Yes, Is there a website, blog, or social network for your hobby? If not—you should start one. I know thousands of networks are floating out there on the inter-webs because my friend Kevin Mullett told me so, and he’s joined most of them. But I wondered, are there networks and sites that fit my interests? What about someone whose interests may not be mainstream, are networks in place?
Is There a Website, Blog or Social Network for Your Hobby?
I love Cats
Yes, I know, I know, it’s become a cliché, but I’ve loved cats longer than I’ve owned a computer, let alone fawned over their photos on Facebook. I knew of Catster and a few other networks dedicated to feline fanciers but hadn’t heard of Catmoji. That was until I read a Mashable post by Chris Taylor, Cat’s Get Their Own Social Network “We want to be Facebook for cats,” creators Matthew Phiong and Koekoe Loo Wan Koe told Betabeat. It’s not a network about cats; it’s a network for cats. This may explain where Guy and Joe (our two cats) have been spending their time there.
And I Love Beer
I subscribe to All About Beer magazine; I have over 100 different beers in my beer fridge, but until today, I’d never considered searching for a beer enthusiast social network. So, I found one and joined. I’m in heaven; Untapped shares reviews, blogs, pubs, and more. This is a deep rabbit hole.
But What if Your Interests Are a Little More Refined?
I decided to search for something less common, so I googled taphophilia, the love of cemeteries. I found networks for the dead, gatherings of ghost hunters, headstone rubbers (not robbers), and this site, Vampire Rave, which shares information on taphophilia while promoting forums and blogs about everything vampire-ish.
Have you joined a special interest social networking group? If, like me, you’ve never searched for networks that fit your hobbies and interests, what are you waiting for? And, if your search doesn’t return a suitable network for your interests—it’s high time someone started one.
Are You a Good Networker?
I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. I needed a plan to be an effective networker. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.
My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.
If you liked this post you might also enjoy Networking Doesn’t End at the Event
Image by Brian Cragun from Pixabay
