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Charlie Sheen is getting a lot of grief these days for being a bad person.  His “fun,” party ways are now perceived by many to be reckless and irresponsible.  If true, Charlie has become unsafe to himself and those around him.

As you go though life, the idea is to meet and associate with lots of “safe” people.  Indeed, the quality of your network determines the quality of your life.

A wise man once said, “You will be the same person you are now in five years, save the the people you meet and the books you read.”  These days, you can meet people online and off.  Here are 5 Cool Ideas for networking online and offline.

1.  Watch your language.

Keywords are key.  Of course, search engines take their cue from keywords, but “key” words were important long before Al Gore invented the Internet.  (That Al Gore part is supposed to be funny.)

Use keywords when networking live to help people remember you.  I meet tons of people who run house cleaning businesses, but have only ever met one such person who was also a poet.

“Poet” is one of her keywords and she should use it in her elevator speech whenever possible.  Maybe poetry can be worked into her company slogan and the verbiage on her company Web site.

2.  Pay attention to the aggregate.

Yes, search engine spiders love to eat fresh meat, so keep posting to your Web site, blog and social media pages.  People at networking functions pay attention to the aggregate, as well.

The most effective networkers show up at ALL the important events, n0t just a few.  Even if you can only stay for a few minutes, at least make an appearance.

3.  Keep the important stuff in plain sight.

In journalism class, I was taught how newspapers place important stories “above the fold” so they can be seen (and purchased) at the news stand.  Now, the Internet works the same way as savvy Webmasters position important Website info at the top of the screen so viewers don’t need to do any scrolling.

At live events, keep all your key information in front of people.  Wear your smile only when you want people to think you’re friendly or accessible or in a good mood,  etc.

4.  Listen to my high school chemistry teacher.

Mr. Jarvis taught us the meaning of the word, “dynamic,” which means “always changing.”  That’s why blogs are better than Web sites.  You can post to a blog several times a day, but you only change your Web page once in a while.  for that reason, blogs are more dynamic.

It helps to have your business and your personal image be perceived as dynamic, as well.  Have an exciting answer to the common question:  “What’s new?”  Never say, “nothing.”

5.  Develop multiple spheres of influence.

By now every online marketer knows the importance of having multiple Web sites.  Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to have  primary Web site, a blog, and a gaggle of social media pages.  I have a bunch of articles posted on EzineArticles.com.

You should have multiple spheres of influence when it comes to offline networking, too.

Work is one sphere of influence, but consider actively participating organizations that aren’t directly related to work such as those dedicated to community service.  I belong to Rotary and a cool networking partnership group called ION, among others.

I strongly recommend that you belong to a mastermind-type group, too.

Great masterminds think alike

I’ve recently started a Michigan Mastermind group for entrepreneurs,  business owners, salespeople, speakers, and authors. We meet the second Tuesday of the month in Oakland County, just northwest of Detroit.  You’ll meet the most interesting people at these sessions.  Folks who are into self-improvement.  Ambitious people who want to get ahead. 

Hope to see you soon!