Netweb defined : Who you know counts

In our search for answers while establishing ourselves and a business. We found that who you know counts in building a formidable company.

With this in mind we designed the Netweb as a series of talks and networking events. This is for the exchange of experience, contacts and marketing yourself as the story behind your business/profession.

Netweb sessions consolidate both on and offline resources to develop people. What you do with the resources is up to you. The growth of a company I believe is determined by the events which occur during its existence. The same goes for people.

So if you want to accelerate your growth by being there as things happen, then the Netweb is for you. If not, then perhaps you should read the next post.

We have no inclinations of taking over the world. It would be great to know someone who can make that possible though.

It's who you know : The 20 / 80 rule

Most entrepreneurs agree it's 20% of their contacts that bring 80% of income.

The upcoming Netweb sessions is designed with this in mind. Who you know counts and is in most cases the reason for your progress.

Imagine for a second that all your questions can be answered by people directly around you in your circle. If of course you asked the right questions. Wouldn't that make all the difference?

Increase your 20% with relevant people. It's not about the numbers.

Ideas depend on timing

I just read this quote by Victor Hugo : An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.

With the current information overload only a few of the millions of ideas actually make it to our reach. This got me thinking that timing plays a very significant role in how ideas make it to people.

Those who know create exposure to the masses with relevant ideas get the front seat.

Stoked about the Netweb

I'm really stoked about our upcoming networking event - to which a date will be confirmed soon- at Sophiatown.

The guys at that place rock and it's just an awesome place to hangout when in Newtown.

This event will prove a lot of the stuff we've been talking about with other entrepreneurs, that brands are people to begin with. Unlike the argument I've heard from some guys around my circles that funding builds a company.

The date will be confirmed soon. . . .

Nova Netweb : Venue update

After doing some research and wanting to expose our event to quite a lot of people, we are looking at hosting it in Newtown Johannesburg.

There's a cool place called Sophiatown in Newtown that I'm working on getting. The guys who run the place are cool and their waiters are great. Anyone got other ideas out there?

Be known : Cause conversation through value-add

We all want to be known somehow or at least I do.

You build credibility through the value you add in your industry, company and even your community. When you hear the name Mike Stopforth your mind connects him with the 27 Dinner and creates conversation. Which reminds me of something Rich said recently, that the market will carve your offering according to individual needs.

Instead of setting out to be different or innovative, create conversation about yourself. We are all more likely to pay for a service offered by someone we've heard about. If your selling point is the difference. What happens when someone else offers the very same service as you?

The fact that people know what you do and how you do it doesn't mean they'll be able to.

Nova netweb : Networking gig for entrepreneurs.

I'm planning a gig for August which and am looking for some radical ideas.

If you know the networking events you've been don't quite cut it. What do you think was missing for you?

We still meeting with a few sponsors and will be updating you with the developments.

Funding: The illusion most companies fall for.

Most small companies lose sight of designing products and focus on sourcing funds.

I meet quite a number of so called "entrepreneurs" or at least they call themselves that, who are waiting for finance to start their business. Shouldn't a business start first, slowly fund its projects and then source funds to expand?

Questions to ask to rid yourself of the illusion:

1. Do I have a product?
2. Have we stoppped creating and are now waiting for finance?
3. Is there something a client can get from us?

Design a product or service people can buy and slowly fund yoiurself.

Afterall I don't work at a funding institution. . . .

I intend to : Small busineses lose their marketing impact

Emerging entrepreneurs lose their impact, when sourcing new clients, in "I will" and "we do that too".

Focusing efforts improves the marketing of new businesses and makes a company be known for something. If what you do is the extension of your character and this made evident in your company, then clients don't need convincing.

There isn't much "company" in an emerging business and service defines your strategy, which is also the selling point of your pitch.

You are the selling point of your service.

Unintentional exclusion: Web 2.0 and its racial lines

There has been much talk in the blogosphere about black readers and bloggers. The statics, as I've been exposed to them, would have it that the average black South African doesn't have internet access. Blah. . . .

Most black guys I've spoken to don't know the first thing about blogging, which is why I would agree with Ismail D that a wee bit of education is important. But blogs tend to serve as the backdrop of a brand or something related. So the question of where the black bloggers are proves that guys are unaware of what's happening. The large number of blogs registered daily also makes it almost impossible for a newcomer, without a brand, to be recognized online anyway.

The web is exclusive to an extent and as a result increases the popularity of a few known individuals. It's this unintetional yet significant exclusion that makes all other bloggers, besides the black guys, become part of the background. Nic Haralambous got it right his post when he said we are online professionals neither black nor white.

It is true that some of the most popular blogs are written by white guys, but they've also been exposed to it more than anyone else. Mandy raised a very significant point about this in her post, which began this conversation and I think it should continue.

I'm sure one of many black bloggers, but the blog should speak for itself not my skin colour.