Networking Vampires

On every forum or networking venue, these people lurk, waiting for fresh victims, new groups to attack. Then they swoop down, and blast their ads all over any space that is made available for them to do so, effectively attempting to suck the blood out of the other members. There for what they can TAKE.

They feel that any forum is there for them to advertise to. Every post an opportunity to self-promote, every spot they can leave a note, nothing more than a place for self-serving purposes.

Nobody loves a vampire. Online, this kind of person inspires boredom, disgust, a sort of gloomy dread, but never admiration. No one bothers purchasing from them, because they give nothing to make anyone feel the desire to do so!

Networking WORKS, when you GIVE first. You give kindness, encouragement, advice (when you are sure of your information), resources even when they are not your own, and you develop truly respectful friendships. Therein lies the power of networking.

I had three experiences this week that let me know that giving is what does it.

I was selected as the Member of the Month for an organization. Many people who chimed in to congratulate me, were people I barely knew the names of – but they felt they knew me, simply because I’d posted something of value that they’d appreciated, and because I volunteer for the organization in a visible capacity.

I also finally decided to try out another networking venue. When I did so, I was amazed at the number of people that connected with me, whom I had no idea felt that they knew me, and who put notices on my profile saying so. They had read my posts for years, and I had no idea that anyone had been influenced by them in the way they said.

The third instance consisted of someone who needed a web designer in a hurry. This person said that when they knew they needed one, they knew they wanted to work with me, because of something I’d said, and because of other exposures they’d had to what they felt was good counsel from me. I did not know the person, but they felt they knew me, just because I’d been there, and I’d said something good.

I’m no champion networker. I’m often selfish and don’t get it right more than I do get it right. But by a consistent desire and effort to better the lives of others on the forums in which I participate, people feel they know me, and many respect what I say enough that when they have a need, they come to me first. If I’d splattered ads, they’d feel that I was selfish, and only there for what I could get. I want to help people though… that is what I put as my first goal in networking, and the business comes from that, because in my line of work, helping people is what it is all about anyway.

It isn’t that hard to find ways to say something nice. Sometimes it takes some thought or practice, but it DOES pay you back in time, and when it does, it is surprising how it does so!