The Internet marketing industry is an isolating career at times. You work from home, usually on solo projects, and except for the occasional forum and chat room participation, you don’t have the opportunity to interact with others.
Some newbie ‘net marketers take it to an extreme level of isolation, never branding their name, watching forum posts from the sidelines, too scared to put themselves out there for judgment in the marketplace.
But networking will help you make big gains as an online marketer. First and foremost, it helps you brand your name in the marketplace. You’ll always want to participate in the Internet marketing niche, even if it’s not the niche you’re making money with.
The reason for this is because you can find potential Joint Venture partners who are in the same (or a complementary) niche as you. These relationships and bonds you build with other marketers could serve you well in the future.
Within your moneymaking niche, you want to network as well. Always put your sights on someone who’s a step above you on the ladder of success. This will help you build your own business because you’re catapulting your momentum forward rather than taking a step backward as an unknown.
If at all possible, try to attend Internet marketing seminars and seminars within your niche. You’ll meet people and gain valuable insight that isn’t sold on the ‘net – secrets shared as good friends rather than sold to a general public.
Seminars can help you bounce ideas off of others and generate some new ideas based on what you learn. It can also help you locate products and services that will help your business.
You might meet graphic designers, freelance writers, or even a so-called “guru” who could give your product or site a mention to his own mega list. If you attend a seminar, have some business cards ready to hand out to people that include your name, email address, and website.
Get cards from others, too and then follow up on those contacts to remind people of who you are – thanking them if they provided you with any information that helps you on your journey to becoming a successful Internet marketer.
After you attend enough seminars, you may even be asked to be a speaker at one, which is when you’ll be the main focus of the networking party and everyone will be competing for your time and attention.