Networking on-line is totally different and just as valuable. On-line you can "meet" anyone you want. Most bloggers and even traditional journalists will respond to a friendly note that compliments their writing.
So, start by reading blogs. Identify the VCs and entrepreneurs who have something to say that interests you. If you read even a short list of VC blogs, you'll begin to understand what they are looking for in deals. One VC isn't a proxy for all, but she may be a proxy for many.Then comment. For some people writing even 25 words in a comment is anathema. The fact is, however, that bloggers who allow comments hope to get comments--lots of them. There is little point in simply posting a comment like "I agree" or "you're an idiot." Take the time to write a one or two sentence comment that expands the dialogue.
Often this will lead to a note from the blogger. Guess what, you've now been introduced (in a manner of speaking) and you have her e-mail address. You may even want to write a blog. I have been amazed at the number of quality people I've met since I started blogging. I've met several serious entrepreneurs, some of whom blog and some of whom comment on mine. In several cases, we've connected in the real world and have had lunch together. (I admit, this blurs the line with the number one tip).
You should also be dialed into social networks ranging from LinkedIn to YouTube and Flickr. Posting, sharing, reading and watching are a great way to get to know other people.
Finally, one general point is that you should be Internet literate. It isn't enough to know how to use e-mail and Google. You should be able to really use the Internet. Jeffrey Gitomer put it this way in his Little Red Book of Selling, "You should be able to show a 14-year-old how to use the Internet."
The Internet is the world we live and work in--conquer it before it conquers you. We recently had a client who operates in the video compression space. He is a capable and experienced CEO, but he's over 50 now. When I asked him recently what application there might be for his technology on YouTube he asked what YouTube was. We educated him; I hope it will have been in time! Don't wait for someone to show you; read, learn, explore, conquer.
DEVIN:
I appreciate you very much for these skills.
thanks again.
I read each your post and acquire many useful arts.
Posted by: Bill | August 15, 2006 6:27 AM | Permalink to Comment