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A GUEST WRITER BLOG
NETWORKING TIPS!
Understanding what networking involves is vital, you need to know
about and be prepared for the hidden behind-the-scenes activities that
make it all happen. Do you have time in your schedule or can you
utilize staff (or family members) to handle it for you? What are your
intentions, procedures and current campaigns? There is a lot to
consider before rushing out and sending out something that could be
considered spam, instead of a valuable networking opportunity.
Networking Tips
Throughout the many years since I first became a business owner in
1990, I have noticed the incredible value of having strong relationships
with contacts. Networking with these contacts, or approaching
someone new for networking purposes, is an important aspect of any
marketing plan.
Personally, I've run a household management service company,
helped manage a drum teaching and repair business, was a radio host,
blogger and a writer in several fields (reviewing, blogging, freelance,
published author). Many of the strong relationships we built in each of
these industries over these 30 years are still valued contacts today.
Understanding what networking involves is vital, you need to know
about and be prepared for the hidden behind-the-scenes activities that
make it all happen.
Before starting out on a campaign, reflect on how
your communications need to reflect your company's image. This can
include colour scheme, design, logos, links and other intricacies that
reflect your branding. Consider also the visual effect of your
communications: whether it appears clean, concise, appealing and
uncluttered. Clean, crisp and simple is the best way to go.
Networking means you need to have something to offer. Will you
include their name in your ad? Can you feature some aspect of their
business activities, policies or community projects on your customer e-
bulletin? Are you able to partner with them for a special sale, or get
your staff together for a volunteer activity? Can you offer them great
resources, for no other reason than to just help them out? Will you
refer customers to them? Perhaps you can be a mentor, provide
advice, offer services, discounts to their staff, coupon exchanges.
Networking campaigns will vary over the years and you may find that
you have to come up with reasons to reach out and re-connect with
those contacts (at least annually).
It is equally important to have a plan in place so that when someone
reaches out and does something nice you can express your gratitude
quickly and efficiently.
Keep a brief record of communications you have had with your
networking group. It is easy to use a simple program like Excel to
create a brief worksheet where you can enter names, contact and
latest campaign project. Colour-code the worksheet so you can see at a
glance who needs to be followed up with. Each time you reach out, be
sure to offer something – a helpful link, a contest they might be
interested in, a discounted product, a gift of some kind, a networking
idea they may want to join in, or check to see if they need more
content for their blog.
Finding new networking contacts is rarely an issue. Start with your
current pile of business cards, your suppliers, employees, and
customer lists. Don't forget your personal phone book where you have
a list of people you already know. Drop each of them a quick note
letting them know how much you appreciate them, what it is that you
appreciate about them, and how you hope to work together in some
way, or maybe you are reaching out just to let them know how you
are doing and what you are up to.
Drop into local employment centres to learn about businesses in the
area that compliment or compete with yours. Small business advice
groups, workshops and events can be found through the local library
and government offices. Don't forget to network with the staff while
you are there - at least introduce yourself, invite them to reach out
and give them your card. If you go to any events, have a ton of
business cards on hand. Write on the back of your card (or theirs) a
note about the conversation and what you promised to do.
After the event, it is easy to glance through the
collected cards remembering everyone you met and reach out,
referring to the conversation and fulfilling your promise.
Watch for articles and interviews with people who specialise in a
similar field as you – learn about steps they’ve taken, successes and
mistakes they’ve experienced, resources they might recommend. Visit
their websites and try to figure out why they chose that layout, the
design, the images, etc. Reach out to them to let them know they
have influenced you, that you liked their article or interview, or that
you’d love to connect with them on social media. Search like-minded
websites for resources, helpful links and articles. Check out their
media pages to see where they’ve gotten exposure; perhaps the
media listed there would be interested in you too.
Lillian and her husband Dave are the team behind Brummet Media
Group, high-fiving cheerfully as they pass each other on the way from
checking off one item or other from their long to-do list. Their business
includes Dave’s music studio and percussion repair services, numerous
award-winning non-fiction books, a YouTube channel and 2 popular
blogs.
Visit the Brummets @: https://taplink.cc/brummet
-&- drop by their Amazon Author page
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