First there was Web 1.0, then 2.0, then 3.0. The same is true with the new networking.
Welcome to Networking 3.0, where you use networking in combination with social media, organized network tools and strategies, and e-mail marketing to build business relations, and move them along into services and sales.
Putting it all together is not hard, once you know how it works.
That’s where friends Ray Salem and Vince Perez come in. Salem and Perez, owner/partners of ACE E-mail Marketing, have created a special networking organization called REN, which stands for Referral Exchange Network.
In addition, they teach members how to use Facebook, Twitter, and strategy-specific e-mail marketing to give a twist to the old time “go to lunch, pass out cards, follow up” methods of Networking 1.0.
While most organizations ask for your money, introduce you to two or three people at the first meeting then leave you on your own to “mix it up,” REN leadership coaches you in the right way to network. And, most importantly, how to use Facebook, texting, and e-mail marketing for the all important follow up.
Networking 3.0 is not just what to do, but how to do it.

How REN is different
REN on Facebook now has over 2,659 members in less than eight months, and is growing by 25 to 50 members each day. But going beyond that, REN has initiated bi-weekly meetings where members are actually taught how to network and follow up.
For example, at the first meeting I attended, Ray and Vince took the format from “speed dating” and applied it to become “speed networking.” A simple exercise helped us refine our pitch into a one minute power intro. We learned what to say with no wasted words.
At a more recent meeting, Vince and Ray used another exercise to demonstrate how to appeal to potential clients on a more personal level.
Following the meetings, they encouraged everyone to take the cards they gathered, with notes on the back (see “6 Ways to Really Network at Your Next Event”) and send a personal e-mail to each person using the info we learned about the other person.

Why Another Group?
So why did they create “another” networking group? As Vince told me, most meetings become boring and definitely overpriced for the time and money you spend going out.
“We’re really doing networking training at each meeting,” he said. “We don’t let people flounder, we encourage interaction and meeting on a much higher level,” he continued.
And knowing time is valuable; member meetings are only twice a month, starting on time, and ending on time. With all the groups I belong to, I don’t need another one that meets every week for breakfast or lunch. But meetings should be something special that teaches me a new method or opportunity that I’ll take the time to try.
In talking to the other invited guests, I could tell they also looked forward to meeting and updating each other every two weeks.
REN holds meetings throughout the Inland Empire, and is setting up chapters regionally. To get a free invitation to the next REN meeting or for membership information, contact vince@referralexchangenetwork.com, or call 909-251-6066.