Let’s face it. Most folks go to a networking event hoping to close new business. Is that the case with you?
If so, then you need a plan to make this happen. Simply showing up and collecting a few business cards, is NOT going to create new money in your business.
First, you need to research which networking opportunities are the best fit for you. Don’t just go to an event for the sake of going. Look for events, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc., that cater to your ideal client and/or individuals who could be referral partners for you.
To help you keep track of your research, I suggest you setup an account with Evernote. It’s completely FREE and you can setup individual Notebooks to keep this information organized and accessible while on the go. Plus it’s easy to update on your computer or your smartphone.
You also might look into Highrise,which is FREE (up to 250 contacts) and will allow you to keep track of your interactions with the people you meet. You can take detailed notes on each conversation and set reminders for yourself so that you remember to reach out to them and stay in regular contact. There are other, more sophisticated systems you can use for this purpose such as SalesForce and InfusionSoft, but Highrise is a great place to start.
Last but not least, you need a follow-up system! Your fortune is in the follow-up! When you’re networking, and meet a new person, you’ve established a connection. Your goal is to turn that connection into a mutually beneficial relationship. That means you need to continue the conversation long past the first time you’ve met.
To make sure you do this, don’t unintentionally collect business cards. Develop a system that tells you exactly what to do when you meet a new person. Your system might include:
- Entering the person’s full contact details into your database
- Reviewing their website
- Signing up for their blog – I suggest using Google Reader (It’s FREE!) which will pull all of your feeds into one place that you can read instead of visiting each site individually.
- Connecting with them via social media •Sending a follow-up email or handwritten note
- Scheduling a follow-up appointment
- Scheduling an appointment on your calendar to check in with them a few weeks or months down the line
Have a specific series of steps to follow will make your networking time more worthwhile and get you better results. Most importantly, you will build stronger relationships. 🙂
Keeping all of the information you’ve gathered organized is key to your being able to actually use it! And that is how you turn your networking efforts into dollars for your business. I’d love to hear a quick story about how networking and following-up lead to new business for you! Can you share the details with me by leaving a comment below?
Gisselle says
Hi.. I am sure this is very helpful to every person and I hope everyone should also be aware with this information..
Rommel says
Those are truly great steps in networking to earn more money. On the other hand, thanks for telling about Highrise.
Sydni Craig-Hart says
You’re welcome Rommel! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Let me know what you think about Highrise. 🙂
Kelli Wilson says
Great info Sydni!
I have been hearing about Highrise so I’ll check it out. As an organizer the business card stack is always a challenge for people I work with so these are great tips to keep it simple and be effective!
Kelli
Sydni Craig-Hart says
You’re welcome Kelli! I am curious to hear what you think about Highrise since you specialize in organizing information. Please do share your thoughts!
Brenda Stanton says
Syndi –
As usual great tips – I especially love: “Your fortune is in the follow-up”! Love that. I also am so appreciative of the sites that you mention – I didn’t know of these.
Thank you as you for your Smart Simple Marketing tips!
xo,
Brenda
Amy Kinnaird says
HI Sydni,
I also work with clients in getting follow-up systems put together. The idea to subscribe to the prospect’s blog is a good one. Assuming they HAVE a blog!
My business and local influence has grown dramatically due to the networking I do. Today, in fact, I was at a crawfish boil given by a client, and ran into several past clients there who said they are going to get on my calendar next week. I also connected with a friend I haven’t seen in a long time. She didn’t know what I did and because of our conversation, she wants me to contact her about setting up a meeting as well.
It does pay!
Thanks for spreading the word.
Amy
Jennifer Bourn says
Sydni – This great great advice! So many people go to networking events and conferences with great intentions, only to find those business cards they collected 3 months later in the same ziplock they came home in! It is so important to have a follow up plan in place!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
Margo DeGange, M.Ed. says
Wonderful post Sydni. Thanks for sharing it!
I couldn’t agree more that the follow-up is everything. Meeting someone and having a conversation means you are half way home. A few more simple steps make all the different in converting sales.
Hopefully this post will save many business owners from coming home from an event only to stash a big wad of business cards in a corner on the desk.
Fabulous!
Margo
Sydni Craig-Hart says
Well said Margo! I think anyone who has ever done any networking, at some point had ended up with a stack of business cards they didn’t do anything with. I know I’ve made this mistake in the past. But there are real dollars in those cards! And the only way to deposit them in your bank account is to follow up. 🙂