How do you use Biznik?

I work in the forest domain and regrettably, biznik has not allowed me yet to establish dabs contacts this domain. On the other hand, I find many of the good advice on the management there and it helps me in my work a lot.

I use this website to increase my SEO. I also go to Biznik events to meet new people and reinforce the connections made here in the Biztalk section or on the articles section.

Mary,

I have been a member of Biznik since June and it is already paying big dividends. First of all, by being active, both on-line and going to events, I have been able to meet some incredible people. I have also written several articles which have attracted a number of members and non-members as well. As Arthur mentioned, being active has greatly enhanced my SEO, which in turn, has brought in new clients who have found me on the internet.

Bottom line. You get out of it what you put into it.

Bill

Biznik events are the main driver for success the way I operate. The online features help to support the connections I make at events.

You can find some excellent advice and information in the articles and BizTalk sections as well. Becoming recognized as an expert in your field can really help.

I agree with Bill - you get out of it what you put into it, and I can attest to Bill's participation. I've met him numerous times at events and he lives an hour outside Seattle!

The biggest tip I offer, is the way you think about "business networking" on Biznik. Biznik is not a place to sell, pass referrals, or collect contacts. It's not a community to sell to but a community to contribute to.

Biznik is a place to build relationships, strengthen your reputation and invest in your social capital.

Dale Carnegie put it best: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.”

How do you contribute? By jumping in to Biz Talk, publishing an article, attending an event, reading an article & starting a conversation, hosting an event, introducing two people, finding out how you can help someone, just to name a few!

Welcome to Biznik, Mary!

Though I get to sit in the office with her everyday, you really shouldn't miss an opportunity to meet Lara in person. She embodies the spirit of Biznik and breathes life into the 'Collaboration Beats Competition' conversation. In fact, you really should make it a point not to miss her next major event featuring Susan Scott in the Biznik Innovators Series. Check it out on November 3rd on the main Biznik calendar for Seattle.

And let us know what we can do to make Biznik an indispensable tool in your business arsenal. If we can help you succeed, we've accomplished our mission!

Andrew

Hi; I also came here because it was suggested to improve SEO. However, the sign-up screen "required" my real name and not my business name. So, how do I improve SEO for my business? :-} Thanks!

There is a field on the profile for your business name, and that field, along with your job title field, is also optimized for search results.

The reason Biznik enforces a Real Name Policy is because this is a community of people, not a online business listing of inorganic companies.

Welcome to Biznik!

Okay, I updated my profile but still don't see a space for a business name, although I did add a link for my Web site and would welcome constructive comments about the site.

Thanks. Judy

@Judith... Welcome to Biznik.

When you edit your profile page, there is a field for your business name right under the field for your job. If you upgrade your membership, you can even post a business logo with your profile, plus a lot more.

The best constructive comment I can share with you is to put up your photo. As Lara says, this is a community of people, you will become more real to the rest of us, once you take off your mask.

Biznik is truly a great place to connect with real people and share with other business professionals the mutual concerns and challenges we all have in common.

Once you are comfortable with it, create a Biznik community in your area by hosting and inviting others to meet and network together.

It really works.

@Mary ... You asked how I use Biznik to build my business.

I use it to connect and engage with new business associates that lead to referral partners and business friends. I like to do business with friends who like to help each other out.

I don't like doing business with someone who is just trying to turn me into his/her customer, especially on first meeting. Biznik is a good playing field to vet out the sincere and trustworthy before engaging seriously with them.

Biznik has been one of the most effective ways I've found to do this. As a result, my business network has a lot more meaning than my Rolodex ever used to. ...Howard

Oh dear. Either I have the stripped down profile version or my eyesight is failing. I still do not see a space to enter a business. chuckle

@Judith... When you are logged-on your Biznik profile page, look directly to the right of your Name for the word "EDIT". It may be a little hard to see because the text is a lighter color.

Click on it and you will be able to edit your Business name. ...Howard

Howard: Bless you! And thank you.

Judy

Thanks for all your help, Howard! That was an example, folks, of the sincerity of the members in this community. It's a great group.

I use Biznik in, oh, so many ways! Hard to list them all...

But one of the most unique and powerful ways to use Biznik locally is the combination of online and in-person networking. I cannot tell you how many times I have built a relationship online, only to have the opportunity to make it even stronger by meeting the person at a Biznik event.

But at the same time, I have built strong relationships over the miles with like-minded biz people that has taken my networking to a whole new level.

And this is only a couple of ways I use it!

~bob

Finally, Biznik is very helpful on the professional plan as on the personnal one.

The only participation in this conversation has drived to new partnership relations for me.

Thanks Mary, Thanks Biznik !

Mary - what an astute question. No shortage of great responses too. Yes, Lara enbodies the Biznik credo. She is a wonder to watch and Biznik is a fabulous example of the collaborative potential her and Dan are capable of.

Yes to SEO. Yes to events and personal connections: Biznik is a community of very interesting and highly talented people with shared values, interests and ambitions (to some extent). Biznik is the best way I know of to find such people.

Yes, to getting your word out in dozens of ways. (though I have yet to write an article.)

I also saw the potential right away of strengthening and facilitating interactions between all the folks I already was doing business with: referrals are easier; communications - hey you, talk to him/her about that - or I will - and get back to me (or me you). Because of Biznik I know all kinds of people who do all kinds of things and solve all kinds of problems. When someone I know needs something - or I do - it's usually extremely easy to get the solution to the problem - saving time and energy at least, and likely a lot of money too. And look who the money then flows to, a Biznik member who is in my network. That has been very good for all concerned.

"Biznik" is the what should be in the dictionary after "Functionality." Or maybe business functionality since that is the context.

Biznik is big now. Complex. It can easily be overwhelming (especially when there are wholesale changes made to how things look and where things are located). It is also still very simple and very intuitive - Apple computer users tend to make things that way. Take small bites and chew slowly. Feel your way into and it will eventually fit like a glove and be an integral part of your system.

I am interested in attending and forming networking groups. I book and perform at comedy shows. I have my own equipment and perform with Jerry Percio who opened for Drew Carey and writes for Leno. I also sell Commercials you you can see them on www.eztvspots.com I am on the Kent Auto and AC Commercial and soon to be on a couple of more. We also make web sites. I can put you on TV for only !.00 a spot and that would get you approximately 13 zip codes.

Hope to hear from you funnylindadiaz@yahoo.com