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
“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
[…] Parts 3-5 continued here…. […]
The building trade has had an unofficial networking group for years.
We have a great group of about 15 tradesman who we recommend & they recommend back.
Just last month we recommended our decorator for a conservatory we had just installed & while he was there ended up decorating the whole house but noticed the Windows needed some attention before he finished them, so guess what? We’re back there next week installing the Windows. Tradesman network meetings??
Great blog, Alex and I completely agree. Hopefully if people see my passion for my business at a networking event they will remember me if and when someone tells them they want to get their home sorted. I am never expecting direct business referals, just to plant a seed somewhere in the back of someone’s mind that The Clutter Fairy exists.