networkingUnexpectedly, my previous post on why it is better to network with NON Problogger got picked by Darren Rowse. To my surprise, he made a post about it and acknowledge my points. He also linked to my post, which spiked my blog traffic and comment.

For months, I’ve been trying to get the attention of some Probloggers but had no luck. My post about why John Chow is the Paris Hilton of the Blogosphere is one my attempts to seduce John Chow into linking to my blog. Unfortunately, none of my attempts worked. Yesterday however was different because I wasn’t trying to seduce Darren Rowse, John Chow or Jeremy Schoemaker to link to my blog but Darren did. Thanks Darren! :)
Today’s post is suppose to be a ‘Thank You Post’ to Darren but I’d like to make a twist into it. Instead of the usual thank you post, I’ll be sharing the lessons I’ve learned about networking from problogger Darren Rowse. Here it goes.

Lessons I’ve Learned About Networking

  1. Be Open Minded - Networking means dealing with different kind of people with different ideas and opinions. If you don’t keep your mind open to other ideas and opt to be a bigot, your attempt to build your network will not be fruitful. Despite the negative tone of my previous post regarding networking with Probloggers, Darren was receptive enough understand what I was trying to point out. I doubt if other probloggers would react the same way he did.
  2. Be Humble - Humility is a more effective strategy in network building. Although overbearing has worked well to other bloggers like John Chow, being humble when networking is more likely to bring you fruitful results. Just look at what humility had done Darren. He’s become the most popular, most respected and most recognized blogger.
  3. Be Patient - Building your network is not easy. It consumes alot of your time. Since networking does not always end up fruitful, you need to have the patience to keep on trying.
  4. Reach Out To Other Bloggers - You can either wait for other bloggers to network with you or take the initiative to start networking with them. Not unless you’re a bigwig, you can’t expect bloggers to start networking with you. And even if you’re a famous blogger, reaching out to others is still a good blogging practice.
  5. Build ‘Relationships’ With Other Bloggers - Networking is much more fruitful if you build genuine relationships with your networks. If you are just after a link from your network’s blog, you’re missing the important point of networking. You’re just building short-lived networks. By establishing good relationships with your network, you’re securing a long term ’business’ partnership, which means more opportunities and benefits.
  6. Network With Bloggers In Your Niche - If you have a niche, it is advisable that you network with bloggers who have similar niche. I’m not saying that you don’t network with bloggers covering unrelated niche, if you can find time, do it. What I simply want to point out is that you give priority to bloggers who blog about the same topic that you do. This is for the practical reason that you share the same interest and opportunities to work hand in hand is boundless.
  7. Offer Something To Your Networks - Since networking to be fruitful needs to present mutual benefit to parties involved, you should have something to offer your network. It could be anything of value to your network. You just have to be creative.
  8. Don’t Give Up, Be Persistent - Networking fails when you give up. When after attempting to connect with other bloggers and fail the first time, you give up. When you don’t try to reconnect or find others to network with or when you let frustration to rule over you, networking fails.

That’s as far my list could go. What about you? What have you learned about networking that works? Would you mind sharing it here?

Thanks for you time. ;) 

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