Don’t get me wrong – LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other online social media that are available to businesspeople to get the word out about their product or service are amazing tools, especially when used effectively. However, every successful business person knows that, even today, NOTHING beats face-to-face networking to build a firm foundation of trusted relationships that keeps a steady stream of people buying whatever you are selling!
So commit to stepping away from your computer, getting out of the office and really connecting with people to grow your business (and spending some time with “real” people is healthy!), with these easy ideas:
1) Plan Ahead! – There are tons of networking events going on in any given month around the area. To get an overview, it is worth it to sign up for the Network in Philly newsletter. Pick a few networking events that look interesting – and to make it fun – grab a couple of your friends and go with a small group. Just make sure you follow up with all the new people that you meet after the event!
2) Do Lunch (or Coffee)! – Go through your list of LinkedIn connections and find a few that you have never met, but may be able to become a valuable networking partner (i.e. – you can help them, using your network of connections, and maybe they can help you). Invite them out for lunch or coffee and chat (don’t sell!). Then, if the business chemistry is right, commit to keeping in touch and……..following up! Doing this a few times a month can help you build your circle of “real life” connections and help you be an important resource within your own personal network of associates.
3) Do Your Own Thing! – Plan your own event or form your own informal business group that meets regularly. This will make you the point-person for dozens of people and give you and your business tons of exposure! It will also help you show off your leadership skills and put you in touch with others whom you know are interested in networking, too!
Business networking requires time and effort. Supplementing your online networking with a little real-life face-to-face time cements your information in the minds of those you actively make an effort to meet (provided you then consistently maintain the connection).
(Shameless plug for The Power Lunch Project ahead…)
The Power Lunch Project is here to help with all of your business networking endeavors (especially with #2 above!). Contact us and let us know the types of professionals that you want to network with!
