23 Jun

Remembering Why Networking Is So Important

Posted in Small Business Advertising on 23.06.15 by John Meloche

hand pressing Social networkThe massive rise of social media over the past decade has made the term “social networking” a household phrase. But it isn’t like people only started to network once smartphones and computers became top-choice communication methods. Arguably, we have all been “social networking” for centuries. The more you interact with others, the more you are networking…socially!

Doing so without the use of an electronic device, however, is incredibly beneficial for small business owners. It’s very important to get out and meet people. No matter your line of work, you can’t simply rely on social media, your company website and other internet sources to grow the reach of your business. Of course, those avenues will always help. But you simply can’t beat the age old face-to-face meeting.

Meeting someone in person allows you to develop a relationship that is impossible to spark online. Your personable, yet professional demeanour can make impressions that are a lot more meaningful than an online post or email. Therefore, it’s important to attend trade shows and other events where your business contemporaries are bound to be. Remember that the first face-to-face meeting is only the beginning of your networking regimen. Don’t forget to follow up!

“After networking events, make sure to stay connected with those that you meet,” writes Rishi Chowdhury of BusinessInsider.com, “Take a look at the business cards you received and email those people about what you spoke about while it is still fresh in your mind.” He goes on to note that those who feel that they have too much on their plates to attend such events should see them as part of the work that will benefit their businesses.

“You may feel you are too busy to attend these events, but they act as a nice break from being stuck in front of a computer,” Chowdhury writes, “And sometimes they can count as being at work because you are inevitably spreading the name of your business across an audience that can add value to your business—and it’s a great chance to learn something and get ideas. You will see the value in forming and maintaining a strong contact base, which will serve you well for years to come.”

On his website, entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz states that you should never stop growing your network. One way to do that, he writes, is to simply ask those who you network with to introduce you to other people that they network with. “Ask your best, most powerful, most influential friends or business associates to introduce you to the five people they think you should meet to expand your business,” he suggests.

Of course, once you meet those contacts, you can’t just give them a simple phone call. Michalowicz recommends that you take things a step further. “Take each of the contacts out for coffee and get to know them,” he advises, “Discuss your plans and future goals, tell them about why your business is special and ask for their advice. You will be amazed at how these new contacts will pay off ten-fold with recommendations to you for new business and innovative ideas you hadn’t thought of.”

Michalowicz goes on to insist that you “network your networks”. He writes that there is “power in numbers”. And the best way to increase the size of your network is to offer help to others. That way, you don’t come off as someone whose sole interest is to send shameless, company-promoting spam. “If you help them first (by adding value to their life/business), they’ll help you later,” he encourages.

At Synergy Marketing, we have the perfect tools to help with your networking practices. Give us a call at 1-877-748-9884 to order some great promotional products for your business today!

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