along to others your message. In other words, you don’t waste their time with old school solicitation practices or rudely pushing for attention. “It just ain’t fittin!” – as Ms. Mammie expressed in Gone With the Wind. Manners have not been forgotten nor should they be – or at least I’d like to think so.
Given this information and given that my “brand” is just now building – it will truly be incredible to see what my network reach will be when a year anniversary rolls around. Perhaps it will be then, but I do hope sooner, that I publish my first non-fiction digital book with integrated music & lyrics. What reason could their possibly be NOT to use Social Media as my venue to emerge in the digital information age as a valued contributor and author who with the press of a button distributes rich media content worldwide!
If you’re searching for evidence that Social Media is here to stay – this is one example. It’s also a testament that any age is online as my group ranges from 16 to 67. It’s also a testament that amazing things happen when you aren’t looking… and it’s evidence that should you have something important to contribute, the online network allows the power of one to reach millions “with a little help from your friends” who merely pass on something cool!
Are you are ready to join the Revolution? Ready to jump in the pool? If so, then here are your Getting Started 3 KEY steps:
1. Build your Network.
2. Contribute relevant information based on your own particular expertise.
3. Participate in the spaces & places where your contributions add value & this in turns builds “social capitol” around the brand called “You!”
Watch for the Magic & Good Luck!