I’ve turned to twitter for networking

After many years of attending business networking events, I have decided to switch them off and conduct my networking purely online.

H.M.B. Endeavour Newcastle Harbour 2007
Originally uploaded by markadderleydigital

Don’t get me wrong, I will still attend traditional business expos, seminars and workshops, but only if they offer me a benefit.

But, gone are the days of being attacked by hoards of financial planners trying to remortgage my house or business coaches telling me how to market a business.

Networking events where business owners and decision-makers force their salespeople and/or underlings to attend, because they can’t be bothered or scared to start a conversation with a stranger, unless they’re full of money or a peer.

Networking events where I have to listen to key note speakers dispensing outdate business theories or even worse just blatant sales presentations.

Networking events where sad groups of people decide to rebuild the glass ceiling for the betterment and the exclusion of other members, because they know better.

Networking events where new ideas, change and open debate are met with resistance, fear and the answer…NO.

Networking events where corporate sponsorship restricts collaboration and freedom of association.

Networking events where I hand over money for bad peculated coffee with horrible frothy milk, sad fruit muffins and something totally indescribable on a stick.

Now in stark contrast, twitter has given me the opportunity to network with like minded people in various industries, ages and locations.

Distance doesn’t matter anymore, all that matters is if you are prepared to listen and/or join a conversation. No more gatekeepers.

Now I have the opportunity to listen to big guns like Guy Kawasaki and Robert Scoble’s from the states, while holding multiple conversations with leading and not so leading marketers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Even here in Newcastle, we have held our first face-to-face twitter gathering between a seriously good digital designer and photographer, a young successful business owner, a journalist/online magazine owner and me.

Twittering is not for everyone, but it beats the hell out of meeting an endless number of financial planners, accountant, business coaches, real estate agents and recruiters.

And it’s not the only platform you can use.

Have a try, it’ll put fire in your belly…

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