Why Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Online Networking

By Cambridge Who's Who Contributing Author Chi Chi Okezie

Networking is becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs. It is an amazing means of allowing professionals to build relationships, grow their businesses, tap into resources, develop business skills and brand themselves within their industry or profession. Entrepreneurs can network within their jobs, clubs, organizations, associations and now online. Internet networking proves to be just as effective as in-person networking while adding several benefits for professional and social success.

Online networking is an excellent tool that entrepreneurs should invest in to develop their businesses. There are several advantages to online networking over traditional networking methods. Listed below are five key benefits of online networking that will open your mind to a host of endless opportunities for yourself and your business:

#1: Online networking increases and diversifies your network.
Online networking gives entrepreneurs a chance to develop relationships with several contacts at one time. Professionals can meet several people and communicate in a broader way than they are able to at face-to-face networking events. Business people are able to meet a wider variety of people through online networking. Usually, networking events will attract certain groups of people, depending on who is sponsoring the event. With online networking, many different industries are represented within the group.

#2: Online networking makes you more accessible to others.
Having a virtual business presence enables professionals to be contacted much faster than by phone or mail. Your ability to be accessible and reached easily allows you to conduct business in an efficient and productive manner. You are able to organize and execute projects and agendas in effectively, which can greatly affect your bottom line and give you a clear advantage over your competitors. It will also improve your credibility and image for your company, brand or service.

#3: Online networking shatters time and geographical boundaries.
By networking online, entrepreneurs are able to reach the world from their computer. Using the internet and email allows professionals to send messages to business counterparts during any time of the day from any location to be received anywhere around the world. The flexibility and practical aspects of connecting and building relationships online expands your target audiences and your network of clients, customers, colleagues, vendors, partners, investors and even employees.

#4: Online networking can be an excellent low-cost marketing tool.
One of the best advantages of online networking is the ability to showcase yourself and your company, products, services or brand. As entrepreneurs, we are constantly looking for ways to create awareness, and online networking offers that unique benefit. Many websites allow members to post pictures, profiles, articles, books and various marketing materials for advertisements and announcements. Entrepreneurs can then share their online content with their clients, customers and business colleagues.

#5: Online networking allows entrepreneurs to develop professional skills.
Many online networking groups and companies offer incentives and benefits to their members, which can be extremely valuable to business and personal development. Blogs, articles, book recommendations, online seminars, teleseminars, announcements of local and national business events and discounts on business publications or services are just a few resources that entrepreneurs can use for success.

Entrepreneurs should consider investing in online networking for their professional and social endeavors. Online networking creates many resources for businesses and gives entrepreneurs flexibility in their business dealings. It is one more effective tool that can be used to accomplish business and social goals.

Chi Chi Okezie joined Cambridge Who's Who in June 2007. Using the resources and networking tools available to her via Cambridge Who's Who membership, Chi Chi was able to receive additional exposure for her company on www.cambridgewhoswho.com, including a feature in the Cambridge Business (CamBizTM) Directory, Announcements, Who's Who in the News and Cambridge Events sections. SIMPLEnetworking LLC will also be spotlighted in the Featured Business section of the upcoming Cambridge Who's Who e-newsletter, "Who's News."

Cambridge Who's Who applauds Ms. Okezie for taking full advantage of her Cambridge Who's Who member benefits and thanks her for the kind words about our services and staff that she submitted for the Cambridge Who's Who Success Stories website.

For more information on Chi Chi Okezie and SIMPLEnetworking, LLC, please view her contributing author profile.