There is more to networking than just attending meetings. Yes, this is where the magic happens, however, you’re actually networking everyday online!
The dictionary definition for networking is:-
“Networking is the process of trying to meet new people who might be useful to you in your job, often through social activities”
So, let's break it down into some easy tips so that you can ensure your online activities are being productive. After all, it is very easy to end up in a scroll hole and tell yourself you are networking!
Be Intentional
The first tip is to be intentional. Have a clear goal for your networking activity. If you’re unclear on why goal setting for networking is important then read my previous blog here
If you know that you are someone who gets easily distracted then set yourself a time for say 15 minutes and then as soon as that timer goes off, you move onto something else!
Optimise your profile
As humans we’re very nosey. When you see someone has commented on a post in a group or even posted themselves, the first thing you’re likely to do is to check out their profile. If they’ve optimised it you will very clearly be able to tell what it is they do for a business and a little tip I learned a while ago (still need to do for me), is that within each group you are in you can set your Bio so that it is relevant to that group!
For instance, in Wedding groups I could have mine to show that I am a Wedding and Event Planner. Within the Mums in Business groups I can set it to show that I’m a leader for Kidderminster.
These are great ways for people to start to build a picture about who you are before they’ve even had a conversation with. So if you’re having conversations with people and they can’t tell from your profile what you do it could be the reason the conversations aren’t progressing
Engage with relevant content
Be active in the time you’re spending online as it will all aid your visibility. Liking, commenting and sharing relevant content aid to building that Know, Like and Trust. Although, don’t just comment and like for the sake of it, ensure you’re adding value to the person who posted and the other people also engaging on the post.
Make effective use of the Direct Message
Have you ever been in a situation where you have commented on a post and then someone else has started their own conversation on the post and so you now get hundreds of notifications
This is where the Direct Message comes in handy. Yes, absolutely respond to comments on a post or in reply to your own comments but use your judgement as to when is appropriate to take the conversation into the inbox so as not to annoy everyone else on the post, it will also allow you to deepen that relationship with that person!
Consistency and Follow-Up
You can’t engage once and then think that people know what you do and that the business will come? Networking is not a quick win and online is harder as you can’t judge the body language or tone as easily so you have to keep doing it so that others get to know you better.
MIB is great as there isn’t just the facebook groups there is also the FREE Coffee and Chat Monday evenings and Friday morning to allow you to enhance the conversations you’ve been having within the groups.
Also, remember to follow up!
Especially if you’re doing Coffee and Chat, make sure to drop a message to the people you were in a break out room with and ensure your Zoom name is clear for people to be able to find you afterwards!
Networking is a long game, trust me, stick at it and it will prove rewarding!
Until next time
Charlotte x
