Is it a Waste of Time to Network with Other Renegade University and Marketing Merge Students in the Social Web 2.0 Areas?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 05:28PM John Keiling asked a good question that I have heard asked before so I thought I'd address it:
He asks:
One thing I'm wondering about is the number of contacts I'm getting from social marketing sites like facebook and digg via E-mail.
They're all doing the same thing as I am with the attraction marketing program as we are acknowledging each other as class mates in the Renegade University.
So it seems at this point a matter of " preaching to the choir " in our correspondence - am I missing something in the value of our networking together?
I mean .......beyond the underlying intent of these websites to simply socialize with each other. Thanks if you get the time to correspond.
My response:
You want to appear (and actually become) a 'social contributor' -- it has to start somewhere.
Note that as prospects find you at Digg, Hub Pages, Squidoo and other social networking locations, it is extremely helpful that they see you are tied into a social network (by having friends, fans, comments, etc).
It’s called, "social proof."
In other words, it shows that other people see you as a valuable contributor to the marketplace and that’s attractive.
You don't want to stand alone in the back of the corner at a social networking event (or anywhere people are connecting with one another).
You also don't want to stand alone in the Web 2.0 world simply because it makes you appear like a loner, which implies (whether it's true or not) that you don't give and are therefor unattractive to know.
By circling yourself with others, particularly when they are affirming your points, it makes you more credible.
Also note that by having a group of people who link to your stuff and comment on it... it improves your rankings on the Internet (because the Internet also views this community connection as a sign you are more valuable to others).
This works the other way as well.
When you Digg someone's article (or book mark it at other locations), comment on stuff, join their fan club, etc... it gives their audience a way to find you!
That's why the social networking sites are growing so fast and are so powerful--they are the essence of 'attraction marketing' built on true human interaction and the exchange of valuable information. They automatically reward those who are involved, interacting, and contributing (Digging, commenting, joining fan clubs, etc).
Did you know that when you Digg an article for example, it exposes YOU to that person's entire audience?
You still want to be selective in what you Digg (or whose fan club you join at a particular social web 2.0 location), but it's definitely something you want to build into your business as a habit...
Find a way to do these kinds of things without it taking a lot of time. I don't spend more than 2 hours a month (at the most) networking online... and yet I'm everywhere (you'll see I've joined as a fan at many locations, Dugg many good article posts, etc). I might share my exact process but, honestly, if you try you'll be able to create the habit as well--without spending much time at all.
For step-by-step instruction on how to become an "attractive marketer" find a Marketing Merge Professional Guide by searching at Google.
If you have a free account at Renegade University, log in at http://www.MarketingMerge.com and upgrade to Professional in Step 3 at the University. We'll help you set things up step-by-step and click by click.
You literally follow along and set things up AS YOU WATCH on screen.
Reader Comments (22)
This is so true. Another benefit to networking with "the choir" is that everyone knows a song you may not be familiar with. As you socialize, people share tips, resources, and offer feedback for your ideas.The various groups that have popped up on Facebook are a tremendous example. I have to say the biggest lesson I've learned at Renegade University is that if Mike says it's so; it's so. He's been dead on with everything he's taught us.
Thanks Mike,
It makes it a win-win situation. We are all learning from one another and helping each other's sites rank. Besides that, it gives us lots of practice. I'm sure that it will intrigue people looking for network marketing on line and bring lots of prospects eventually.
Renegade University is truly creating a community for change, and the best way to foster the development of that community is for us to interact and learn from one another. Social Networking is great for that.
I have created some groups on Facebook specifically for Renegade students, and joined many more that other Renegade students have started. I have learned so much from reading and seeing how other students are applying Mike's teachings, and it helps me to better formulate my own strategies.
I invite anyone reading this to add me as a friend on Facebook, and I'll be happy to introduce you to other like-minded people in the community. Just search for Lane Romero-Reiss
Mike I agree with you on being a part of the social network although if you don't have your settings correct one each of them you can open yourself to a huge amount of emails.
Seems like a lot of folks are just using the systems to promote their mlm company. Not a bad idea but some are abusing it and that is what leaves a bad taste when you are saturated with emails.
Just wanted to throw that in and maybe some of the mlm'ers will notice and remain professional.
Jim Wood
Hi Mike,
Thanks again for another tip. I find that by socializing with others gives me some great ideas for an article I'm considering. It also gets me "out there".
Even if I write something controversial, hey, it gets people talking. I wrote a hub about the negative effects of coffee and it has been fun to see what people are saying in their comments.
Thanks again for all your tips and time spent helping us with attraction marketing.
Michelle
Mike, I was wondering about this for a while. Thank you for helping to give clarity on this matter. God bless you.
Mike-
Great points. I have really enjoyed the realtionships with those from Renegade. They are very supportive and a pleasure ti interact with-
Thanks
Dan
Hi Mike,
I gotta say I think we're a pretty great choir to be singing to. Barbara said it well when she mentioned we all know different songs and we do. The willingness to share and support each other is coming across loud and clear.
We need each other too, through linking and through sharing ideas and support.Thanks fro reminding us to continue singing.
Deborah
Great take home points here Mike.
There is nothing like being able to build your confidence in a "safe environment" filled with wonderful like minded people.
I love it.
Simon
I agree, I enjoy connecting with others who are following Renegade University and The Renegade Network Marketer. I look at it as a learning opportunity. Some of these people have probably been doing this longer than me and I can get some great info.
Thanks Mike
People are really social beings...we need support, encouragement and a sense of community.
This is a wonderful way to connect with like minded individuals and contribute to the revolution happening in MLM. I am proud and excited to be a part of it...still have lots to learn though!
Thanks Mike
People are really social beings...we need support, encouragement and a sense of community.
This is a wonderful way to connect with like minded individuals and contribute to the revolution happening in MLM. I am proud and excited to be a part of it...still have lots to learn though!
Thanks Mike
People are really social beings...we need support, encouragement and a sense of community.
This is a wonderful way to connect with like minded individuals and contribute to the revolution happening in MLM. I am proud and excited to be a part of it...still have lots to learn though!
Thanks Mike
People are really social beings...we need support, encouragement and a sense of community.
This is a wonderful way to connect with like minded individuals and contribute to the revolution happening in MLM. I am proud and excited to be a part of it...still have lots to learn though!
Hey Everyone,
The energy that is being created by Renegades learning from other Renegades is AMAZING!
Already there are joint ventures being planned, ebooks being collaborated on and marketing ideas being shared left and right. As well as folks lending an ear or a kind word when needed... At least that's what's happening within my sphere.
I was totally taken aback the other day when I was on a consultation call with another Renegade and they said "I don't consider you to be a competitor..."
Honestly... I don't consider myself in competition with the rest of you Renegades... I'm in business WITH You!
We are all in this together and when we work together we ALL Succeed!
ShellyB
The Rat Race Rebel
Thank you again Mike for such clarity.
Your thoughts, and comments from others, on social networking add a new dimension to my understanding of this revolution in the way we do businesss.
I love your work. I'm going there to start a twitter right now!
Francine
Thanks for the comments -- some great dialogue! That's what this is all about. Learn, share, follow, lead, ineract, comment, read! It's the new economy!
Hi All,
Just wanted to reinforce Mike's point about the search engine traffic that can be generated as a result of social networking with fellow Renegade students.
Not only has everybody been encouraging and supportive, but I have also had considerable traffic to my web content as a result of the links and 'popularity' caused by other 'Renegades' bookmarking my work.
It makes me feel really good to reciprocate and help to bookmark/promote other students work. Plus I know they are following great training and producing top quality content that I'm more than happy to be associated with.
I really do encourage everybody to join, and get actively involved with, the groups of other Renegade Students on Facebook to help promote each other.
Have an Awesome Day!
Talk about hitting the nail on the head! Exactly what I had been wondering, but honestly, I've built some great friendships within the community.
Everyone is so helpful & eager to assist & guide towards successful networking. It's great to be associated with a community that's helping each other. Where else do you find this but in networking?
Its a very fair question and one that passed through my mind when I first got started. But as I started to build my network of friends online, I realized how important it is to connect with other people. When you're sitting in front of your computer you can almost imagine all the other people doing the same thing, learning together and sharing with one another. It makes it a real community, in the true sense of the word. It also helps lead you to great information and, as Mike says, it can lead people to you. Thanks
In reviewing the comments people made about Mike's comment , they all seemed uplifting, they all had a bit of "ra, ra" in them, sort of an Amway "ra, ra" meeting.
I guess the question I would ask is,(and none of the commentators mentioned this), for the exception of the " super stars", has anybody made any money doing this yet? You know, 1000-1500 a month, maybe. I/we would like to hear from them.
In Reply to Robert Streeter...
Robert, You ask an interesting and valuable question. In using social networking for increasingly your visibility and position as a leader the measurement of income generated is a soft measurement as opposed to a concrete one. Many things that we do as marketers online can be measured with numbers ie: hits, conversions, sales. But when the focus is on generating a relationship among a community of people, the "results" have to measured in a different manner.
I personally make money from all the pieces that I have on the web that ultimately point back to my branded website and eventually to my primary network marketing opportunity. My association with Renegade as a Renegade Professional and a Renegade Super Guide, has greatly increased my "following" and my "community" and the exposure of all my web content, greatly. In addition the opportunity to network with a large like-minded group of people becomes a mutually beneficial activity for all of us, in that way.
From a measurement standpoint, as my sites and content get more exposure, more comments, more backlinks, etc...they are ranked higher in the search engines. As my presence on Facebook and Twitter is clearly supported by those who I "network" with, who know my work, my authority value increased to those who do not know me. Thus, I receive more traffic, more opt-ins, more prospects and more sales.
That is the long answer to your short question. I do make money from my association with Renegade. A small amount comes from affiliate sales of the system. A much larger amount comes from monetizing the larger picture, through enrollments into my primary biz and consulting.
Peace and Abundance,
Deborah Tutnauer