Step Away from the Computer! (And Add Some Face-to-Face Networking to Your Life!)

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!

You Came. You Saw. You Networked. Now What?

Here’s the scenario:

You registered and attended any one of the networking events that you’ve seen going on in our area. You meet a lot of people. You pass out a lot of business cards. You have a drink and maybe a bite to eat. You talk to a few people. Then you go home and shuffle through the business cards you collected and wonder, “Now what?”



Do you know that research shows, on average, you need to meet with and stay in touch with a contact SEVERAL TIMES before that contact (or someone that contact knows) turns into a client or customer?

After a networking event, follow up is KEY! As an organizer of several networking events, and founder of The Power Lunch Project, I know that most networking event attendees fail to do this simple, yet important step.

There were a few large networking events in the Philadelphia area over the past week! If you were in attendance, today is a great day to take that extra step to begin to really build a strong business relationship with a new contact – but make sure it’s authentic!

Here are some ideas:

• Email each person you met at an event. Remind them of who you are and offer to help expand their network.

• Choose a few professionals who might be great networking partners for you. Write a handwritten note and request an informal lunch get together.

• Request a LinkedIn connection.

• Take decisive action to assist at least one new person that you have met at each event you attend! If you can help someone, either directly or indirectly, give them a call and let them know!

* Decide to introduce a new person that you met at every networking event to someone in your network that might make great networking partners for them.

• Contact the host – reintroduce yourself and remind them of what you do. Chances are the event host has a plethora of connections that may be helpful to you. Let them know what you need and offer to help them get the word about their next event.

Remember – networking is NOT selling - it’s taking the time and the effort to build meaningful business relationships that go beyond a two minute conversation at a networking event! Be prepared to not just receive, but to give as well!