Business Networking Predictions for 2010 12/03/09
2009 is almost over (and many are glad about that!), and it’s time to look ahead. I have before me my crystal ball. I am looking into the future, and this is what I see for 2010:
- First, the economy IS going to improve. OK,
this isn’t a”networking” issue, but it IS important. Have faith. Look for opportunities. Focus on what you do best. You will have a better year next year, but you need to focus on solutions and get out of the quagmire of problems. - Online social networks will continue to grow in prominence. OK, I didn’t need the crystal ball for that one. However, consider this . . . digital schmoozing may continue to grow, but so will the frustration over how to convert that technology into viable business opportunities. This is an emerging field, and much of it will be established over the next few years.
- Companies, small and large, need to create a social media strategy. What’s your plan? Oh . . . you don’t have one? Big mistake in 2010. You need to start working on one now. Don’t know where to start? Do a little research. There are some really good experts out there who can help you in this area. I’ve been working with Social Media Expert Mirna Bard this year, and she has really helped my organization create a strong, cutting-edge social media strategy that we are now pursuing globally
- Victims of downsizing will become active in networking groups (both face-to-face and online). Many people have been laid off. My experience in running BNI, the world’s largest networking organization, is that within a few months of an increase in unemployment rates, there is almost always an influx of new members into networking organizations. I am confident that there will be such an influx in 2010.
- We will begin to see more of an integration between face-to-face and online networking opportunities. Online networks will do things to promote face-to-face opportunities, and face-to-face networks will begin to integrate online networking more effectively into their programs.
- We will see the slow death of the “one-way” website. More and more, companies will create websites that operate in two directions. They will not only provide information to their customers but will also seek feedback from their customers. Blogs, interactive newsletters, social network sites, consumer feedback groups . . . all of these will continue to grow in importance for companies.
- Face-to-face networks will continue to grow, IF they stay true to a fundamental mission of helping people grow their businesses. Nothing beats networking in person (see my blog on this subject from earlier this year).
- Companies that succeed in 2010 will remain agile and will focus on relationships. Technology is a tool. Relationships are king when it comes to networking. Companies who are creative in using tools to enhance the relationship building process will be the leaders in a company networking program.
Well, there it is. Those are my predictions for 2010. What do you think of these ideas AND what, if anything, would you add to these business networking predictions?
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6 Responses to this article
I agree that Social Networking will become huge. I started my blog and Twitter late this summer and have had great success. I have many clients I have been helping get starting in social networking.
Due to the amount of online networking, face-to-face networking ability will be more important than ever. There is and will be a whole generation that can’t carry on a conversation, make eye contact or keep their thumbs from texting. Thus, if you can handle face-to-face networking effectively, you’ll really stand out.
As far as social networking is concerned, I think it will eventually replace email. Online networking is definitely on the rise. It makes everything a little more personal. Most cities have social media groups you can join.
I hope your economic prediction is true. The media is sure having a fun time with pessimism.
The fact that we are talking positive again is a very important step to move on to better times.
The potential down side of just online networking is that people will crawl behind their PC to build up an imaginary network with people they never met. People are becoming too shy to network face to face. A fun tool to break the ice between delegates with aligned minds: http://www.eddp.eu/badge2match an effective bridge between online and face to face Networking.
Looking forward to 2010!
When I read, “Online social networks will continue to grow in prominence,” I had to hold back in responding, but I finally caved in.
While they may grow, their usefullness will decline.
Have you ever heard the expression, “All sizzle and no steak.”? “Hey John connected with Mary.” “Mary connected with Rumplestiltskin.” Do you know these people personally? Have you had a personal discussion with them? Can you trust them? Well, somebody half-way around the world who you don’t know gave them them a recommendation.
But it gets even better. Once you get involved in a discussion group, people will tell you, “I have just the right solution for you. Just click on http://www.gullible.com and I’ll get you the top listing in the leading search engines.” “Buy my book because I am an expert.”
You certainly can send out your resume to the many people in your online social networking list, most of whom you hardly know. But, if a recruiter receives a resume in the mail or one that comes as an e-mail message with an attachment that might have a virus, which resume gets priority?
And then there are the “LIONS.” They brag that they have 10,000 connections and they will teach you how to network. LIONS stands for Linked In Open Networkers who will link to anyone. So, if they spent just 2 minutes communicating with each of their linked connections, that would total 20,000 minutes. Spending the bulk of your time on many relationships won’t help you develop solid relationships that will generate referrals and dollars.
On the other hand, BNI got it right. The personal relationships you develop meeting the same people week after week develops a solid bond of trust and credibility that these social networks cannot offer.
Just my two cents.
I agree with all your predictions and find it helpful to have a “short list” to consider going into the New Year. It is certainly time to go more into the online world and learn how to maintain and nurture my network with the advantage of technology.
I wanted to comment on number 4 in your list and leave a request with your readers. The current unemployment rate should encourage a large number of unemployed and/or over worked Baby Boomers to start their own business. Boomers are starting businesses at unprecedented rates.
Spending over 30 years in the corporate world in Silicon Valley, I knew nothing about networking when I started my own company. I was so grateful to find BNI and take advantage of the structured system and member training to learn how to generate referrals and network.
My request is to every small business owner who knows someone out of work and floundering in this economy to invite them to some networking events. Show them how to get business on their own and demystify the world of small business. Many people would love to have the freedom of having their own business but don’t know where to start. Show them how to build a network and they are half way there!