Understanding Networking, part 1

Understanding Networking, (Part 1)

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. 

There is a lot to consider before rushing out and sending out something that could be considered spam, instead of a valuable networking opportunity.

You don't want people to work hard, or get confused and give up - jeopardizing your relationship or current campaign. Networking needs to be as effective and efficient as possible. 

Even in the very beginning of networking - the entrepreneural mind set should be focused on developing long-term relationships.

• Do you have time in your schedule or can you utilize staff (or family members) to handle it for you?  - If there are things that can be delegated to anyone with the time and energy to help you out, then now is the time to take advantage of this. They can help with generating interesting networking ideas. They can do some of the leg work, or research for you. They can recommend people they know that might be interested in becoming a part of the networking team. They might have assets like a blog or newsletter that they would be willing to collaborate on. Staff can get busy on writing the blurbs, sending out emails, or creating other content for the event.

• Can you create a new page offering a list of networking ideas? The recommendation is to only take on one networking task at a time. Including a link to this page is a great way to take advantage of the one campaign you are currently working on. 
  Example: Let's say right now you are reaching out to other local retailers who would like to run a sale on the same day, and collaborate on the advertising/marketing for the event. The idea is to get all the retailers telling their customers about sales going on at the other stores - keeping the excitement about the event. So you write a single email to the connections inviting them to participate in this event. But you can also include a link at the end that leads to the Networking Opportunities page that lists other ideas they may want to consider re: networking with you as time marches forward. Maybe one connection is not interested in participating in this event, but they visit the page and see several other ideas that do appeal to them. 
  
  
• Likewise, can you create a list of potential reciprocation activities that they may want to choose from? Let's say you have offered several things freely that they can use right now with no obligation. The blog, for instance, might have interview and feature article and resources related posts that your connections can take advantage of. At the end of the page explaining the opportunities there could be a link saying something like Want To Reciprocate? and there, list a list of 5 - 10 activities that you'd love for them to voluntarily take on using hyperlinked Call-To-Actions like: leave a review; subscribe to the YouTube channel. 

• What are your intentions, procedures and current campaigns? Take the time to clarify these things before starting out on any one networking campaign.

Before starting out on a campaign, reflect on how your communications reflect your brand. 

This can include:

• colour scheme
  
  
• design
  
  
• texture
  
  
• logo 
  
  
• specific hyperlinks or tracking links
  
  
• use of QR codes

Consider also the visual effect of your communications - whether it appears:

• clean
  
  
• concise
  
  
• appealing
  
  
• uncluttered

* Join us for Part 2 on FEB 12th when we discuss:

Networking means you need to have something to offer.

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