Almost anyone can take advantage of networking to grow the business. In fact, many claim it to be the the most powerful and important marketing strategy for small businesses and independent professionals.

People who disagree often say that things have changed since the Internet become their main marketing channel. However, let's look at all the social media buzz nowadays. Blatant advertisements and marketing messages that once many people think are the way to go, now are not as strong as they used to be.

Social media focus on the, well, social part of the media. The entire community voices are what count when it comes to product promotion, interesting content, great resources, reviews and literally anything. The power of one influential leader in the industry endorse your product is hundreds of times better than old type of advertising like banner ads.

What does it has to do with podcasts?

Podcast is one type of social media. It allows anyone to express their opinion inexpensively and reach global audience. Just like a blog, it is personal publishing tool and message distribution channel.

Podcasters can take advantage of networking in so many ways. The key to securing a business deal, for example, often depends on the relationship you have built over the time. Not just one shot email that you send when you have a business idea to work with. People often work only with partners who they know and trust.

Like branding, getting yourself out by networking and building relationships will pay later in many forms. Perhaps you will get speaking engagements from people who knows someone you know, or book publishing offer, or countless of joint venture projects you even don't know possible.

Being able to establish your expert status within networking partners allows you to get referrals when their clients need help on the topic you are good at.

As a podcaster, building a relationship also simplifies the promotion process. For people who have known your work, they will be impatient just to promote your products when they are available. If you have a podcast, they will not hesitate to recommend to others. Podcasts are even easier to endorse because it doesn't involve selling.

Networking, both offline and online, is a very important activity that many business professionals overlook. Put some efforts to it, and you will be head and shoulders over your competitions.

Are you driving boatloads of traffic from social media? You should.

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