'Networking' seems to be a popular buzz-word amongst the business community and for good reason. Many businesses generate over 75% of their business via networking and word of mouth referrals so it makes sense to take networking seriously. But what about online networking? Should it be part of your marketing strategy? Can it save you time and what are the benefits?

Firstly online networking should never be seen as a replacement for face to face networking.

It is estimated that eighty percent of callers hang up when they hear a voicemail message. Will they call back... of course they won't. For very small business operators it is impossible to answer the phone all of the time. What happens when you attend a networking event or are meeting a client? Of course that all important prospective client calls and hears your voicemail message.