New York Times Says: Small Businesses Are Taking Tentative Steps Toward Online Networking

Well, it’s official — online networking is “instantaneous,” “far-reaching,” “efficient” and “free.” The New York Times printed it, after all, so now we know it’s true.

Of course, this is the same Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and various blog platforms that hundreds of thousands of business owners (260,000 North American businesses, according to the article) have been using for years to expand their reach, generate new business opportunities and create/enhance relationships with their customers.

While this idea is certainly not new (although it is nice to see it getting some traction in big media), this does show how online networking and the idea of reaching beyond the confines of your local geographic area, your own group of colleagues and even your industry is starting to become a must-do for any small business.

Your website may not be enough anymore. Potential clients are looking for you on all of the major social media sites and they want to get to know you…relationships, after all, are powerful.

So…what are you doing to forge real relationships with your clients and colleagues in an online environment? Are you taking “tentative” steps or have you jumped in with both feet?

Technorati Tags: facebook, linkedin, online networking, small business, Social Media, twitter

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