Networking is A Good Investment : Interview with Ted Rubin

I am convinced that we have to cultivate relationships and in this digital age and social media we live in, networking plays a very important role in our day to day.

I did an interview to a really expert in networking and social media : Ted Rubin

Ted, is Social Marketing Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Brand Evangelist, Acting CMO Brand Innovator and Forbes Top Powers Influencers .

Ted, is also author of the book Return on Relationship

JC Giraldo

1. Is networking in social media a worthy investment ?

Ted Rubin

Depends upon what you call worthy. Is building and extending relationships worthy? is having friends, fans, advocates who support you worthy?

We have to move beyond simple sales and marketing and realize that relationships are the new currency and Return on Relationship™, will enhance all your personal and business efforts. Return on Relationship… simply put the value that is accrued by a person or brand due to nurturing a relationship. ROI is simple $’s and cents.

#RonR is the value (both perceived and real) that will accrue over time through connection, loyalty, recommendations and sharing.

Relationships are like muscle tissue… the more they are engaged, the stronger and more valuable they become.

JC
2. What are the keys to good networking in today’s digital world ?

Ted

Social has been called “networking on steroids” , but it only works if you do the “work” of “networking.” and community building. That requires a strategy and a time investment. Make deepening your LinkedIn relationships an activity you work on every day (or at least on a regular basis). Block the time out in your calendar and just do it.

The same goes for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram—who cares how many followers or friends you’ve accumulated—how many real conversations have you instigated? How many people check your posts in some way every day? Whatever platforms you’re using, figure out the tools for expanding your network and put them to use. Make comments, ask questions, find common ground and invite further conversation. Connect with people on multiple platforms—put them in lists—listen to their conversations and add value where appropriate. Do the networking work, then take it a step further and build community.
A network is just a series of nodes, but a “community” supports each other… creating value, strength and long lasting relationships.

JC
3. I recently read an article of yours in American Express Open Forum, about networking which mentioned the phrase «Be a curator of people» . Could you talk about the meaning of this?

Ted

We all know that real-life, face-to-face networking is a powerful tool for good, so expand it to your social channels and build community as well. Spend a little time actively looking for a few people you can connect, and make that introduction. You never know what fruit these referrals will bear down the road. Some will go nowhere while others will result in life-changing relationships, but I promise that the social karma you receive from these efforts will lead to a positive Return on Relationship.

4. Is there anything you would like to add about networking and social media ?

Ted

Start looking at the connection/interaction not as win/win… but learn/learn. Win/Win is good, but implies an end. Once you win, then what?

Learn/Learn creates a paradigm of ongoing value. This creates a Learn/Learn situation (I learn about you and you learn about me).

Welcome to the ‘Age of Influence,’ where anyone can build an audience and effect change, advocate brands, build relationships and make a difference.

It is all at your fingertips is you apply time, effort, and a true desire to build relationships.

♢

I want to thank Ted Rubin. It has been very inspiring for me as well as a great learning .

You can reach Ted Rubin in the next links :

Web : Ted Rubin

Twitter : @TedRubin

LinkedIn : Ted Rubin

Facebook Page : Ted Rubin Page

Google Plus : Ted Rubin

Pinterest: Ted Rubin

This post will soon be available in Spanish : here

JC Giraldo