Welcome to NowIf you're in the business world, and you're alive and well, then you've no doubt heard that the internet is important to your success.
When did that happen? Oh boy, don't bother yourself with that question - ask instead,
"How Can I Use It For My Benefit?" And, if phrases like "web 2.0", "blogging", and "social networking" make you a little uneasy, then fear not! You are definitely not alone. Here's a quick and dirty overview of what you need to know about gaining success online, as well as several resources to help you get there.
Go Boldly
You'll need to know a few of the basics to get started, so here goes:
- What the Heck is Web 2.0? The answer to that question could fill a book, but I'll give you the basic description from Tim O'Reilly himself (since he's best qualified to answer the question): "[In Web 2.0] the cardinal rule is this one: Users add value. Figuring out how to build databases that get better the more people use them, is actually the secret sauce of every (successful) Web 2.0 company". So... Web 2.0 is much more than a page on your computer screen. It's interactive, it's a conversation, it's alive.
- Okay, So How Can It Benefit Me? Becoming a part of the online community is important for building your internet presence and reputation. If you've signed up here at Blogger, then you're already on your way! Soon, you'll begin building traffic to your other sites by linking back and forth between them all. By doing this, you'll build a presence, and if you're lucky, a following. Remeber to be original, provide quality information, and be active. Soon you'll establish yourself as an expert in your field, and if done right, this will become an invaluable tool for your business success.
- Great. How Do I Do It? The internet is brimming with websites that offer you an online identity. MyBlogLog is a good place to start to see what's out there. When you sign up, you'll see a whole host of sites that you can go to for continuing your online development. Each site offers you a personal profile with a unique web address, which you can use to advertise yourself or your services. Remember to build "connections", "friends", and "followers". If you don't know what this is, you'll soon see.
- Sounds Great. Now, How Can I Advertise Online? The answer to this depends on how much money you have. Assuming you're like the majority of us, you probably want the most bang for the least amount of bucks. Blogging is a great (free) way to get noticed, but it's an indirect way to promote your services and can take a lot of time. Another great way to advertise is by using free classified sites like Craigslist or OLX, and here you can be bold and direct. You can promote services, job ads, real estate listings, and products for sale. There are also popular services like ClassifiedFlyerAds.com that automatically post your ads to tons (over 30) of these ad sites at once. It's cheap, quick, and easy.
Get Going!
When you first get started, building this presence may seem like a daunting task - the hardest, and most imprtant, step is the first. And don't give up! If you start today with your online campaign, and by tomorrow aren't an instant internet celebrity, don't think you've failed. I like to say that anything worth anything takes persistence and continual contribution. Here's a few more resources to get you going:
- You Tube Broadcast Yourself
- Tumblr Tumblelogs are the easiest way to share yourself. Sign up in 10 seconds.
- WordPress Express yourself. Start a blog.
- Twitter Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?
- Facebook Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you.
- LinkedIn Share knowledge and tap into relationships. Connect the people in your professional network with LinkedIn.
- Flickr Share your photos. Watch the World.
- Digg A place for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web.
Best of Luck, and please stop back by and let me know how it goes!