chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

yuregininsesi — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:46:08 -0000

Excellent post, Chris. I'm already following you and subscribe to your feed. I've been in the Web space since its commercial beginning in late '94, seen a lot of things, was on the edge for the dot-com explosion, survived it, etc. The energy around social networking, and in particular the recent Twitter surge, reminds me of the good old days, except the tools are so much more sophisticated. Your template will become a best practice and a case study for many.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

JasonWong — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:27:54 -0000

I think it's too late I read your post, hopr you can also give some advices for 2010.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

frank barry — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:20:19 -0000

I ALWAYS LOVE to see real examples or 'how-tos' like you listed here Chris. For me, it does exactly what I think you want it to do - make me think of how I can use it, what I can do, how I can adapt/modify it to work for me or my org.

As i think about it i believe this sort of effort takes some lead time or time up front where you are active and involved ... for me it's helped to shape my thinking on what i want to get out of using the tools, how i want to build my network, who the key folks are i need to link up with, etc ...

http://twitter.com/frasnswaa

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Morgan Sully — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:56:32 -0000

Thank you for writing this Chris!
This post provides some nice actionable steps I've had around the idea of building your personal network. I've already shared this post with a few folks and am working on building up my network too!

I've sometimes thought that one's network is like a whole operating system for accomplishing the things you want to do in life - except it's wonderfully powered by people, kind of like a hive mind, but without the creepy overtones.

"Community As Your Operating System" is a post I wrote about it:
http://www.memeshift.com/20...

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

susan kuhn frost — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:31:01 -0000

Chris - you have taken Networking 101 and translated it for twitter/web 2.0. Which says to me: We're at the end of Twitter-as-a-phenomenon and at the start of Twitter-as-a-tool to actually get things done. The torch is passed!

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Rob Gokee — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:29:22 -0000

Thanks for this informative post, Chris. You've given me lots of marketing fuel for 2009.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Matt Smith — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:37:16 -0000

@Andrew,

Hopefully others will chime in, too... but, here are my thoughts...

I think your niche is too broad (at least the way you described it is). As you yourself say "there are a treasure chest of car sites out there" --- this is completely true. You want to separate yourself from the pack. What can you hone in on that perhaps isn't receiving as much coverage? Somehow, it sounds like to me you need to narrow your scope.

I just went to your site, and it appears you have some great content (e.g., nice pictures, clean layout, nice entries). After looking at your site, it appears you could definitely benefit by finding some fellow car-lovers to help build your community (and you theirs). You might ask them to guest post on your blog or offer to guest post on their blog.

In summary, define more specifically what your focus is and then reach out to other people that share your passion about cars. Lastly, if cars is your passion, then you aren't wasting your time and there is money to be made in that area.

Lastly, if you (or anyone else) would like to post a short blog entry sharing your successes and failures of building community around your blog, we would love to hear it at on our blog WebStartupGroup.com where we discuss these issues.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Andrew — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:48:08 -0000

@Matt (and anyone else that would like to chime in)

I'm interested in hearing your take on my question regarding niches and the role it plays in building a network. My niche is cars. There's definitely a treasure chest of car sites out there, thus my difficulty at generating traffic. It's difficult to compete. Since my niche is so overdone, is building a network based on it pointless? It goes to my earlier question as well, "Am I wasting my time?"

Or is the size of the niche insignificant because you don't need a network of thousands to help you accomplish your goals?

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Matt Smith — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:40:54 -0000

@Jannifer and @Andrew,

I suggest that you both post your goals in a comment here and then we (the community of readers on Chris Brogran's blog) can see if we can help you! Perhaps, if we understand your needs better, then we can help you accomplish your goals and maybe you can help us accomplish ours.

Matt
http://webstartupgroup.com
P.S. We are currently building a small powerful network at WebStartupGroup.com

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Andrew — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:32:26 -0000

Like Jannifer, I'm unsure how to go about building a network that benefits both parties; i.e., those I connect with and myself. I have a blog, I tweet when I have time, and I have profiles on both Facebook and LinkedIn. I can't devote all my time and energy to building my "profiles". C'mon, I work full time! ;)

Does your niche play a large role in how successful you are at building a network? I've often thought that my niche is not the best for creating relationships, let alone a business. Is there a point when you just sit down and say, "I'm wasting my time. Should I try something else?"

I understand it takes time. I get that impression from everyone here as well as from Chris. I have taken it all to heart and have begun reviewing my goals for the new year. Google Doc has been created. Now I need to start making new connections.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Ria Sharon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:08:10 -0000

Chris, thanks for taking this idea, transmuting it into concrete steps, and then articulating it so well. Wow! In yet another example of synchronicity, I was working through a lesson from Michelle Vandepas this morning on identifying a support structure for you divine purpose. And I had bookmarked your article to come back to later... that being today!

Thanks for sharing!
Ria

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Jannifer — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:46:27 -0000

I remember clearly when you said - "Do you realize there are thousands of great minds all plugged into the same conversation who could help each other with your goals? Activate" I responded - where can I find these people and you'd said right here. I really believed the people I was looking for could be found somewhere on social media, but I was starting to have serious doubts. Then you said - "The trick is this- don’t make me or anyone the hub. Lead. Find your groups. Reach out. Set group goals. Execute. Move to a new group. Fluid." I realized that I needed to do something, just wasn't sure how to go about it. So this post was right on target for me.

I set out to take action and tweeted appeals for others to join me and started a FriendFeed Room (http://friendfeed.com/rooms..., and did have a few people join the room, but since have had no dialog or conversation and nobody responds to my appeals to activate the things on this Template. Maybe I need to regroup and try something else to get participation? Maybe starting up a Ning group would work. I also wonder - do people quickly move on to the next thing and forget about it? I feel like I'm floundering around aimlessly and don't know how to make this work by myself.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Oliver — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:08:41 -0000

This is quite an interesting approach. I'm looking for a great team for a long time. Maybe this is the way to go. I'll definitely try it.

ty!

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Matt Smith — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:58:59 -0000

Chris,

This approach makes a lot of sense and takes us back to the fundamentals. In short, the key is developing reciprocally benefiting relationships.

Matt

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

leoclark — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:39:41 -0000

Hi Chris,
Just forgot to say that I found you thanks to Allen @centernetworks
Cheers!

Leo

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Brian — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:34:48 -0000

Great post! I'm new to the Twitter world and in major information gathering mode so this piece was particularly helpful.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

JulieG — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:07:03 -0000

Thanks for this post. The analogy to a computerised network really helped me wrap my head around what I need to do for my projects next year. I might not be using Twitter overly much for it in favour of other methods, but it's more the big-picture process that's become clearer to me.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

claire — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:22:26 -0000

Fabulous post that I have been directed to twice on twitter now! I didn't even know about google docs so even just discovering that has been great to give me more flexibility on being able to access info on the move! I definitely connect with what you say about building connection with people - I am already having great fun and reconnecting with a few people I met in twitter in other places - phone, linked in, facebook/.CLaire

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

WendyMerritt — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:42:14 -0000

Excellent! I was just tweaking my goals list for 2009. This gives me another set of goggles with which to view my list. Thanks.

blessings,
Wendy
Twitter: WendyMerritt

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

David Molina — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:43:27 -0000

Once again, Chris, another brilliant blog post. The suggestions, "What if you set goals and points to these networks? What if you went at this network-building and empowerment as something very active, instead of using tools like Twitter as another place to chat?" I use, off your recommendation, the search feature for Twitter.com. And, it's marvelous. It reminds of Google.com, but only more human, more interconnected with the masses. Thoughts, ideas, concepts, recommendations all put on by "we the people."

Your point on, "The trick is this- don’t make me or anyone the hub. Lead. Find your groups. Reach out. Set group goals. Execute. Move to a new group. Fluid." Exactly, don't follow, execute, lead and be the Director.

Cheers from Portland, Oregon
@davidcmolina

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

leoclark — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:16:27 -0000

Great post Chris! I am glad I've found it!
I have just started a documentary about the Brazilian snowboarders and our story, based on Youtube for research and a blog for the interactive screenplay.
I guess I need to add the twitter portion now ;)
Anyway, congratulations on your idea, I believe your thoughts are in tune with how we should deal with the new reality on Planet Earth.

Cheers,

Leo, from Rio

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Shelley — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:03:58 -0000

Oh, YES, this was just the nudge I needed to start putting together a directory of folks in my field (academic matchmaking, okay, college counseling) who are active in a social media kind of way.

Yet ANOTHER project that will keep my fingers on the keyboard over the upcoming "break."

But too great NOT to do.

Thanks as always for your positive, "you can do this" attitude, as well as your nuts and bolts "howto" tips.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Lance — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:08:31 -0000

Chris, great post! I'm not exactly sure what my goals are at this point, but I think I can use this. I listened to a Seth Godin teleconference a few weeks back where he talked about his Tribes theory and this post is a great compliment to those ideas. Muchos Gracias.

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

Alrady — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:38:17 -0000

I like this as it gives a formula to help track a group mindset. Basically this is done with just at replies and DM 's and for some people things like tweetdeck. I am even more haphazard. But what I really like about your document idea is that it is like white board or netmeeting on steroids.
THANX

Re: Template for Building a Small Powerful Network

ccseed — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:19:17 -0000

...as I catch up to what you've shown me so far, you pitch the next steps and just as I need them. I've been tasked with creating a multi-person leadership team platform across the social media space and your shared spreadsheet idea will be most useful and needed to capture a sense the value developing within the emerging network as it emerges to our team members in various locales.