A kick-ass network is the source energy of your business life – it’s the magic fuel that helps you progress with your digital crusade.
I love connecting with people – especially with people that rock hard and have inspirational, ambitious goals.
Having a kick-ass network is also a big part of my blog expansion – both in traffic and monetization.
And since I’m in mad love with minimalism, I ask myself:
“How can I expand my network awesomely in less time ?”
Focusing on the essence is, like always, the white magic that rocks the house.
Ready for some fun and glorious networking expansion ?
First, get in the mindset of a crusader who’s conquering digital territory to expand his empire.
Now – go:
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Level 1 – Embrace the Magic of 150
Your brain is hard wired to pay attention to about 150 people. Try to have a relationship with any more than that, and your life will turn to pure crap.
Maybe.
Putting a limit on your online “core” relationships is healthy. It shifts your focus back to what’s essential, and it prevents you from wasting time with time-sucking vampires.
Make it your goal to move towards a network of 150 awesome people – your core.
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Level 2 – Choose your Favorite Hub
That’s Twitter for me, it could be Facebook or even something different for you. Focus is essential, so only choose ONE platform.
Next, create a list ( on Twitter / Facebook ) and name it “150” or use a similar title that includes the number. This category is your core relationship base – people who are on a similar mission and WANT to connect and dominate with you.
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Level 3 – Choose Your Fellow Digital Crusaders
You have the concept of 150, you have the platform – what else do you need ?
Right – the people !
Hunting time ! Imagine your are in a jungle – the internet jungle – and you are looking for powerful allies that can be part of your conquest. Have a high standard – not everyone is allowed to become a part of your tribe.
Not everybody deserves the same attention – this is what I look for:
- Look for connectors. Those are people who already have an online presence (a blog) and at least a minor influence. They build they communities, and they actively engage in the social media realm.
- Think about social proof. How many Twitter followers do they have ? How many comments on their platform ? Do influential people connect with them ? These can be important clues. I don’t say you should only care about the stats, but they can indicate if the person is dominating or at least going to.
- Check their inner fire. Some peeps have a community of 6 people and they are fine with it. Other people carry fire in their eyes – you know they will grow and expand. Those are the allies you want to connect with – ambitious souls who want to build a legacy. Choose people that are moving towards a goal.
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Level 4 – Where to Look
Where to find all of your potential allies ? They are scattered around the net – each of them on a quest to find their digital grail.
Don’t worry – finding the territories of your fellow crusaders is not only fun but also cheesy-easy.
That’s how I find them:
- reading blogs and sites that I like. If I like the owner, I will also check if they have featured link posts. You know, articles that include other people’s blogs the blog owner likes. Diggy’s 36 Best Blogs You Should Know About or the 50 Netsetters You Should Know About are prime examples. Those people are popular in one way or another, and they usually do grrreat work. What a grreat way to find new allies !
- checking the networks of my allies. If I like them, chances are I will also like their friends. Checking my allies’ networks is an awesome way to find new crusaders.
- Listening to interviews on awesome channels like Blogcast FM or TheRiseToTheTop is another killer way to find potential like-minded souls.
These are just 3 methods that yield fruitful results. I’m sure you will find at least 100 more :)
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Level 5 – Quality Recruiting
Like I said, I’m a sucker for minimalism. Spending all day chit-chatting and writing comments is ineffective and tiresome. Only working in a mine 300 feet below the earth is more gruesome.
Aim for a limited QUALITY period – let’s say one hour a day. Actively check blog posts and your social media channels. Who’s the lucky one who can become part of your glorious network ? It’s a fun hunt.
Spend the entire hour on looking and then “tracking down” a maximum of 1 – 3 peeps.
Don’t say – ahh, I can do way better. I’ll network with at least 20+ new peeps today.
Believe me, this won’t work in the long run. The goal is to gradually expand your social network. From experience I know that expanding in tiny amounts everyday is dimensions better that one massive attack every once in while.
How to connect:
- simply approach them on your social media channels and ignite the conversation:
“Really like the writing style on your blog”
“Enjoyed your last guest post on…”
” I admire your passion and your mission to save the world”
Whatever you like about them, TELL it and be SPECIFIC. Generic compliments are worse than insults !
- or simply go to their web platform and send a personal, more detailed message. Remember – personal style + genuine feedback / compliments works best !
How to structure your social networking campaign:
- Spend one hour a day
- Find only 1 –2 potential allies a day
– Repeat the game Monday to Friday. On weekends I recover from the crusade.
- check your interaction over 1 – 2 weeks. How do you get along with your “new” friends. Is the conversation fruitful ? If yes, include the ally in your precious 150 list.
Believe me – do this over a couple of months, and you will enjoy an epic network of fellow, ambitious allies. Your digital career will reach a higher level.
And BTW – I have also updated my services. I now offer sweet and affordable “Blog Review” and “Start your blog business”. Check them out if you want to take your blog / site to the next level !
If you find this post useful, your friends will probably think so, too. Share it with them via Facebook share and Twitter !
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