Exploring the World of Social Networking

The world of business and marketing as we all know is constantly changing and evolving into many different effective models. The newest model that is growing in popularity, but has been around since the beginning of time is social networking. People have always communicated with their friends about something new they just learned that might help a friend or about a way that they know of to solve a friends problem. What has happened to the business world as with other industries is that individuals have expanded their base of friends and acquaintances through the use of the Internet.

The Internet has become a tool that is now almost a necessity for any business. If your business or the company you work for does not have a good website, then the impression that perceived by outsiders is that your company is not very successful. Other companies that are in the same line of business with a better website can and most likely will steal your business because they are contacted first. The business that receives the first phone call or talks to a potential customer first has the advantage and with a good sales staff will keep a prospective client's search for services with their company. Some more advantages of the Internet are the use of tools like blogs and interest groups, but the largest business producing tool of our generation is the use of networking websites. Networking websites reconnect individuals with old friends, classmates or just individuals that have the same interests as themselves.

I have made networking part of my life over the past year since discovering the knowledge that can be learned and opportunities that can be gained to improve the company that I work for, plus the advantages it can bring to my career. I still live in my hometown of Houston where I attended the University of Houston which has given me the ability to network not only through the Internet, but also through joining local groups that meet in person to discuss business matters and to introduce business alumni members to each other. The experiences that I have been part of over the past year have brought into my life memorable moments and individuals that I feel will be part of my life forever.

The objective of networking is not to seek out others that are going to make you successful or be the answer to your problem. The goal you need to have in mind when you decide to make networking part of your life is that you are trying to build relationships with other individuals that you have or can build a common ground with on issues or topics that matter to you. I have found that by becoming a more involved part of my U of H Bauer College of Business alumni groups that have been developed to spread the word about UH, but also to help alumni of the business college grow in their careers through shared knowledge and experiences. Since I started dedicating time to networking I have scheduled meetings with my CEO for fellow alumni to present their services and received recommendations for my company from alumni to their clients. Results from networking are not seen immediately because you need to build a rapport with the group or individuals that you are trying to do business with. Put some time and effort into the mission of building your network and you will reap tremendous benefits down the road.