An online business networking website said that it took 10 years to build it’s first 100,000 members, and it has doubled that number in the last year.

What this means is that online networking, whether it excites and inspires you, or makes you want to throw your PC out of the window, it is a growing media and is set to become even more significant in our lives.

What’s all the fuss about, and how do you, as a woman in business, decide to take advantage of this growing media to further your business aims and objectives?

Definitions

Firstly, a definition; online networking can be defined as a web-based activity where individuals come together to build communities for shared interest and like minded activities. So, Business Women's Cafe is an online networking for women in business and female entrepreneurs.

Put simply, online networking is about knowledge and opportunity; sharing and receiving the first, and making the most of the second.

Benefits.

There are lots of benefits of online networking, for women specifically;

• Cost Effective; It reaches large numbers of people for little or no cost; so is a very good investment of your time and revenue.
• Time Efficient; It is a fast way of growing your business community; inviting others into the community or connecting online is a very quick way of saying hello and as a first contact, with a new customer or supplier, can take seconds via your keyboard. Which means that it makes the best use of your time.
• Convenient; you decide when you are going to network online.  We have a saying at the Café; Networking in your Pyjamas! What this means is that online networking can be fitted into your business and home schedule, which is what makes it particularly useful for women in business, as many juggle work and family commitments.
• Community; recent research has shown that women’s enterprise can develop if women are mentored to meet the challenges they face. An online community of women can provide the support and knowledge that women need.

• What can I learn?
• What can I share with the community that would benefit it and me?
• Who would I like to meet?
• What kind of customers am I looking for?
• What kind of suppliers do I need to find?
• What support and advice do I need both in business and holistically?
• Am I working on a push or a pull strategy?

• If your objective is to drive members to your website, then make sure you put your web address at the bottom of every blog or posting, mention it in the posting and also check once you have posted that the links work!
• If your objective is to get potential clients to call you, then make sure your phone number is clearly displayed at every opportunity and let people know when you are available.
• If your objective is to raise awareness so people visit your profile and connect with you, then make sure you are regularly posting, blogging, and creating and joining groups.
• If your objective is to find new customers then make a list of your ‘ideal customer’, and blog about this subject regularly – so members can identify with it and connect with you. Plus search the member database for members who fit the profile, and connect with them.
• If your objective is to learn, then make time in your schedule to spend time online doing so.
• If your objective is to be known as an expert, then upgrade to Gold, post your own articles, pictures and become a Café Expert in the Forums.

Once you have decided on your objectives, then you can set up your profile and begin using the many online tools available to you.

Business Women's Cafe: women in business and female entreprenurs netwokring online!