The following article that I wrote appeared in July's Magazine Soho. You can also find it at Sohobiztube.com.
Knowledge: Your Strongest Networking Tool
Over time, you will meet a lot of people through your networking activities. It can be a challenge for you to stand out and for people to remember you.
Pick a topic on which you have some knowledge to share. It should be something you enjoy keeping up with on a regular basis. It doesn’t matter if this subject relates to your career or your personal life.
Create a Web Site
As you gather information on your subject matter, an efficient way to organize everything is by creating a Web site. With a Web site, you can provide several resources in one place.
When you meet people, you can direct them to this Web site. Sharing information with others is very important in networking.
Part of networking is branding yourself. Take the time to put together a useful Web site that you can share with others. For example, I have created a business and networking resources Web site at www.jacobsohn.com.
Create an Electronic Newsletter
Another great way to stand out is to create and distribute an electronic newsletter. Your newsletter should include information about your expertise such as articles, resources and tips.
Whenever you meet people, you can share your newsletter with them. Make sure to get their permission before you sign people up. You want interested people to receive your newsletter.
Write Articles/Publish a Blog
If you truly are a subject matter expert, you should have no problem writing articles or publishing a blog about your topic. In fact, articles are an excellent way for you to express your own thoughts about a particular topic.
While it’s one thing to read articles from other people, it’s quite another to write your own. Self-expression is so important and putting your thoughts down on paper is a great way to share your expertise with others.
Speak at Events
As you become a subject matter expert, people will start to take notice. In fact, you may be asked to speak at networking or business events.
It is a great honor to be selected as a speaker. Take advantage of these opportunities. Speaking is a very visible activity and you will be perceived as an expert by an array of people. At the same time, you may want to produce your own events at which you will be the featured speaker.
Leverage Social Media
Demonstrate your expertise on sites such as Sohobiztube.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Since most of us are connected on at least one of these sites, you already have a captive audience that wants to learn more about you.
Your online brand is a very important tool to let people know about your expertise. Make sure that you send a consistent message across all of these sites, otherwise, you may confuse people and hurt your brand.
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Jason,
Good advice for networking and personal branding. I'm stunned more professionals - particularly those who are consultants to CEOs and Senior Execs don't take advantage of many of the simple low cost ideas you described.
Barry Deutsch
Partner
IMPACT Hiring Solutions
http://www.impacthiringsolutions.com
Posted by: Barry Deutsch | September 19, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Agree Barry. If you aren't able to spend time doing these things yourself, then you can hire someone to manage this for you.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | September 20, 2009 at 06:46 AM