I have noticed a lot of people attempting to network more and more lately. I’ve been listening to my podcasts and trying to learn all sorts of new things and “Amanda-ize” them but it is very hard, however one thing that everyone needs to learn is proper networking.

Big mistakes with networking I’ve found and get annoyed with when people network with me.

Do not IM me for the sake of getting a hit to your site. Don’t im anyone for that matter if thats the only reason, networking means brainstorming becoming friends and truly networking. You don’t sit there im someone say hi I own this oh I have to run. If you don’t have time to dedicate to networking wait till you do. It is the biggest pet peeve of mine when someone im’s me and they don’t know who I am. Which leads me to #2

Do your research! Don’t ask who they are, don’t forget their names etc. You im someone you need to make the effort. Don’t ask for a link exchange if you are a risque site and I own a Mommy Community. You’re just an idiot at that point :\
I don’t mean to come out harsh but these are the mistakes everyone is making every time. IM the person and let them know you know who they are you’re a fan or something and really talk to them take the time to get their advice ask if you can conference call with them sometime (after a few conversations) But don’t forget who they are, don’t just IM them for the sake of a hit. If it is someone important to the blogging industry use it for all its worth. I spokeWendy in hopes of getting some of her opinions she was a big help and from that conversation I later was able to help her reprice her domains, and give her content ideas from her site from my various questions. That was true brainstorming, and one hand helping the other.

Don’t be rude Sometimes new bloggers tend to get a little cocky sort of speak when they think they can do what others do but better. If you think there is something lacking on a site let them know, “Hey I love your site however one thing I’ve been waiting for you to do is ……… I was wondering if you ever have the time I think a lot of the readers would benefit from this” I don’t know one single blogger who wouldn’t love to know what their readers want from their sites, but remember even the biggest bloggers have an ego that can be crushed. Be nice. If you’re nice they are likely to add you to their buddy list and befriends and come to you and ask you your opinion then if you were rude.

Don’t look to them as your only help I do consulting and I don’t mind helping people out if they email me with a question or two, but if you purchased your consulting else where and some places I know start at $650 shouldn’t you be asking them? Don’t rely on someone you don’t know to give you all the tips. Don’t abuse it. Most bloggers are more than happy to help you but remember there is a line between help and consulting. If you are looking for consulting purchase it, or tell them I would love to get more help from you but I don’t want to abuse it do you work on a sliding scale for smaller budget to no budget at all or bartering service? Believe it or not it ends up happening all the time. But if a blogger offers consulting and you purchased from someone else, go to the person you purchased from they should be able to help you with the smallest things. It’s what you paid for remember?

If you don’t know what you’re talking about stop talking Some people I’ve seen call themselves SEO masters and I have to say they have some of the worst SEO designs, or designs period. I try to help and offer free help to a lot of people. Free tips etc, since a lot of the times it becomes articles on the site. But if someone who is more popular than you is better at it shut up and listen if they are giving you advice. I’ve just started utilizing one of my greatest tools I didn’t realize I had, and IPOD I went through Itunes and downloaded over 100 marketing, SEO, niche, blogging etc.. podcasts that they had listed in there. I’ve learned a lot from just listening, when I sat there and thought to myself hey let me listen to this as if I really know nothing and soak up all the information from this that I can. I learned new programs, new techniques, new ideas all sorts of things that I would have never done had I not truly started listening. I have been wanting to goto conferences and network through there but with debt, and a real offline job I unfortunately do not have the time or money to go, however that never stops from picking up the phone and calling someone and saying I’m a fan of your site I would love to be able to pick your brain sometime IM ME at such and such a s/n I don’t want to appear like a stalker so here is all my information. (haha) But seriously, if there is a number call it but make sure you leave them your information so they can contact you. Only call once, don’t over do it or they will get a restraining order :P

Now if you want to talk the time and leave your AIM s/n or an email address and start really networking.