WHY do some people get better deals, more sales, better promotions, or just live a better life?

Some may just dismiss this success and explain it as luck or a result of being in the right place at the right time.

Think about it. We would find that most of these highly successful people are ordinary, like you and me, who happen to possess highly refined networking skills. These ordinary people achieve brilliant results as they team up with other ordinary people to achieve more than they could by themselves.

Successful people surround themselves with a well-developed, sophisticated support network that they use to get everything, from relevant information to the right supplier; from getting the right employee to being referred to the right clients.

Networking is essential for success. These days, it is important to be networked online as well.

There are several ways to develop word-of-mouth marketing, but it is important to understand that the foundation of making online networking work for you is the same as with any kind of networking: you have to develop relationships with trusted business associates.

How, then, do you go about developing networking skills, relationships and trust in an online environment?

Here are five mantras to get your started. All the tips are practical, relevant and easy to apply.

1. Join one or more online networking communities
In India a number of online networks have gained popularity: Ecademy, Ryze and Linkedin are three of them.

No matter which community you choose, do participate in whatever way you can to best grow your presence on the site. It is not enough to join and have your name on the list of members.
Focus on building relationships with other members of the community. You can develop real relationships with people you meet in cyberspace.

Be active in the community. Post topics on threads that deal with your area of expertise. Respond to others’ postings on other threads if the subject is relevant to you.

Posting on relevant bulletin boards is a great way to gain visibility, which can lead to credibility and, eventually, new business.

The more you are seen, interacted with and talked about, the more visibility you will gain on the site. A note of caution: don’t join too many online networking communities, or you may not be able to be effectively involved enough to build relationships.

Here is another idea: if you are already in a live networking group and then join an online networking group, consider creating a regional or national club or a sub-community for the members of your offline group.

This will just expand the amount of networking you can do within your own organisation!

Photograph: Associated Press

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e-mail: Niiraj Shah

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