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Which Networks Have Had an Actual Effect on Your Bottom Line?
From the “Question of the Week” series on SkySisterBlog.com
by SkySister
 In an ideal world, there would be one magic online network where we could all sign on and make the right contacts immediately! The right colleagues and the right clients for each business would be online at the right moments. The Clients would "virtually" jump up and down upon our arrival, throwing payments at us and exclaiming, "Where has your business been all my life?"
I haven't come across that ideal world with the magic online network, but I have come across a few places with either potential for or a current base of Clients and Contacts for varied businesses. We (the Studio "Sky crew") are building a list of networks and resources we've found to have the most potential for quality Contacts and Clients. It’s free, and we’re also opening the listings to suggestions from everyone! I refer to it as a mini-site since it's just getting started. So the first step is to visit http://LuxeSister.com. (Be patient with the list - quality takes time!)
Now I will get specific - to date, the network that has affected the bottom line the most is MySpace. You've got hundreds of millions of people right in front of you, and when you know what you're doing this is a beautiful thing!
Now, MySpace is not an "easy" network to profit from - I can almost guarantee that - whatever your industry - you're going to have millions of other people in that same industry on MySpace doing what you're doing. They too have their profiles and a dream.
The initial step to standing out on MySpace is with a customized profile - the free layouts won't do for business. Next, you will have to do some serious grassroots work - finding and accepting the right "friends" (other MySpace profiles).
You'll have to have sort of a "MySpace networking strategy" - nothing complicated, but in essence that's what it is when you decide who you want to sell to, partner up with, "advertise" with, top friend, etc. - and why.
This "process" can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to "perfect" - after you've taken a few days to plan and have your profile designed. I must say that it's worth it! I've found that "those" networks - where all everyone is doing is entering their email address and choosing a username - don't have any effect on growing my base of Clients, Contacts, or knowledge.
"Those" networks are like this ghost town of profiles and avatars!
The more work - the more interaction, the closer you get to the bottom line you're looking for! You may be thinking "What's the catch?" There can be a financial investment involved (getting a MySpace profile designed, or joining certain networks for example), but that is much lower than traditional "offline" options. Many times online networking costs nothing (financially). However, don't be closed to spending money and more importantly time in these efforts.
Back to MySpace. If you have design skills, use them - sign up and create your new business profile.
Words of caution: Be honest with yourself about your design skills. Owning a copy of design software doesn't mean you'll be able to create a clean/professional page. A less than aesthetic layout will not save you money - it will cost you business - people won't take you seriously.
If not, get a designer who knows MySpace. Start looking up profiles and requesting "friends." Those who think MySpace is a waste of time likely haven't approached it properly (for their objectives).
Online networking requires you to interact and participate - in the discussions, blogs, forums, conference calls. If some activity on a network seems non-applicable or silly or pointless, consider trying it anyway. Risk brings returns! If you do these things, and you have a quality product or service, you will see results - that bottom line in your ideal world!
Ninapilar
Concept Designer
Sky Sister Studio
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About the Author: Ninapilar's strategic approach originates from freelance challenges: focusing clients' ideas into fresh and effective graphic presentations. Her upcoming studio, Sky Sister, encompasses her offering of a mesh of the creative form in web, print, and wearable design!
Contact: Ninapilar@skysisterstudio.com
Web: http://skysisterstudio.com
Network: http://myspace.com/theskygoddess
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