The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online by David Teten and Scott Allen is a great resource for any business owner who wants to learn how to effectively network virtually. This book is truly a must-have for any business library – and the best part is that you can download an electronic version absolutely free of charge (see below for link)!
The authors start with a discussion of how the strength of your network can make or break your success. Then they dive into a chapter on face-to-face versus virtual communications, talking about the differences, pros and cons, that sort of thing.
Next up is a section on social software, which they define as “websites and software tools which help you to discover, extend, manage, enable communication, and/or leverage your social network.” In this section, they go into building a virtual presence, utilizing email lists, real-time communications tools like instant messaging, virtual communities and social network sites, blogging, relationship capital management software, and other technologies that can help with virtual social networking. They pass along tons of resources, tools, and instructions to help you get the most of each application.
This title also touches on some more sensitive issues of building a virtual presence, like maintaining proper netiquette, managing your email, putting your best face forward, and protecting your privacy from the not-so-desirables. Some of this goes along with common sense but there are also some valuable tips that might be especially helpful for those who are just building their virtual presence.
The authors also talk about improving your character and competence in order to make a good name for yourself online, making sure that you’re reaching out to the right people who can help you get ahead, building strong ties with those people, and the importance of diversifying your network, among other topics.
Finally, the last chapter helps you turn theory into action, offering simple steps to improve your online network through marketing, sales, business development, and volunteering (there’s also a section here about finding a job, but I just skipped that part
).
Throughout the book, I barely read a single page without highlighting something or earmarking the page for future reference. Just goes to show that there is a wealth of helpful information and valuable resources in this book, and I’m sure this is one that I’ll refer to often!
Click here to download your free electronic version now!
Or you can click here to buy the hard copy version!
(The hard copy contains 272 pages and can be purchased on Amazon.com for $17.95.)
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The Virtual Handshake by David Teten and Scott Allen
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