Networking for business purposes takes various amounts strategy and intention, in terms of how you proceed in interacting with potential business prospects. Whether you want to make a connection with someone for sales reasons or to build up your business network in general, the following business networking tips will assist you in accomplishing your goals.
1. Business Networking Tips for Business Cards.
Business cards may seem old fashioned, but they help to make connections and provide easy to access contact information. Many companies offer professional quality, inexpensive business cards. Even if you have a business card for your fulltime job, consider making one that highlights you and your skills individually.
2. Business Networking Tips for LinkedIn.
If you’re short on business cards, LinkedIn is a good option if you have a smartphone. Download the LinkedIn app and when you make a new connection in real life, you can ask that person to become a connection on LinkedIn while you’re still talking to them. Just remember to follow up on LinkedIn after the connection is made.
3. Business Networking Tips for LinkedIn Part 2.
The right headline on LinkedIn can make building your network easier. LinkedIn creates a default heading for you based on your current job title, but often times that mean your headline is something vague like “Manager.” Use keywords to build the right headline, like “Marketing Content Manager Interested in Digital Sales” now you’ve got four keywords in your title that is much for informative.
4. Business Networking Tips for Online.
Making connections online can be easy. LinkedIn provides suggested connections while Facebook and Twitter have features that let’s you see other people who are posting about things of interest to you. SImply reach out to these people on these networks or by email if possible and introduce yourself and your reason for reaching out. You’re on your way to a new connection.
5. Business Networking Tips for Offline.
Reach out to your local chamber of commerce or ask online connections for recommendations for in person events. If you can name your industry, chances are you can find a conference or gathering around it. If you can’t afford to travel to a conference specific to your industry, look for a general business networking conference close to your home.
6. Business Networking Tips for Introductions.
As you build your network, don’t be afraid to ask for introductions. People in your network all have their own personal network that could be a of value to you. Services like LinkedIn allow you to see how someone else’s network might connect you to someone who could be helpful to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
7. Business Networking Tips for How to Stay in Touch.
After you make your first connection with someone, set a reminder in your calendar to reach out to them monthly or semi-monthly. This way you will build a genuine relationship with your new connection and be able to identify how you can best assist each other.
8. Business Networking Tips for How to Offer Help.
How can you help your new connection? This should be your first thought when meeting someone. Ideally a connection will help you build your business, but you need to offer help to be deserving of their assistance. Help someone out first and they will be more likely to help you down the line.
9. Business Networking Tips for How to Offer Connections.
Just like you may want an introduction to someone new, offer introductions to your new contact. Do you know someone who might be helpful for the or have work for them? Send an email to introduce them. This helps to solidify your connection and keep you top of mind for how they can help you.