The Future of Networking

What does the future of networking online and offline look like? Can
you identify any trends that owner/managers should be paying attention to?

“In a word – LinkedIn.”

This social media tool is as close to face-to face networking as you can get.  It cannot replace it however.  But it offers certain advantages such as the opportunity of being able to see your contact’s contacts.  This enables you to find out who knows whom and be proactive and ask for an introduction. 

It is a very powerful concept: I have 1173 level one contacts, my direct connections. Those 1173 contacts can lead me to over 55000 further - level two – connections.  Take it to the next level, it amounts to an astounding 4,250,400 business professionals, give or take a few thousand.  It is enough potential business for a lifetime.

So get on LinkedIn if you are not already and work on your online profile, start joining and interacting in the many specialist groups available and of course link-up and don’t be shy to ask for introductions to your contacts’ contacts.”