….Part 1 & 2 here …..

4Networking Meeting

3. Be Specific In Who You Want To Meet

How many times have you heard a 40 second pitch and at the end of the pitch they simply say “I’m looking for anybody….”

It make be that they provide a service that can apply to all types of business – for example the Social Media training service I provide can literally work for all types of business – but when networking you should always network with purpose and aim to connect with purpose

The contacts that your network have within may just have your dream contact in

Tip: At the very least be specific to an industry sector or where possible name the personell you specifically want to be introduced to (let’s see if this can work in action – I want to be introduced to Ben Macpherson of Pieface in Australia)

4. The Offline and Online Networks Are The Same

Social Networking – it’s all just about online right? Wrong!!

Both your online and offline networks should be seen as one and the same and where possible contacts you meet via Social Media should develop and blossom into offline business relationships

If you are prolific at Social Media or vice versa look at your strengths and develop those in your business relationships

Tip: Try and meet at least one connection from your Social Media contacts in real life each week – its help to develop stronger relationships

5. Think Outside the Box in Networking

Last and definitely not least – networking isn’t just about formal business networking meetings or on your business twitter account

Networking can happen anywhere, be if your social circle or family gatherings

Just yesterday I was at a local food festival with a group of friends – as I was about to leave I bumped into an old school friend and 5 minutes later we exchanged business cards and a quote has gone into the office of the rather large government organisation he works for

Tip: Be passionate about what you do and that passion will shine through and again referrals and work will come through unlikely sources

Your Networking Tips

If you have any networking tips of your own please leave them below in the comments section or for Social Networking get in touch on www.altrinchamhq.co.uk where there are plenty of blogs with Social Media and Networking information

Altrincham Hq

“With over 12 years experience of Social Media and 17 years experience of online marketing in other companies, clients come to myself when they want a veteran rather than a rookie” Alex McCann