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If your network was money, how much would it be worth?

An interesting question in a time where serious value is placed on our virtual contacts. The true value of our contacts is priceless for some, and cheaper than watered down Mexican beer for others.

In a recent post I discussed the importance of virtual ettiquette and it’s importance as we rely more on social networks and virtual communications. The question now becomes, what are these contacts worth to me now that I have them?

If you truly spent time developing your network, then you will be amazed at what you can leverage from it. If you’re looking for a job, perhaps you’re looking for advice, or if you’re looking to meet up for an event or project, your network will more than likely be filled with people you find a close connection with both personally and professionally.

As your networks grows you can then become a hub for others to utilize when they in turn need assistance finding direction. Your ability to network for yourself and connect others establishes a sort of currency within the social networks. True understanding in the value of your networks can make you “profitable” in your relationships.

Chris Brogan, a marketing guru in his own right (but don’t tell him I said that, he might think guru too big of a compliment), as written articles on this same topic here and here. You can even place an actual price tag on your network by using My Network Value.

No matter the value of your network, respect it. Like money, your social currency can make or break you.

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While exploring the world of social networks and various social media outlets, there are those that tend to carry more sway than others. These industry leader types are looked to when it comes to social media guidance, advice, and to some extent answers. It’s been established that social media is a fairly new medium that the world is learning to work with, so there are “real” right answers, but there are generally accepted practices that are otherwise known as “best known methods.”

Having been mentioned before, these best known methods, hold the answers for all of us when we take that step out into the online world. The leaders that exist are well respected and well known and utilize their knowledge to help make changes, usher in new ideas, and we call this flexing of muscle, influence.

How Does It Work?

Industry leaders that keep track of are Chris Heuer, Brian Solis, Chris Brogan, and Seth Godin to name a few. I personally follow their bodies of work, am updated regularly on where they are speaking, and look to replicate their successes based on how they move through the social media world. Each of these individuals has a specific sphere of influence.

As shown in the image to the right, the influence starts with a single blog post, statement made at a conference, or a Tweet via Twitter, and because of their position as industry leaders, others listen and tend to follow in their footsteps. When bloggers like myself pick up on what they share, my readers become interested and look into what I have shared, and the message is sent out in a ripple effect.

To some extent we all have a sphere of influence, some bigger than others. My specific sphere of influence might be rather small compared to the Seth Godin’s of the media world, but I play a part in the ripple because others who look to what I say as sound advice will carry on the message of those that I recommend. This replication causes the ripples to extend outwards and can reach massive proportions.

Influencing is Not Bullying

Do not mistake influence for bullying or pressuring a person or idea upon someone. None of the above mentioned leaders force you to take what they say as the final word, but because of their track record of success we look to them as models for what we do. Some of us can take those ideas and expand upon them and make them to better suit our own needs.

Still, too often bloggers share ideas and are absolute about what they share. Some professionals feel their words are sheer wisdom and not to be questioned. Time and time again you hear about someone who has received bad advice, and the bad advice is propagated over and over again causing what is essentially a negative ripple.

Luckily social media is a self-governing body, users will tend to look out for one another. United, they will usually rally against an online bully who is looking to impose their ideas on a niche within the social networks. Be wary of these individuals and approach your online experience with an open mind. Seek advice from people who have openly shared their knowledge and have influenced others like yourself.

Finding A Signal in the Noise

There’s a tendency to think that all the information we put out is worthwhile and that all the messages we receive must be digested. This type of thinking creates information overload and can be responsible for stress in your life that can be avoided. For starters seek out ways to filter the noise, RSS readers, Google Alerts, and other tools. Tweetdeck is an excellent tool to focus on key words or trending topics. The ability to single out specific topics lead people to more worthwhile investigations because they’ve found the signal they wanted amidst all the noise.

Understand also that when you learn and share you’ve begun to gather a sphere of influence that you may not realize, but you will become responsible for how other people digest what you have shared with them. Be responsible, and know the difference between natural influence and bullying, you’ll gain more respect with the former of the two.

Photo Credit cambodia4kidsorg

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