Wenchy's World

The Importance Of Networking

By

Wenchy

Adult Copy

We all know what networking is, don't we? Well, on the off chance that someone reading this isn't real clear on the definition, I'll see if I can help.

Networking means contacts... the method is really a pretty secondary point. You can network using message boards, ICQ, email, AIM, chat rooms or via any of a number of other avenues. It's not quite as simple as getting your name out there, though. There are a few key things to remember when building your reputation.

First and foremost you MUST remember that in 99% of all cases, your online persona is the only side of you that your contacts will ever see. Even if you eventually meet them in person at a webmaster convention at some point down the road, the impression you make while networking is what they will use to create their initial opinion of you.

Networking can be an extremely valuable tool if used properly. You never know when someone you've built a relationship with might suddenly find themselves in need of an employee or might know someone in the same boat. If you strive to present yourself in a professional and friendly manner, you could just be the first name who pops into the mind of your contact. Many, many employer/employee relationships have developed in this manner, even for yours truly.

Depending on the direction you're moving in with your sites, you may also come to discover that your reputation can make or break the success of a link site or TGP. Your fellow webmasters are a lot more likely to help out a new site if the owner is someone they like and respect... and the way you earn those things is through networking!

A good rule of thumb is to always exercise caution and diplomacy when chatting, posting, or emailing. Never verbally abuse anyone or slam their site or program in a public forum. Should you encounter problems with a particular individual, ALWAYS take it to privates, ICQ, or email and NEVER divulge what transpires in those arenas. Keep in mind that all it takes is negative feedback from one respected individual to destroy your career and your future.

Along that same vein, you should try to avoid the message board "pissing matches" unless, of course, you can afford to be viewed in a less-than-favorable light. Sure, there is a lot of these battles that ago on, but if you watch carefully you will find they are usually between the same people or groups of people and outside intervention is not always desired or permitted. This is especially true if you are fairly new to a board environment! The quickest way in the world to get mercilessly slapped down is by inserting yourself into an argument that has nothing whatsoever to do with you. My best advice is to watch and learn if the information looks pertinent; otherwise just slide right past the nasty posts to the good stuff.

You should also avoid "going after" someone via email. I have yet to come across any situation, no matter how unpleasant, that couldn't be handled in a calm and professional manner. Name calling, threats, and other verbal abuses are completely out of line when conducting business! Regardless of how painful it may seem at the time, politeness and professionalism will go a lot further toward resolving a conflict than a full frontal assault.

Remember the old saying, "You can draw more flies with honey than vinegar"? Never was that more true than when networking! I could throw a barrage of bad cliches at you right about now... "Do unto others... ", "If you can't say something nice... ", and several others... but I'll spare you the agony of THAT little trip down memory lane. Yes they sound cheesy and way too simple, but they *DO* apply! Think about it...

The Adult Net is not a business that can be survived by flying solo. The relationships you build today could very possibly mean your success tomorrow... or your failure if you screw it up somehow. Treat the chat rooms, message boards, email, and ICQ as your office and the people you come into contact with as your co-workers. You may be surprised at the reaction you get and the good things that might just come your way.

As always, best of luck and may your surfers continue to whip it out...

Wenchy