What Do You Want Out Of Your Network

What do you want out of your network, and what are you prepared to give in return?

I’ve been writing a lot about social networking, and networking online using social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

Networks have been around since the dawn of human existence.

People have always formed family, tribal and ethnic groupings.

As modern society has developed, we’ve further grouped ourselves in different networks such as religious groups, political parties, unions, business associations and so on.

I’m a great fan of Jeffrey Gitomer, and am presently rereading his “Little Black Book Of Connections”.

One key point that he keeps pressing is giving before receiving.

It’s something that strikes a chord with me, along with his assertion that people hate being sold to, but that they love buying.

This is something that goes against the grain with a lot of “marketers” on line who feel that people they meet on Twitter, Plurk and other social media sites are joining their list.

What they should be doing, is giving value to their network members so that they convert willingly to their email subscription list.

To me, social networkers who do nothing but share links are no different to the clowns who constantly cram our inboxes with spam selling everything from cialis and viagra to fake rolex watches!

What do you think? Am I being too hard on these folks?

Are you in Sydney?

You are invited to a networking event at the Camperdown Bowling And Recreation Club on October 27, 2009.

Starting at 6.00pm and continuing until about 9.00pm, Liz Walton from Biznet Blue Mountains will be the guest speaker.

Liz is an accomplished social networker, and has a lot of experience in helping businesses navigate their way into the use of sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Entry to the event is free, and refreshments will be served.

The Club is located at 50 Mallet Street, Camperdown in Sydney.

I look forward to seeing you there!

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