What do you need?I’ve been browsing a number of profiles and I’m a little perplexed by the content left behind on those little “What _____ needs right now” chalkboards that all members have available on their profile page.
In most cases I find the listing to be vague and timeless, which also leads me to pointless. Many members opted to list things that I couldn’t possibly help with; at least not in a way where it would be noticeable to the person I’m attempting to help.
I’ve come across everything from: I need bank loans to I need referrals. I’ve also found I need more visitors in my store, people who want a website built, opportunities to speak to groups and people interested in buying houses.
I even found, "I need more visitors to my website." I clicked through on that one (mission accomplished / glad to help) then came right back to Biznik to continue reading.
If a family member was going to the store and asked on their way out if you needed anything, most likely you wouldn’t say; “Gee, I think I need referrals.”
You would probably mention something specific, “Hey, pick me up a roll of duct tape. I’ve got some marketing on the calendar for next week and I’m going to need it.”
I found one need listed that seemed actionable. Someone posted a need for a blogging expert. Finally, the light came on, the wheels started turning and I was able to more clearly define something I need.
Trust me. It’s not elaborate, but it is a need. I need a hard copy of the June 4, 2009 edition of Business Week Magazine. (details on my page)
What do you need?
Well, at least I got what I needed... even if those who didn't see the comment have no idea why I needed a delete key.
Thanks for being on top of things, Christain.
BTW, would this same principle work if an "unwanted" comment were left on someone's article?
Only if the "unwanted" comment was in violation of Biznik's terms and conditions, and Code of Conduct (all of which can be seen on our About page).
This is a social network, and people live by their word here. If someone makes a distasteful or rude comment, it reflects poorly on them, not on you.
We like to avoid interfering with this community, so we wield our administrative tools delicately...
Mark... Thank you for the reminder and the inspiration. I have dutifully updated my needs section.
I hope we can meet someday. Because of the distance, maybe we could co-host a Biznik tele-webcast in the Entrepreneurial Junkies group to get to know a few long-distance Bizniks better. ...Howard
Howard,
I recently updated mine to reflect a current need as well.
Long-Distance Tele-Webcast? Now that's an intriguing idea. I've got a slammed week schedule-wise, but maybe by the weekend I can try to touch base with you and see what ideas you've got cooking.
A couple links you might find helpful, for the web conferencing:
http://www.webconferencing-test.com/en/webconference_overview.html
This one is free, and pretty good: http://www.dimdim.com/
@Christopher... Thank you for the suggestions. I already have a paid service because I do regular online sales training in my practice.
It affords me the ability to have 200 on the phone-in tele-conference plus 1,000 can listen in to the call via webcast.
I'm willing to host a Free BizChatz Online Biznik event with 2-4 talking spotlighted members if there is enough interest.
I would promote this unique event on the Biznik Entrepreneurial Junkies group calendar.
To keep with the topic of this discussion thread: I need to know if you or others are interested in this type of a long-distance meet-up.
Thanks. ...Howard
@Mark Ooo! I love that story about the $20 bill. Mind if I try that at one of my events sometime? ;)
I was just given a great idea from a member via messaging. He suggested that we incorporate a flagging system into the Needs area. I like that and think a Thumbs Up/Down rating system could work well too.
'Needs' would always reside your profile, but a single thumbs down could remove it from the Needs page, entirely; while the only 'Needs' that appear on Biznik's home page, are ones that were given a thumbs up.
(Before anyone jumps at the idea of putting the power of removal into a single thumbs down, don't forget Craig's List. Their policy is that a single flag can delete a post that someone thinks is inappropriate. While that may sound scary, it works really well for them.)
Lara,
Glad to hear you liked the "I need a dollar" idea and you're certainly welcome to use it in any way you'd like.
I like the Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down idea with respect to a Thumbs Down flag generating review by a moderator rather than auto-displacement (as someone might use the opportunity to flag someone they weren't fond of just out of spite).
It would also be cool if multiple Thumbs Up flags were able to jet your "need" up the flag pole in same way the "buzz up" feature on Yahoo works.
Great topic. I find the "I need referrals" or "I need new clients" to be really dull, redundant and over-used. In a way, its kind of obvious, too, right? Almost any business person doing networking of any kind would like referrals.
The offer to show people around biznik is a really good way to meet new people, Mark. You're offering something, not just "looking for referrals." (But you'll get lots of referrals!)
And I think you and Howard should definitely do a Webinar! I'd love to join you if I can. Fun to see friends from across the country teaming up.
Now I'm really curious about the deleted comment... (you have my email, Mark!)
I think the "Needs" is a great idea. I regularly browse it and I've made contacts with it.
How can we expect to benefit from great introductions when people don't specifically know what we need?
It would be similar to standing in the front of a grocery store and screaming "I need groceries!" and expecting 25 people to somehow show up with all the right things you needed for dinner.
I thought I'd give this one a little bump up, since I'm posting a link to it in an upcoming monthly newsletter.
Oh... and I don't need that Magazine Copy any more... Thanks!
Mark... Thanks for the "bump-up".
In the spirit of What do you need? I need a tele-webcasting partner that has the right kind of chemistry to work with me to create a great online long-distance networking event.
I've got this great software that I use for creating my online sales training, and I want to use it for something else also.
A better way to connect with long-distance Bizniks. Anyone interested? Call me. ...Howard
I haven't forgotten ya and I may be taking you up on that opportunity in the near future. If I remember right, there was a pretty sharp lady who was also intrigued by that possibilty.
I've got a few irons in the fire that are more in need of hot coals at the moment, but this will have some legs in time. We'll be talkin'
Howard, I also dropped an RSS feed on my blog http://splinterinthemindseye.wordpress.com
Thanks for asking about that. I'm still trying to figure out WP, but hopefully I got this little widget set up right. If so, I'll start posting there more often.
Mark... Thanks for the RSS. I subscribed. ...Howard
I need a phone/PDA combo unit. The PDA died over the weekend and it's time to get one device that does both things. Should I just opt to join the blackberry carrying crowd? or are there better options?
What do you like & hate about yours? My carrier is T-mobile (if it matters).
I don't want to turn this into a phone discussion thread, so please don't post suggestions of phone options here. My intent was to post a need, which IS in keeping with the topic of the thread.
Hit me with your insight via E-mail please.
Great observations Mark, I just joined and set up my profile. I felt the same way while going through the "what I need" list. I think part of the reason the entries are so vague is that the expectation is not very clear as far as what the link is asking for. Maybe Biznik could add a statement that plainly states "be specific and actionable." This may help increase the useability of this posting. Thanks for commenting on this.
@Larry, thanks for the feedback. We'll play around with this some more...
Wow, I feel so special to get a reply from one of the big wigs! Thanks!
It's a small team over here at Biznik, and we're all in this together. ;)
Thanks, it's great and I love your tag line "Business Networking that Doesn't Suck." Glad to be a part!
I know this is an old post but just an FYI in case you do another mailing. I have a networking partner that works for a title insurance company. This partner mentioned that she can print or email targeted business specific excel sheets to us upon our request. It is public knowledge and a service title companies can provide. You just let them know the target audience and they can create the list for you with names addresses and phone numbers of the principles. Don't know if this would be of help to you or not. Good luck...
Mark, the line about standing in front of the store and screaming, "I need groceries!" made me laugh out loud!
It's inspired me to change my needs statement to this:
"I need to laugh, often and every day. Accepting funny story donations. Laugh trades welcome."
What do you think?
I'm not stingy with my energy exchanges, either. I'm happy to gift you all with some laughs by referring you to The Chronicles of George.
(Granted, not everyone shares the same sense of what's funny. But if you EVER worked in IT, if you like Dilbert, or if you are any kind of language snob, I think it'll work for ya.)
Thanks for the laugh and for the pleasant kick in the pants to update my snoozy Needs section!
Mark - I have used the 1-2-3 approach you recommend several times and it has worked out very well.
Like many many things (seeing a chiropractor?) people tend to think things are much too difficult for them to stop and do. In fact, many things are way technical and a little help can speed up the process and decrease mistakes.
And.... I need a medical records copy service at the moment!
Rachel - Enjoyed the George site. :-) This post may be worth a grin or two.
http://biznik.com/articles/i-was-doing-that-until-i-started-doing-this
The last entry from Kate was pretty funny too.
http://biznik.com/articles/the-are-you-ready-to-be-an-entrepreneur-test
Dennis - Hopefully you'll get some offers on that copy service. I'm still trying to decide between a CrackBerry or something different. I know whatever I choose I'm going to be stuck with for a while because phones are a ridiculous price when purchased outside of a plan upgrade.
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