When I attended a Denver WordPress and Social Media Meetup a few weeks ago, we all introduced ourselves and then described one thing that we do, no fail, when we want to effectively network. It’s a great list! Some are simple, tried and true, and some are surprising, but sworn by!
Check them out below and tell me what you think! (It’s hard for me to not feel like singing “We are the World” when I look at this pic…)
- Go to something every day. This way you’ll be meeting new people every day and reconnecting with other contacts. When you do this, it’s easy to connect with new people and help others connect.
- EIC: Engage, Interact, Connect. Simple and to the point!
- Work LinkedIn the best you can.
- Show up. What’s the saying? “95% of success relies on just showing up.”
- Get to know someone. Really make connections. Become friends with people. Learn about them and find things in common.
- Birthdays: outlook. Well, enough said… Outlook alerts are gold! Everyone loves it when someone remembers their birthday! (Unless they’re my Grandma Nette, who lied about her age her whole life! She was born in 1929, but always said she was born in 1930 because she thought the 20s sounded too ancient!)
- Always send contacts something in the mail. The gentleman who offered this tip swears by it. He said people remember him. “I had a client say, ‘I started getting mail from you 30 years ago’ and not just marketing propaganda either.” I love it! I, too, love getting things in the mail! Especially if it’s creative and not always consumer-oriented, which leads me to the next tip:
- Provide value: don’t sell.
- Seek to help others. I really believe that in this spirit, others will seek to help you as well.
- Personal note. I am in agreement with the personal note thing… This is so important! You are not a number! I appreciate our business together and like being a part of creative, successful projects!
- Phone call. Yep. It’s that thing on your desk that you don’t use much… or it’s not on your desk, it’s in your pocket, but all you do is text on it. Pick it up and randomly speed dial one of your contacts today. I dare ya.
- Work your network and always be a connector—connecting other people. When you connect others to dream clients, they will connect you to more of them! This tip will truly make you popular…
- Action creates clarity: get to know people and get out of your comfort zone. To me getting out of my comfort zone would be public speaking. I tend to put on a great presentation, but it is definitely not my favorite thing to do. 1-10 people in a room is just fine, but I’m talking 30. I’m working up to this one! (And don’t tell me about Toast Masters! The idea of that makes me pass out!
- Connect with related fields. This is an excellent tip. Related fields are perfect for partnering up and cross marketing your brand!
- Personal connection and cultivate over time. This is tried and true. Straight up America.
- Get involved: associations—find others who like what you like. And this is the most fun. I often tell people that I’m pretty much of a geek. Geeking out with others who share my passion for search engine optimization is truly a gift!!! Find your people!
- Do more business in person. I’m all about social media, blogging, and LinkedIn networking, but meeting in-person is a deal maker.
- Be open and friendly, listen well. Of course, the more open you are, the better able you are to deliver exactly what your client wants.
- “I thought you might be interested in this:” send articles or tidbits to connections that would be interested. I like this one too. It shows that they’re on the top of your mind.
- Start a group: meetup/litterlink. This lady picks up litter with neighbors in designated areas and formed this group on meetup.com. She swears she gets deals made while cleaning up the city… Genius! Connecting with others who share the same passions.
- Use social media to listen, then connect in person, then on LinkedIn. Good strategy.
- Do favors for people.
- Start a conversation in person, continue on social media until your next meeting. This was a popular one, but worth repeating in this day…
- Phone call. Yep. A man of many words…
- Go to events that are full of potential clients. If you’re a doctor, go to a talk on how to avoid sports injuries… If you’re a Pet Sitter, go to a talk on How to help your puppy overcome separation anxiety…
- Call people you almost forgot you knew. Catch up! Rekindle, check in, create excitement for new projects!
- Use LinkedIn for your networking. A big duh these days.
- Seek out mentors. Always a great one.
- Mentor other people. And one day you’re ready to pass on the gold to others.
- Skype. Love Skype when I’m expecting it. As someone who works from home a lot, unless meeting out, I can tell you this is frightening. I had someone who wanted to Skype at 7:30 in the morning the other day, after we scheduled a phone meeting. Lets just say I’m glad I wear a wig. (I’m just kidding. I don’t wear a wig. But there was some serious 30-second primping going on so that I didn’t look like I just rolled out of bed!)
- Provoke emotion: emotional memories are the most memorable because of endorphins! This is easy when you have things in common and you’ve developed a relationship with someone. Also, if you’re excited about the project, the excitement breathes from you. I’m often laughed at by my clients who say, “I really never expected to be this inspired by keyword phrases. You make it fun!” Well, I don’t even try. I’m just a big nerd who loves words and puzzles. I’ve said too much. :)
So there you have it. Networking Tips from experts! Overall: Consistent Communication—Keep in touch. What would make you feel special or connected? Make that a practice of yours.
What are your networking tips? or how do you feel about the ones that were listed?
