By Beth Anderson, owner of www.singlocity.com

Technology has afforded us a plethora of ways to meet thousands of people. There are no limits as to the number of people we could meet on a daily basis. Think of it, in the old days, only 100 years ago, the majority of people only knew individuals in their hometown and maybe the neighboring towns.

As we look back, the amount of effort someone would have had to extend to go see people was much greater than it is now. They had to hook up the horse and buggy, dress for the occasion (which in itself was probably a chore) and then drive there. If there were no phones, maybe the people would be there or maybe not. This is only one scenario.

So we are so lucky now as it has become much easier for us to meet other people with our many avenues of connection. We can meet people through events, the Internet, our work or socially. Keep in mind, it is our nature to want to connect, to want to belong, to want to be part of a community or group. Yes, we have the few hermits in our midst but even those people would like to have some kind of connection if truth were told.

As a business owner, just think of all the ways you can meet people. We have Linked In, which is an online networking tool. We have many networking opportunities such as Integrated Alliance's events and also a list of networking events on www.TheNetworkingGurus.com. Wow what an opportunity to meet lots of people in your related field or someone who could help you with your business.

For singles there is the Internet dating. This industry has boomed as more and more singles learned how to meet people via cyberspace. And there are many community websites such as Meet In Denver and Meet Up that are ways to form groups in your area of interest and then have other people join you in your pursuit of having fun or meeting other people.

As any new technology is introduced, there are always pros and cons to everything. Here are some tips to making meeting people through cyberspace work in your favor.

Business:

-Remember, it is people's natural instinct to want to help. If you are in need of help or advice, use the Internet to find people you feel could help you. Also, Google it and find organizations or associations in the related field. Go to networking events and concentrate on finding someone in your area of interest. You could get some great advice just talking to someone in person. Join Linked In and find someone who may be able to help you.

-Learn all you can. The Internet can be very overwhelming on what you can learn. Take classes on Linked In. Find out how you can use this tool to your advantage. Take a class through Colorado Free University. They have classes at a great price and you get tons of information from experts.

-Meet people as soon as you can. We gain the most connection from face-to-face interaction. We can meet hundreds of people on the Internet but in order to gain a business relationship, it helps to meet people face-to-face. If you meet someone that is a good contact for you, call him or her and set up a coffee meeting. Of course we can't meet many people this way, there is not enough time so be careful whom you set up appointments with.

Singles:

-There are many ways and means on meeting other singles. Don't stick to just one avenue. Check out free sites such as Craigslist.com or PlentyOfFish.com. Also, there are many ways to meet people at events posted on the web at Meet Up or Meet In Denver. Don't go to just one, go to many different events.

-Be safe. This goes without saying, as we need to be careful in meeting people at first until we get to know them. Just be cautious and always meet in public places until you are comfortable.

-Have fun. Leave your serious side at home and just go out and meet people.

Remember to use the Internet to your advantage and don't be shy to ask for help. Check out www.singlocity.com for lists of other singles events and also business-related events around Denver as well.

About the author:

Beth Anderson has been in the singles industry for over 4 years. She has a passion for singles in helping them get information on anything they may need. She owned a singles club, Cottonwood Connection and now she has built an online singles resource called www.singlocity.com. She also published the Colorado Singles Resource Guide, which can be viewed on the above website as well. Go to her website to sign up for a free one-year subscription of the guide. You can also call Beth at 303 424-2300 if you would like to advertise on the website or in her guide.