How to apply these F2F Values to building an online network

Here are some online practical examples with some application to networking here at WA.

• Show Respect by making eye contact with someone while you speak to them.

Online = making eye contact while on a video, skype, zoom or facetime call. Not doing multiple things online while in a conversation with someone.

I am yet to experience an online video or live environment here at WA but I am confident the above principles still apply here.

An equivalent of this when connecting via text based online communications is to acknowledge when someone connects with you online by liking their comment, replying to it or sending a message - according to the context of the communication. Acknowledging another goes a long way in expressing respect.

• Consider others by Actively Listening.

Online = listen with your full attention when on a call or webinar and not have multiple internet windows open with multiple online distractions.

Again I am yet to have a live webinar experience here at WA but I also try to allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. For example, allocate half an hour in the morning to check up on notifications, messages and requests for help daily at WA. I often do this without having other social media channels on so I can focus particularly when participating or helping people on live chat.

• Inviting people to exchange contact details if you believe you can both help each other.

Online = Avoid sending impersonal ‘sales’ messages without even addressing people by name.

Now all of us at some time have been guilty of this to different levels, myself included. Here at WA I have adopted a new approach of connecting with WA members in a meaningful way. I began with, what is important to me. What is important to me at WA is to connect with positive, uplifting, go-getter, motivating people. Therefore, one way I do this is, I view the top 10 blog posts each day and participate in comments if they align with me and who I am and what I stand for.

• Thanking people personally when they assist you.
Online = Take the time to reply back personally using people’s names to thank them for their help.

This culture of personally thanking members when connecting on their WA space profile is alive and well here in this community and I love it! The key is to be sincere and to read something about the person you connect with. A little more time consuming than just connecting to those new to the community but it makes a more meaningful exchange for all involved.

• Asking permission to send information on what you do in business.

Online = Avoid taking contact details from online profiles and adding to your email list without asking permission if they are interested in what you do.

Here in Australia this is essential, it is legislated. I’m sure it is elsewhere too. Even if it isn’t legislated it simply is good manners. Otherwise you just come across as too spammy or salesy and a new meaningful connection just doesn’t happen. I say this in the context of being personally very comfortable with the concept of sales having been in a variety of sales and customer service style roles over the years.