Networking is a synonymous strategy for career growth. But it is also very effective for growing a business. Many business owners have seen their businesses go to new heights because of effective networking. Some are yet to see positive changes despite trying a few tactics. Whether networking is working for you or you are yet to see results, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, you will learn how a professional network can open doors for you that you never knew existed. The strategies below also work well for you if you are an introvert. So if you enjoy spending time alone or with just a few people, be sure to try these tactics. They will help you achieve those networking milestones you haven't because of introversion. Read on to learn more about how to network as an introvert.
Tips on Networking with Professionals
Give Freebies
Freebies can go a long way in ensuring you get the most from a professional network. They make sure your presence is noticeable all the time. Professionals are very busy people and may not always have your business in mind. However, you can make sure you are always on their radar by offering them valuable giveaways. Stop for a second and think of that friend or co-worker you always remember because of the gifts they offered you years ago. The same thing can apply to networking and can ensure your connections always think about you.
What to Consider When Giving Freebies
While you don't have to offer freebies all the time, the few times you do so can benefit your business. For example, if you invite a few experts you haven't connected with to your podcast and would like to tap into their audience, freebies can help you tap into their potential, including that of their audience.
How? The gifts you offer keep reminding them about you, which may encourage them to consider joining your professional group. Professionals want to be associated with the best in the industry. And if you offer something that shows you are valuable, there is a high chance they may consider joining your professional network. Any new addition to your network is a great opportunity for your business to leverage.
They might as well invite or give you access to their professional network and people who may need your services. Once they like you, they are more likely to refer people to your business who may be interested in your services or products. Best of all, they can ensure you benefit from their audience. For example, when hosting podcasts, they can mention your name. They can also invite you to their podcasts and let you engage with their audience. All these may lure some of their audience members to consider your products and services. This can gradually lead to more leads for your business.
Don't be Salesy: Give Value
Freebies can be in different forms. It is always important to offer valuable gifts that can give your business an edge. For example, professionally crafted infographics, blog posts, webinars, and reports can provide informational value. The good thing with informational freebies is that they help you sound more of a thought leader than salesy. This is a good way of building your professional network. Very few people take your content seriously if it sounds too pushy. So, focus on offering value as it will convince your connections to like you and mention your brand to their audience.
If you feel icky selling or talking for long times, valuable gifts can do the heavy lifting for you. You just do a little talking—they do the rest for you while you focus on growing your business in other areas.
Stay Top of the Mind via Connections
The kind of information you share can determine how people perceive you. By sharing valuable information and requesting your connections' access to their audiences, you constantly make sure you remain top of their minds. By doing that, anytime they come across people who may be interested in your valuable resource, they will be sure to mention your name. Eventually, you may end up getting more and more leads without your full involvement in the process.
So, if you have leveraged emails to grow your network and business and you're not seeing impressive results, it is time to stay top of the mind of your prospects via professional connections.
Share and Comment on Their Social Media Posts and Articles
Staying top of mind of your prospects via connections requires significant efforts from your end. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do today to ensure you remain foremost in the minds of your connections and audience, including:
Commenting on their articles: Keep an eye on new blog posts uploaded by your contacts and leave meaningful comments. Make sure to write comments that depict you as a thought leader in your area of expertise.
Comment and like social media posts: If your connections are on social media, make sure to follow them and like their posts. As simple as that may look, it shows your contacts you value them, giving them a reason to value you too. If they reciprocate and comment on your blog posts and social media posts, make sure to acknowledge that. For example, by liking or sharing their comments.
The Bottom Line
Continuous networking can bring a lot of benefits to your business, irrespective of the field you are in. Whether you are running a brick-and-mortar store or a digital start-up, you can benefit from networking if you do it well.
There are different approaches to maintaining valuable connections, and the above four are very effective. Apply them if you haven't, and be sure to share your experience with us in the comment sections. We would be happy to know how networking with professionals is helping your business thrive in the digital age. And if you need any support with SEO and digital marketing strategies, we would be happy to help. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can get more eyes on your business without spending a dime on ads!