Personal connections between people have always been a major factor for success in business, and networking nowadays has become a major trend in all kind of industries. With the increasing availability of internet connections (comScore Networks 2006) and use of social networking platforms (Trend IQ 2004: 15), networking and internetworking has become an important activity for most employed and self-employed people – these days networking is easier, more effective and efficient than it has ever been before.
This paper has a dual objective. On the one hand, it seeks to explore four of the most interesting and important social networks for people in Europe to extend their own networks and thus to increase their success in business (Open Business Club GmbH 2006: 1-2). On the other hand, it aims to highlight the "do's and dont's" of networking that should allow the reader to avoid the most common pitfalls in networking as well as to increase his own networking efficiency and effectiveness.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Overview of International Business Networks
2.1. Open Business Club (www.openBC.com)
2.2. successBC (www.successBC.com)
2.3. The Evolutiner Club (www.evolutiner.org)
2.4. International WHO'S WHO Historical Society (www.internationalwhoswho.com)
3. "Do's and Don'ts" of Networking
4. Conclusion & Outlook
5. Glossary
5.1. Network (verb) (p. 1)
5.2. Internetworking (p. 1)
5.3. Social Network (p. 1)
5.4. Page Impression (p. 1)
5.5. Usability (p. 2)
Objectives & Core Themes
This paper examines the landscape of modern professional networking, focusing on the evaluation of significant international business networks and the identification of best practices for effective relationship building in both physical and digital environments.
- Comparison of major international social networking platforms and organizations.
- Evaluation criteria including membership structure, services, and associated costs.
- Strategic "Do's and Don'ts" to enhance professional networking efficiency.
- Analysis of common pitfalls and the importance of quality over quantity in contacts.
- Exploration of future trends and challenges within the networking industry.
Excerpt from the Book
"Do's and Don'ts" of Networking
As Ferrazzi puts it in rather colloquial terms, "Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance"12. This is to show that professional networking is – at least most of the time – nothing that happens by chance, but proper preparation and a systematic approach in networking increases the likelihood of establishing the right contacts tremendously, and that is also true for online networking.
First of all, one should know precisely which kind of people (i.e. from a geographical, industrial, functional etc. point of view) one wants to get to know before gathering information about specific business networks of those people. To find out about those networks it often makes sense to turn to the respective section of the chamber of commerce, to read trade publications and newspapers, and of course to search for networks via internet.
Most online business networks offer a trial membership free of charge at least for a certain period of time – so one should feel free to test different networks before becoming a paying member of one or more networks. If one has finally found one or more appropriate networks with the kind of people one is looking for, it is also a reasonable approach to ask those existing members of a network which other networks they are using – it is an efficient way to find out about other potentially interesting networks.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the growing importance of professional and internetworking in modern business and defines the dual objectives of exploring network platforms and providing networking best practices.
2. Overview of International Business Networks: Provides a comparative analysis of four distinct networking platforms (Open Business Club, successBC, The Evolutiner Club, and International WHO'S WHO Historical Society) based on their specific features, strengths, and weaknesses.
3. "Do's and Don'ts" of Networking: Outlines the strategic approach to successful networking, highlighting the necessity of planning, quality over quantity, and consistent engagement to build meaningful, long-term business relationships.
4. Conclusion & Outlook: Discusses current trends in the networking industry, specifically addressing challenges related to content quality, the difficulty of managing numerous platforms, and the rise of initiatives aimed at improving professional standards.
5. Glossary: Defines critical terminology including network (verb), internetworking, social network, page impression, and usability, providing examples and context for professional application.
Keywords
Networking, Internetworking, Social Networks, Business Platforms, Open Business Club, successBC, Professional Development, Relationship Building, Contact Management, Online Databases, Networking Strategy, Usability, Digital Communication, Business Success, Membership Criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the evolution of professional networking, comparing digital networking platforms with traditional organizations and offering practical advice on how to build and maintain business connections.
What are the main thematic fields covered?
The paper covers the landscape of social networking platforms, technical aspects of online connectivity, best practices for networking, and the challenges of managing contact quality in a digital-first world.
What is the research objective?
The objective is twofold: to provide a comparative analysis of selected networking platforms in Europe and to synthesize actionable strategies for professionals to increase their networking efficacy.
What research methods are employed?
The author utilizes a comparative approach to evaluate networking platforms based on their features and business models, combined with a synthesis of existing professional guidelines and "do's and don'ts."
What is discussed in the main body?
The main body details specific platforms like the Open Business Club and the International WHO'S WHO Historical Society, followed by a comprehensive set of rules and pitfalls for those looking to optimize their professional networking.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Core keywords include networking, internetworking, social networks, business success, and professional relationship management.
How does successBC differ from the Open Business Club?
While the Open Business Club focuses on scale and a high number of users, successBC focuses on the quality of its members and promotes a philosophy where networking is a tool for creating real business value rather than an end in itself.
Why is the Evolutiner Club considered a "sharp contrast" to other networks?
It is a charitable, closed-membership organization that lacks an online platform, relying instead on high-level personal connections and exclusive gala events rather than automated digital networking.
What is the key risk identified for online networking?
The author identifies that the rapid growth of platforms has led to a decline in the quality of contacts and a lack of professionalism as users often register for multiple networks without understanding the fundamental principles of networking.
- Citation du texte
- MMag. Robert Steiner (Auteur), 2006, International Business Networks and Networking, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/130538
