Networking architecture

This is an opportunity for you to take on a leadership role. It gives you the chance to connect more, and display your own networking/organising skills. Your forum will help generate leads for the members of your forum and in turn will bring leads to you."When I visited Orkut for the first time, I saw that there was no specific group for Voice and Accent Trainers. I felt there should be one so I went ahead and took the initiative of creating one," says Kolkata based trainer, Amit Ojha.He searched for trainer profiles and sent invitations. Today his group has more than 62 members. "As a moderator, it's my duty to see that messages are related to the profession. A good moderator should always keep a watch on all activities of the group," he says.To start your own network, some web sites charge a premium while others like Rediffconnexions offer this feature free.Many forums also organise offline activities. Delhi based Sairee Chahal Povaiah who manages the popular Delhi National Capital Region network on Ryze.com, tips you off on how to organise offline activities. Keep member interests in mind. For instance, the NCR group has hosted varied events: group discussions on tourism, knowledge management, entrepreneurship, heritage walks, communication workshop, theatre workshops, festive mixers, karaoke nights etc. Keep logistics manageable. If it gets too complex, one cannot sustain it financially.Get people involved. There are more helping hands around than one anticipates. People like to volunteer in activities that interest them.