How Much Networking is "Too Much" Networking?

Hello,

I've been creating a list of social networks and forums to participate in, and truthfully, you can really get overwhelmed with the list. I really think Startup Biz network is one of the best I've seen. So many networks get carried away with self promotion.

But, when it really comes down to it, how many of you get too caught up with "socializing" instead of focusing on your business projects?

I'm trying to create the perfect balance myself. What about you all? Do you have schedule planned for your work and for your socializing?

~ Rhonda

Tags: business, management, networking, socializing, time

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Permalink Reply by Jared O'Toole on August 22, 2008 at 5:39pm: I agree that is can be a very tough line to define. However I also feel that the two go together. If I am socializing online that usually means I'm making new friends and gaining their respect and trust as a business person. I then feel more comfortable going to them for advice or input down the road on my projects.

So I would say I try to keep most of my online socializing business oriented but even if I stray from that I feel it all leads to a greater good.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on August 23, 2008 at 11:16pm: Yes. In fact, I created my own social network to address these things. I also blog here on my End-User Social Networking Experience.

I think the dynamic of balancing your business projects with socializing is timely and relevant. It does kind of depend on what you intend to offer, how, and what resources/ help you are looking for. So, personally, I have been reflecting on this very deeply. There are obviously a lot of unexplored benefits. On the other hand, I think you are spot on to suggest having a plan and a schedule. I wonder how many other members just immerse themselves based on what's in front of them at any time. I can see how that can quickly become a distraction given all the calls for attention.

Actually, today I thought I would take another stroll through the expert forums before I start school. You might find my new group, Modern Business Exploration a good tool. I was thinking I would rather get to know someone, the details of what they are doing beyond what they have fit onto their profiles, and how they relate to me- one member at a time/ one per week. Since you brought the problem up, perhaps we could interview eachother to see how useful my solution is for both of us.

Consequently, with my compressed schedule coming up around the corner, I've made a decision to keep more of a low profile, limit my activities with a low maintenance page/ blog/ group, and focus my attention on people who share some of my interests.

I think Jared has some good points too. This is a nice discussion. Thanks for starting it Rhonda.

Best,

Anthony; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tony Rush on August 25, 2008 at 11:13am: I think there's definitely a point of diminishing returns when it comes to marketing with social networks, discussion forums, etc. After all, "more" isn't always better....sometimes it's just more.

I've found that the best measure of "how much" correlates EXACTLY which how much of it is FUN for me. If I'm not having fun doing it....I'm just not going to do it. After all, what's the point in having a home business and making tons of money if you feel that marketing it is going to require you to sit in front of a dozen social networkers every day and doing something that's not enjoyable.

So I do as much as enjoyable and that's all. And none of it is organized. None of it is scheduled. If I've got some new photos from a trip to Rome, I'll upload them...I'll check the forums to see if there's something I want to reply to. I'll pop over to Facebook and see what's happening in my Friend's lives. I'll use Twitterrific from my iPhone to tell everyone what I'm up to.

And that's about it. I'm only willing to do "social networking" to the extent that it's fun for me.

Besides....I'm in a lifestyle business. What kind of example am I sending to my prospects and team-members if I'm having to grind away hours in front of the computer all day? I might as well have a job.

Anything past that tends to be a less profitable investment of my time. And that's time that I can spend playing the new Mario Kart with my kids on the Nintendo Wii. ;)

I hope that assists!
Tony Rush
http://www.tonyrush.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin McCauley on August 25, 2008 at 11:57am: At least 4 days a week I am out networking with different chambers, business groups or trade shows plus I am on as many online lead groups as I can. Some call it socializing but in order to move ahead in any sales or marketing based business (which is all of them) the more faces you come in contact with, whatever the media, the better. The best part is when you can mix business with pleasure and work out a harmonious balance because my best friends came from some sort of business marketing -- at least we share something in common; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JaWar on August 26, 2008 at 5:19am: It has been my experience that truly wealthy people enjoy what they do and have found ways to make money doing it. Additionally, Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Johnson, Bill Gates, Michael Jordon and Tiger Woods seem to be in this group of truly wealthy people.

I think the balance comes in change even in your business activities. For instance, some days I'm recording, editing and uploading new video content, while on other days I'm starting and replying to various forums online. Yet on other days I'm at conferences, seminars and consulting with clients. Throughout the day I may take a walk or run, go swimming or visit a bookstore and browse through magazines and look for new book titles, heck I might catch a movie.

I think it's about integrating as opposed to separating. For instance, even if Donald Trump went on a pure vacation I bet his mind begins to wonder as he looks at the real estate where he is on vacation.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lee Woods - "BIZ BUD" on September 11, 2008 at 6:43pm: I started off with several sites and spent time within each site. I sinced narrowed them down to 3 sites. Honestly, this site seems to be home for me. The business videos listed here have a wealth of free knowledge. We have over 1000 videos here and knowledge is power! Stay with the site or sites that give you a chance to build your business. Ask yourself...Do I want to build my business or just make friends? Either is OK but you need to know your purpose for the sites.

Good Luck!

Lee Woods
www.accuratetalent.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kerry summers on September 30, 2009 at 2:50pm: Rhonda, I have been in this business for only a short time. I find that I am spending a lot of time on the non-business end of the time spent. I wish some one could put together a "step by step" and I mean step by step guide, so that when you were done with it you were on your way to success. I have found most instructors in this business, assume that all those who read their step by step guides know completely what they are talking about. I get overwhelmed at times but keep trying. Best wishes Kerry; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by baytech web design - Baytech on October 15, 2009 at 6:05pm: Think about it as a building process, build your contacts, build your friends and connect with them. Baytech's Strategy is to build a community. Within that community if there are people who need our services they will be better informed about what we specialize in because we will already be engaged in a discussion about it. First and foremost we want to structure relationships and get involved with Internet Marketing or Web Development discussions.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa Torres on October 16, 2009 at 8:05am: Good point!

Yes...it can be very overwhelming. I think the best thing to do is choose about 5 social networking sites and about 3 forums and create a daily to do list or schedule on when you are going to log in to add friends, network, post comments, reply to threads, check emails, etc.

This way...you can set a certain amount of to your social networks and forums and have the rest of the day to focus on marketing your business.... which should be your main focus.

The person who markets the most, makes the most.

Also, changing your mindset can mean all the difference in the world. Check out this free e-book called "Is Your Thinking Making You Rich or Poor"

Have a great day!

~Lisa; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa Torres on October 16, 2009 at 8:10am: Yes... that can be very overwhelming. I think the best thing to do is choose 5 social networking sites and 3 forums and create a daily action plan and stick to it. You should not spend too much time on them... I log on, check your emails, post and reply to a few threads, add some friends, post a few comments, maybe even chat with a few people for a few minutes and log off and get to marketing.

Spend the rest of your time on the Internet marketing, like blogging, writing articles, doing press releases, sending solo ads, etc. He who markets the most, makes the most money! (SMILE).

Have a great day!

~Lisa; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa Torres on October 16, 2009 at 8:11am: Yes... that can be very overwhelming. I think the best thing to do is choose 5 social networking sites and 3 forums and create a daily action plan and stick to it. You should not spend too much time on them... I log on, check your emails, post and reply to a few threads, add some friends, post a few comments, maybe even chat with a few people for a few minutes and log off and get to marketing.

Spend the rest of your time on the Internet marketing, like blogging, writing articles, doing press releases, sending solo ads, etc. He who markets the most, makes the most money! (SMILE).

You should read this free book called "Is Your Thinking Making You Rich Or Poor"

Have a great day!

~Lisa; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Bennett on October 21, 2009 at 12:34pm: Hi, I agree; this can be overwhelming at times.

I am on all of the hot sites like facebook, MySpace, Twitter and others as they have the most traffic. Therefore, a great chance of picking up prospects and interacting.

It is important to draw a line when on the sites. I believe it is important in discussing the product and answering any questions anyone may have. Also, to participate in any discussion that may arise from a post. It lets people know that I am human and I have time to sit down and chat with them and answer any questions they may have. Afterall, they come my way to learn about what I have to offer. Eventually, they become clients as trust has been established. Many do get carried away with promotion and too much of one thing is not good. I am careful as to what I put online and try and avoid applications on facebook like "I sent you a smile" and posting it all over my wall. That is not very professional and too much of that may drive prospects away. At the same time, I do things like quizzes which lets people know I am human plus gives them an idea of what sort of person I am.

As for a schedule, during the daytime I focus on business. If there is some time left over, I may surf the web. If I have an engagement offline, I pretty much stay off the computer that day except to check urgent emails.

Have you found a way to balance these things out yet?

Best Regards,
Elizabeth Bennett; ▶ Reply to This