Networking is not about selling, but rather developing relationships that can lead to sales or referrals. The idea is to get to know people and allow them to get to know you. People do business with those they know and trust, and it can take time to build up that knowledge and trust.
Networking is probably the most effective and least expensive marketing method you can use to build your business or practice. It provides you with a wealth of knowledge from which to draw ideas, gain perspective, and ultimately grow your business. Here are five (5) helpful tips to successfully widen your network.
1.) Get Social Online
Social Media is a great platform to network and make connections with other businessowners or entrepreneurs. Follow other small businesses or entrepreneurs who you would like to connect with, and show interest in their business by actively engaging with their content. By showing interest in others’ content, you are enticing them to check out your social pages as well. Be sure to reach out directly via messages or email to start building the relationship.
Take advantage of a variety of social networking platforms. LinkedIn is a social media platform designed to connect professionals in virtually any industry. Facebook and Instagram are also great platforms for networking. Be sure to utilize the business page features on all platforms to increase your reach and networking success.
2.) Choose The Right Groups/Settings
Not every group of people will be right for you. Choose groups where people congregate who share your interests and/or are potential clients. Chambers of Commerce, men’s and women’s organisations, networking groups, special interest groups, and associations are all potential choices.
Also consider attending conferences/workshops/seminars (both locally and abroad) that can serve the dual purpose of learning and networking. There is usually a cost attached to these events so be sure to do your research (lineup of speakers, reviews from previous conferences, calibre of attendees etc) and choose the ones which best suit your interests and needs. These types of events help to connect you with a wider range of persons in your field, including prominent influencers. They also provide the opportunity to catch up with persons in your field who you may not have spoken to in a while and refresh these older connections. Be sure to attend some of the social events too. It’s a good way to network in a different setting and recharge your batteries.
3.) Be Prepared
First impressions matter, so it is extremely important to present yourself well and establish yourself as professional through your attire and demeanour. Ensure you have several business cards with you at all times, but be strategic in handing them out – starting first with persons who indicate a real interest in your business or services. It is also important to develop an elevator pitch about your business or a short, enticing description of what you do – to share with others.
4.) Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Networking can seem like a daunting endeavour, especially if you are not a naturally talkative or extroverted person. The good news is you don’t have to talk a lot about what you do in order to find potential customers. Rather, ask people you meet questions about them and their business, then listen carefully to their answers. Find points of commonality that you can bring into the conversation.
Often persons attend events and stick to one area of the room or with a certain group of people. To network effectively it is important to walk around and engage with new persons in order to widen your network and meet potential customers. However, don’t spend all your time talking to one new person. Gather the information you need, exchange business cards, if appropriate, and move on to the next. In every exchange, remember to focus on what you can do for others, not what they can do for you.
5.) Follow Up and Maintain the Connection
Networking is a process, not a one-off event. There’s more to networking than exchanging business cards and contact information. Take the time to develop relationships with people who interest you, and nurture those connections if you want your networking attempts to be successful. Be proactive and invite new connections to a one-to-one meeting so you can get to know them. Be sure to make some sort of contact within 48 hours of the first meeting so they don’t forget about you. Emails can get lost in cyberspace or a cluttered inbox, so consider sending a personalised thank you note with your business card or a sample of your product. Explain how much you enjoyed meeting them and ask to meet again to continue the discussion. If they are unable to meet in person, set up a virtual meeting through Skype or WhatsApp. Remember that most businessowners and practitioners are looking for connections. Be bold and step forward into their world.
Written by Sherise Brooks
