Monday, March 21, 2011

Getting Started with Online Networking - Go Slow

An online social networking community is really like any community in the real world. It has it’s own rules, it’s own tempo, etiquette, and even a rhythm to how it works.

If you walk into a room of people you don’t know and start making comments, annoying people, handing your business card to everyone, or any other disruptive action, chances are you are going to turn most people off. It’s no different in the online world.

The first thing you ought to do is observe what happens in your network, or on the site you are using. Learn how other people react to each other, how they talk, and get a feel for what is appropriate and what is not.

Once you have observed a bit, start slow. Don’t post a dozen questions or thoughts. Post something and see if you get some interaction with people. Ask a question or comment on someone else’s post and slowly start to build a rapport with others.

Just like making a friend in the real world takes time, it takes time online as well. Don’t force it, and don’t rush in. Let the relationships evolve over time and you’ll have a strong network.

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