The Virtual Woman: A Woman's
Weekly Guide To Cyberspace
It's Not What You Know, It's Where You Surf
As an effective tool for enhancing your business and/or career, networking rocks. But in terms of the personal ease that most of us have with it, it rocks not. Making new contacts for your business, even in this red-hot economy, isn't easy. It never is. It's always somehow uncomfortable. However, online networking is outrageous in that you can network with people that really can help and make an impact on your business in an unobtrusive, comfortable manner. For example, I actually met a guy named Steven a few years back as we both participate in the same Online Advertising email list. I asked a question on the list, Steven answered it and so we began an e-dialogue. Two weeks later (he was local) we met FTF at a coffee shop. We ended up striking up a partnership that eventually led to us buying his company (one of the best purchases we ever made!) All this through a casual meeting on an email list. I'm a testimonial to the fact that these kinds of cyber business connections can work incredibly well. So read on, take note and begin to figure out today how you can network online tomorrow!
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Carol H., Washington, D.C.
Dear Carol:
First, be prepared to spend a good half hour cruising through
Topica (http://www.topica.com) that offers a directory
of thousands of email lists to join. Look under their "business" and then from their
"marketing" sections to find what you need. At the time I looked there were 314 lists for
advertising related topics alone. Oh, and another 161 for network marketing! Not too
shabby. This exercise is recommended for anyone who needs to network for anything-clients,
a job, ideas, whatever!!! Once you get on the list you can read and participate in
discussions and, of course, meet people!
You may also want to leave your electronic business card (i.e., your name and contact
information) at http://www.netprocon.com/. This
site is good for all types of consultants who are looking to connect with others in the
same field. Although you must be a member to gain access to this site's services,
membership is free. And once you sign up, you'll have valuable networking resources at
your fingertips. The Consulting Opportunities section looks intriguing as it allows you to
gather leads and expand your potential profitability by interacting with other contractors.
With a membership of over 2,100, you are sure to connect with someone who may be looking for
your services.
-
Maggie Smith, Portland, OR
Dear Maggie:
See the above Topica recommendation but also check out
Mom's Network (http://www.momsnetwork.com).
Their "Biz Resources" section off the homepage is jammed with links. Their "Boards"
section (also accessible from the homepage) is bustling with activity. Clearly this site
is a gathering place where lots of work at home moms are batting around ideas and helping
each other with their businesses.
If you are willing to shell out a couple of bucks each year,
Home-Based Working Moms(tm) found at
http://www.hbwm.com/just could also prove to be useful in helping you stay in touch with
the outside world before you lose it. For a small yearly fee, you can become a member and,
among other things, interact with working moms from all over the country. Membership also
enables you to participate in a working mom listserv (email list) as well as giving you
tips on how to find working mom networking groups and co-ops in your area.
Happy Surfing!
Dear Virtual Woman:
Help! I'm a marketing professional who
finally made the tough decision to quit my full-time job and switch to consulting work, but
now that I've made the jump I am having a hard time finding both clients and other
marketing professionals to chat with. Can you help me find an Internet site that can help
me make the contacts I need to get and keep more business?
Dear Virtual Woman:
I am a stay-at-home mom
who has just started a part-time craft business that I run out of my home. While I value
the time that I am able to spend with my children, sometimes I feel like I need more
interaction with people who don't drool or sing the same nursery rhyme over and over! Are
there any places on the Web where I can meet and interact with women who are in a similar
situation as me?
Find these links and more at WWWomen.Com (http://www.wwwomen.com) the web's largest search directory of topics for women online. Email the Virtual Woman with your Internet questions or send snailmail to: WWWomen.Com, Attn: Virtual Woman, 3701 Geary Blvd., #325, S.F., CA 94118. Copyright, 1998-99. WWWomen, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Contributing Editor: Mary Bergner
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