Digital Native building networks online - Simone Douglas

Digital Native - building networks online - Simone Douglas

Show C.407

Introduction
Here’s the truth: Networking online is an effective and easy way to meet many people in the same field or industry.
 
Online networking is the process of developing social and professional connections online. Unlike traditional networking, the process of online networking heavily involves using digital tools to form relationships.
 
What are the ways you’re interacting day in and day out with your colleagues, clients, other professionals and industry partners? Rather than stressing over all the things you can’t find time to do - start reframing those overlooked or routine or annoying daily activities as relationship building opportunities and begin focusing on what you can do just a little bit better to enhance your relationships (along with your reputation as a trusted advisor or go-to person in the profession).
 
The bombshell here is that every time you take advantage of the opportunity to help someone feel seen, heard or valued you have continued to strengthen your relationship with that person, funnily enough there are a lot of people who are good at this in an in person face to face context but default to a transactional approach the minute they enter a digital format.
 
It is easy to get distracted by all the noise in the business world at large but jump day is your chance to settle in and work on your business and this season on your networks in ways that allow you to make the most of your opportunities today, tomorrow and forever. 

IBGR is a global community of commerce committed to your success and our programming is designed to give you the tools and resources as well as the one percenters you might be missing So buckle up because it's time to take an objective look at whether or not you are truly a centre of influence on playing in the outfield.


Listen>Apply>Engage

​Show Objectives - The Why
The purpose of today’s show is to understand the different platforms at play and how to use them effectively not just efficiently.

In the same way that we’ve talked about the importance of emotional intelligence when it comes to reading people’s body language, and whether you have their attention or not, when it comes to building your digital intelligence it is emotional intelligence that plays the important role here.

It’s about making sure the other person is in a happy place (technical term I promise). If you’re a good digital networker, you’ll embrace the opportunities to engage with your broader networks content, you’ll offer your insights and knowledge to help solve their challenges and you will leverage your digital networks to support both yourself and your connections in achieving their goals..


Key Issues - Owner Perspective:

1. How much time is this going to take?
2. How does engaging with my networks online grow my business and influence?
3. How do I engage without spamming my contacts?
4. How do I know if I am building an effective network online?

What You Need to Know - What we will be covering

1. The different platforms available and how they support you and your business-  There is no such thing as a personal network in business
2. Understanding your opportunities to connect beyond Face to Face - How do we maintain connection and cultivate the warm fuzzy effect.
3. Premature Solicitation never leads to a happy ending- Twe have all been on the receiving end but how often have you burnt a relationship before it even got started.
4. Your digital SNAP - Having strategic digital networking KPI’s is smart business when it is done the right way.
5. Asking the right questions in a networking environment and asking the right questions online are not so different- it all comes down to how you start the conversation, how you plan to maintain the relationship and what you perceive as creating value for your connections (I will give you a clue it’s not selling them something)

What you need to do​ today

1. Ask yourself the question - am I using my digital platforms efficiently or effectively
2. Make it a daily practice to touch base and engage 
3. Identify the people missing from your networks and start the process of connecting online
4. Resist the temptation to go the hard sell, focus on making new friends and providing real value and connection
5. Create a sales/follow up process based on your digital SNAP (Social Networking Action Plan)
6. Workshop these processes with the team to get buy in
7. Plan to spend time putting lessons learnt and aha moments into practice.  Let me know how it goes.
8. ACT! Nothing changes if you don’t set aside time to make it happen so once you have worked out what you need to do start putting timelines and deliverables on your action plan. 

The successful Digital NAtive understands that the platforms they use are merely a tool and not a solution in and of itself. They actively look for ways to connect and support their networks online as much as in real life and are well known as Givers when it comes to time, effort and attention.

They spend the time, provide valuable content, context and insight and are seen as MAster Connectors.


Shows
Previous: Episode C4.06 
Channel the Chameleon - adapting your communication style to suit  - How to identify communication styles and personality types at a networking event and what do you do once you have
 
Next: Episode C4.08 
The Networking field trip, how to get the most out of an event - Building authentic relationships  and strong networks through attending events

Written by Simone Douglas 
The Publican & Licensee of the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Executive Director for BNI Adelaide North one of the biggest networking organisations in the world, the driving force behind South Australia’s leading social media agency, Social Media AOK and best-selling author with her first book “Seriously Social – turning your online game into real-world gain”. and  “The Confident Networker”

Simone also serves as Deputy President of the State Chapter Committee South Australia for the Franchise Council of Australia and sits on the Franchise Advisory Council for BNI Australia

You can connect with Simone on any of her seriously social platforms
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Instagram
Like on Facebook

​

C2.07.4AA