The Future of Networking - InterNetworking
An Article By Donna Messer

The future of networking is now based on a virtual network - one where we don’t meet face to face, we can’t judge body language or shake hands. How then, are we going to master the art of InterNetworking? E-Commerce is the topic on everyone’s lips – what does it mean when it comes to building more profitable connections using networking?

The following suggestions will help readers become successful “InterNetworkers”:

Know your market - Select your market (country) based on the need you perceive for your product or service. To find out if there is a need connect with your embassy or consulate in the countries you are targeting. They have the knowledge and they will happily share – building your business is why they are there! Go to your local library or World Trade Centre – check out the National Trade Data Base – this is updated monthly and will be a wealth of information. You can subscribe and receive information on line. Resources on line are endless - tap into them.

Know your competition - Find out who your competitors are both domestically and internationally – who do they sell and export to? They probably have a web page – check it out - do they list their products and services? Do they have a catalogue – is there an opportunity to join venture? Connect with the Chamber of Commerce in the country you are targeting – ask for the membership directory. Use your resources – do you have colleagues from that country in your existing network – who do they know? Join associations with national memberships. Participate in chats - subscribe to lists that target your market.

Virtual Trade Events – Governments are moving towards specialized events that provide on-line trade shows where participants can log on, meet potential strategic alliances and joint ventures without having to leave the country. The problem being encountered by many is how to build the relationship, when there is no actual face to face meeting with the contacts. The first and most important ingredient for anyone who is part of one of these events is to have an easy to navigate web site that provides not only a business profile, but also insight into the corporate policy of the management. Companies and individuals need to find common denominators in order to build a relationship that will eventually build business.

Learn Virtual Etiquette – Have an attractive front-end for all virtual contacts. Get an attractive fax cover sheet with a design which conveys who you are and adds credibility even before the contact reads the contents. Record a warm, friendly and highly professional greeting on your voicemail. Speak slowly and distinctly – your international colleagues may not have English as a first language. Get a professional sounding email address – one that says who you are and what you do.

Become an articulate communicator – The fact is – you have to show your style by using words that provide the picture of a successful business person. Strengthen your vocabulary, improve the tone and quality of your voice. Get a better on line personality, attitude is everything! Do whatever it takes to provide the expressive words, exclamation points, asterisks and underlining techniques that interest and excite your potential client, customer or partner. Don’t use CAPS when emailing – recipients will think you are yelling and will simply push delete! You will have lost your chance to build the relationship because virtually, you no longer exist.

Be Ultra Sensitive to the recipient – Imagine that the person receiving your email/fax/call has had a bad day – often there are very few clues – but be aware, sometimes it is better to assume the worst and communicate from there. Be friendly, misunderstandings occur more often in virtual communications than they do during an in-person communication. Wait 24 hours before replying if you find yourself upset by the communication.

Virtually touch the other person – use their name at least twice in your communication. You don’t have the opportunity to shake hands, smile or make eye contact – repeating their name is one way to bridge the gap.

Be succinct and absolutely accurate – Value the other person’s time even more than you do your own. When communicating virtually, you’re likely to be in touch far more often. Try to make your point in 4 sentences. Check your email for spelling, grammar, - double check for accuracy for phone, fax and email addresses and instructions. Don’t gossip – virtual privacy is becoming an oxymoron.

Adopt an end of business day reply policy – For every hour that you don’t respond to a virtual communication, you’ll lose 1% of whatever the opportunity was, whether it’s new business, the chance to retain an unhappy customer or helping an employee do their job well. After 4 days, you don’t have much left. Reply promptly for the best results and the greatest credibility.

The electronic revolution will change the way we do business – we will need to become more aware of our entire network, tapping into the resources and skills of our neighbours, friends and business associates. No longer will we be able to connect face to face – virtual referrals will become more important as we grow. On line referral clubs, official matchmaking associations, relationship building experts and introductions services will become the next “fast” product.

Donna Messer is an international speaker, trainer, facilitator and author. Founder of ConnectUs International, the company designs, develops and delivers business training programs. ConnectUs also offers a unique matchmaking service which links businesses to opportunities around the world.

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