There are 1,000,000 things for all of us to do every day.  The difference between the ones that get done and the ones that don’t?  Choice.  You choose to do the ones that get done and you choose NOT to do the ones that don’t.

It’s easy to list the reasons why you don’t choose to network on the web.  In the 20th century these kinds of explanations were called excuses  This means is you simply must prioritize (of course).  Get started by making a list like this:

• Breathing: essential.
• Eating: very important.
• Taking cash over the counter (or however you actually receive money from your customers): necessary.
• Spread the word about your services and products: Without it you have no new customers.

Really, it’s that important.  Start there and make sure that “spread the word about my services” is high on this list.

So maybe you’re thinking “Maybe, just maybe I can free up 15-30 minutes a day.  But, that is definitely not enough to talk with potential customers meaningfully online.”  It turns out that IS enough.  With websites like GoSpotting, Facebook, and Twitter it is simpler than ever to see what people are talking about relating to your business, answer questions, and engage your potential and existing customers with little snippets of insight you can share within your area of expertise.  If you want ideas on how to get started check out my previous article called “It’s quiet in here!  What do I say?”

What I hope you’ll take away from this is:

1. My usual message that the web gives you an unprecedented two way communication channel with your customers that previously only large companies could pay to survey and create focus groups.
2. It sounds like a lot of work but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be made to fit — your survival in this competitive shrunken market demands it!

Tell us how you find time to use the web to connect with your customers!