Anyone who spends time on inSide919 or our other emerging Micro Networks, realizes pretty quickly that I spend a bit of time doing this and that I have a real passion for it, so it does not end up being 'work'.

There are real benefits that go with creating this network. I get to meet - and get to know a much larger group of people than I'd ever meet via any other forum. I don't think that there is a 'need or want' that I could have for myself, my family or business that I could not find provided by a member of inSide919 or someone they would refer me to. To me that's a powerful thing.

When I got here 3 years ago, I did not know anyone (as many recent transplants can relate with), I did not know a good machanic, where to get good pizza, where to go have fun with my kids.

Recently, I was able to connect with Olalah Njenga with YellowWood Group - a marketing consulting firm in Raleigh. We started as I suggest everyone does, with a comment made on each others Profile wall, mine was to 'Welcome her' to inSide919 and her's was a simple 'thanks!' (that really does work BTW).

Later we became 'Friends' which basically allowed us to send Internal Emails to each other to speed up communications and make them richer. Olalah and I then took to the phone and started to talk about what 'we did' and what our approach to 'what we did' was and quickly found that we were singing out of the same song book.

Our shared focus was NOT on Internet Marketing and we both felt that we were 'meant to serve' the markets we had chosen.

Long before there was enough value on inSide919, Olalah asked how she might help the community. In frankness I didn't know other than to advise her to be active and help folks - I was still getting my mind around 'micro social networking' as well.

Recently, the Network started to get traffic, visits, pageviews and all that other metrics that some find important (and they are... but targeted conversions are more important - I digress) but mostly we all started to create a community of people intent on doing positive things to grow their businesses.

inSiders understood that growth could be done in a slower manner, 1st taking the time to start the relationship by 'telling' and not 'selling' - then taking it offline to visit in person, get to know the other person for more than 'what they did' (which of course is important as it's how we all make our living) and see where it went - maybe a joint venture, cross-pollination marketing, referral partner or simply someone who knew you better in a positive way - no real downside.

The success stories I get are very appreciated.

So, why am I writing this blog entry.

Quite frankly, it's to introduce you to Olalah Njenga, the Communities 1st Individual Sponsor and someone that after taking the time to get to know her would have no hesitation in referring you to.

Please take the time to get to know her, shoot her some questions, check out her website and see if there's a fit. I think you might thank me.

Her Profile - YellowWood Group - Marketing with Ease

By Pat Howlett

Founder of inSide NetworX and the inSider Spotlight Publication. 

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