Working the

Lisa Butler

Most of us interact with people every day but when we begin to identify the process as 'networking' it can have a negative connotation.  Organisational Psychologist Lisa Butler' book 'Networking Exposed' to assist people in becoming adept in the strategies and techniques of networking. One of Lisa's objectives in writing her networking guide was to position networking as a positive communication experience and to develop a credible source Australian business people could refer too.

"I hope to take the 'work' out of networking and make the experience long lasting and beneficial to all concerned parties. Genuinely positive relationships are a result of networking done well," says Lisa. She says networking can be a labour of love when people are given the advice, guidance and appropriate tools.  As someone who relies on the success of networking for her own business, Lisa says in the early stages she would often avoid networking functions because she felt it was poorly done, and focused on collecting business cards rather than on making quality contact.

Realising she was not alone, Lisa began studying the subject and was determined that networking could be taught as she started teaching herself. "Too often people come to networking functions, hand out business cards and leave with a smile on their face, calling the night an overall networking success," says Lisa.

"Networking is so much more, as it is about strategic one on one communication with those you meet, with emphasis placed on a personal approach and keeping in touch afterwards. Sometimes it is more important what happens after a networking function and how you go about keeping in touch with your contacts. It is important to be strategic and selective about the events and functions you attend and the people you invite to join you at functions."

Lisa's book 'Networking Exposed' is used as a guide by professionals around Australia and is helping networkers fully appreciate the benefits associated with the quality not quantity approach. As one of the two directors of Paragon Associates, one of Australia's most successful communication training consultancies, Lisa provides customised training and coaching, including networking to her professional clientele.

www.paragonassoc.com.au
www.networkingexposed.com.au

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LBNetworking
Twitter bio: Corporate trainer and speaker specialising in networking skills, author of book 'Networking Exposed' passionate about networking!

Darryl King

Darryl has been involved in the internet for over 15 years, and has seen the major shifts that have occurred in its use over time. The most recent shift and perhaps the most significant has been the surge in the use of Social Media.

A self-confessed Twitter addict, Darryl has been an avid user of Twitter since 2007. He has been excited by the unprecedented growth of Twitter and explores and uses Twitter, along with other Social Media tools within his business. While it’s been beneficial to ireckon in many ways, Darryl understands the boundaries with the use of these platforms, and that the use of them should be a careful, natural extension of a Company’s online communication.

Using Twitter and other Social Networking sites Darryl has formed useful business relationships on many levels, and has even recruited new staff via relationships and conversations that started and were maintained through Twitter.

www.ireckon.com

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ireckon
Twitter bio: Caffienated, Wired and maybe a little off center. Founder and current janitor of ireckon.com

Clare Lancaster

Clare Lancaster has been working online since 2001. She specialises in optimising websites for search engines and visitor conversion to reach business goals and has recently discovered a love of launching her own online businesses.

Clare launched her consultancy Dot Marketing in January ’09 after being employed full time in the Internet industry working in the US and UK markets. Twitter was fundamental to the successful launch of Dot Marketing and the corresponding exposure in 'Dynamic Business Magazine' and 'Virgin Blue Voyeur' magazine.

Clare has written an eBook called 'Using Twitter for Business' to help small business owners and marketing managers get up to speed quickly and start using Twitter effectively. More recently, she has become a regular columnist for online business magazine – 'Nett'.

Links
Business: www.dotmarketing.com.au
Blog: www.clarelancaster.com.au
Twitter Guide: www.twitterguide.com.au
Twitter: http://twitter.com/clarelancaster
Twitter bio: Founder of Dot Marketing. SEO, strategy and all that other good stuff since 2001. Columnist for Nett Magazine.

Greg Lexiphanic

Greg Lexiphanic is a freelance social media consultant and has worked with a range of organisations on how to make the most out of Internet communications and online engagement. He has worked with organisations of a broad range of sizes and types -- from large government departments, to solo freelancers; from not-for-profits, to commercial retail groups -- advising them on how to take full advantage of the Web as a two-way communications medium.

In February, Greg lead a team of Brisbane Twitter users to conduct the Brisbane Twestival. In just four weeks, they brought together over 200 Twitter users to donate money to charity:water, a global charity that brings clean, safe and sustainable drinking water to the one in six people worldwide who don't have access to it. The night was a huge success with $5000 raised for charity, ranking Brisbane #15 out of 202 cities and #1 in the southern hemisphere. The event included local bands, burlesque and a play reading, as well as a sideshow featuring an art auction, raffles and shop stalls -- all of which was sourced through Twitter.

Greg is currently working with individuals in a handful of QLD government departments on developing strategies towards increasing their online engagement and interaction through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. He is also directing the first social media festival -- Social Matters -- which will take place in October.

Follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/lexiphanic
Twitter bio: As an Internaut, I'm fascinated by online community development, online gaming, social media and the digital good. #bnetwestival #btub #soma