I have been using online tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to continue to meet new and interesting people online, but I recently found how much of an impact your local network can have on your online network.
Let the Networking Begin
Over the past few months, I have helped build up the Social Media Club of Northwest Arkansas. This has allowed me to interact with lots of local people that are excited about the same things as I am (blogging, social media, etc.). Before this local SMC chapter was formed, I didn’t have a large local network. The network I did have didn’t have any people in it that were excited about social media.
After just a few local SMC meetings, I made tons of new connections. I was featured on a local podcast (download link). I did a Social Media 101 presentation for the local chamber of commerce and was quoted in the local paper. On top of all those things, I have made some great friends and gotten some great supporters.
Online Increases
The best part of all this was that the connections I made weren’t just paying off locally. I’ve seen a great increase in several meaningful statistics online. I’ve increased my blog’s RSS subscribers, the number of retweets each blog post gets and commenting has definitely picked up.
The people you meet locally are much more likely to be evangelists for your online brand than the people you meet online. The reason behind this is simple. The people you meet in person will always have a much better understanding of who you are and what you’re about than the people you meet online.
Ways to Expand Your Network
There are lots of great ways to expand your network. I’m just going to highlight a few.
- Use Twellowhood to locate local Twitter users.
- Join/Form a local Social Media Club.
- Search for local groups on Facebook.
- Connect with local blogs (i.e. FayettevilleFlyer for Northwest Arkansas).
At the end of the day, there are so many great places online to find people in your area. All you need to do find the people that are into the same things as you and reach out to them.
How do you expand your local network and how has it impacted your online network or presence?
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July 28th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Great advice. I will definitely look into these resources because I agree that networking is a great for everyone involved.
October 13th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Are you sure you know what you are talking about Mr. Acevedo?
July 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Great post, Kyle! I’ll definitely follow your advice when I figure out where I live and what’s local for me LOL.