Networking online is so very useful
THE Social Network - the story of how an information-sharing tool created by university student Mark Zuckerberg grew into the global social network Facebook - is on show in UK cinemas.
With its 500 million users, Facebook has grown from a campus directory into one of the world’s biggest social networking tools. It is now estimated that one in 14 people worldwide have a Facebook profile.
Although some think of it as just a way to connect with old friends and build virtual farms, businesses of all sizes are now beginning to embrace online networks as an easy and cost-effective way to develop and maintain beneficial business relationships.
Networking can help improve business performance, products and staff skills and provide a base of knowledgeable support and assistance. For a start-up or small business, networking allows the sharing of ideas, experiences and market knowledge.
Online networking allows you to connect and build relationships with businesses outside your geographic community and gain new contacts from the comfort of your own office.
It is a relatively cheap and time effective way of fostering business relationships and sharing ideas. All you need is a computer and an internet connection and you can be networking with hundreds of other businesses within minutes.
Among the benefits of online networking is the frequency in which you can communicate with other businesses. This close connection cultivates a much more intimate working relationship that you can develop over time.
Businesses may join online networks for different reasons. For some it may be the sharing of ideas and support provisions. For others, it may be for a marketing or brand building exercise.
Understanding your motivation for joining an online network before signing-up will ensure you get the best results from building relationships with other businesses.
There are a number of ways businesses can utilise online networks to improve key functions including:
Marketing
Customer interaction
Locating strategic and commercial partner
Gathering market intelligence.
Business Link has a comprehensive guide on how online networks can benefit your business and advice on how to choose the correct online networks for your business needs. For further information visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.
:: Hina Joshi, Business Link adviser
