From time to time, it’s good to step back and take a look at who exactly is in your network.
Now, don’t confuse network with audience. Your audience includes your followers, your subscribers, and your customers. It is your sphere of influence. Your goal is to grow that list.
Your network is different. It’s those you learn with and learn from. It is your list of peers that have similar goals to you. Don’t try to endlessly grow this network. A good network works best when you know each individual well. This takes time and effort.
Keep your network small and cultivate those relationships. Try to include individuals that have unique abilities and that you enjoy being around. Learn from them. But more importantly, show that what you are learning.
Here’s a short list of about a dozen of some of MY favorite people to network with on a regular basis. Several of them are long-time friends.
Every now and then I get asked about the networking events that are available in Charlotte for business professionals and marketers. It’s been 3 years since my last list. So I jumped on Twitter today and pulled a list together in about an hour, thanks to many helpful and friendly Twitterers in Charlotte.
I just finished reading a nice blog post on “How to Get More Instagram Followers“. It details 7 practical steps for how to ethically get more followers. Interestingly, when you start looking around online, you’ll find websites that you can buy Instagram followers on. (Seems like a less ethical method to me.)
But why? What’s the big deal with more followers on Instagram?
Here’s an interesting report that was recently released by a social data and analytics provider named General Sentiment. It is called their Q1 2012 Global Brands report. It uses data from social media and news media in an attempt to determine the sentiment toward major brands.
Check it out. What surprises you on this list?
Personally, I find it hard to believe Target and Starbucks are so low on the list. I assume that is because they are not talked about as much online as the tech businesses toward the top of the list.
