This week I went to one of my favorite networking groups. Why is it one of my favorite groups? The women all support each other.
This particular group has not met during the summer months, so it was great being able to catch up with everyone. There is a new leadership in the group and they did something I thought was fabulous and had to share it with you.
When you signed in there was a deck of cards. You had to choose a card and the number on your card corresponded to the table you would be sitting at. This was done so that no one gravitated to the people they already new. Great idea!
I have to admit there have been some networking groups I’ve attended where it was hard to find people to talk to because they were in their set groups and not willing to have anyone else join in the conversation. It’s times like that you move on to someone who is open to starting a conversation.
Once we were at our tables (there were four of us), we all talked a little bit about what we did. This was more relaxed. It wasn’t your 30-60 pitch. I really enjoyed getting to know the women at my table and find out some of the challenges they were facing. For example, two of the women were blogging. Of course, you know I was thrilled to find fellow bloggers. Here’s the best part. I was able to do what I do best. Offer them some great advice on blogging to business success!
One of the women (who’s a doctor) said she’s writing some really great articles but no one is responding. She was finding that to be discouraging. No wait—some people are responding but they are all spammers! That’s a problem I had, and so I mentioned using CommentLuv. Once I started using that WordPress plugin it made a huge difference in the amount of spammers that got through. My suggestion to them was to also have their comments set so that they have to “approve” the comment before it goes live.
We then talked about having the posts shared I mentioned another plugin “slick social share” that enables people to share your posts on any number of social media sites.
Here’s the tip: I made a suggestion—one that would build business relationships. Why not support each other by commenting on each other’s posts!
In my opinion, this is a form of networking that’s not being utilized enough. Everyone talks about networking but what comes to mind is events such as the one I attended today. The truth is there are a variety of ways to network. Networking is about finding out how you can help the other person. If they need or want comments on their blog, what a great way to help them and build a business relationship!
I’m not one to let the moss grow under my feet, so you know what I did? I came home, found those blogs and made comments! It’s one thing to talk about ways to network but it’s another thing to take action.
Your big take away should be to reach out to other business owners who have blogs. They are trying to do exactly what you are. Build a community, build relationships. Reach out to them and offer your support and tell them it would be great to have theirs as well! As a matter of fact when I do my next workshop on Wednesday in Tampa I’m going to find out who in the audience has a blog and start interacting with them. This is all part of the art of networking and building business relationships.
Before I end this, I also want to mention that at this group I found out about a local TV show that’s not shown in my area. I’m going to pitch them to get on the show. If I hadn’t gone to this networking event I would have never known about it.
The moral of the story? Get out and network! Don’t hide behind your computer. Find unique and creative ways to network and be a support to other businesses. They will appreciate your time and help and doesn’t it feel good to do that?
Toni Nelson
Using a step by step approach, Toni Nelson has been helping entrepreneurs and service-based businesses plan, brand, and promote so they can boost profitability and productivity. As the author of Sexy, Savvy and Successful, she knows how to help clients plan their strategies for success. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, Toni is in the perfect position to help clients with the branding process. As a business success coach, Toni's second book, The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients, is all about promoting businesses. As the founder of the Entrepreneur Hub Club, Toni encourages women to invest in themselves by gaining or sharpening their business skills. As an award winning videographer and photographer, Toni has had weddings published in such places as DIY Bride and Kiss My Tulle. In 2014, Toni was a winner in the Start Up Nation Top 100 Home Based Business ranking in the top 10 for most innovative.
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Not to sound redundant but another great networking tip is using LinkedIn. However, not just for adding people into your network but genuiely reaching out, asking questions and sharing your own knowledge.
That’s definitely a great suggestion, Toni! Not a lot of bloggers probably realize it but by commenting on other bloggers’ posts, they’re already networking. So why not make it a more regular thing? Commenting on posts you like is actually a lot of fun, so you’re basically having fun while networking.That’s having your cake, and eating it too! Great Share!
I agree Mike. You can have a long list of people you are “connected” with but unless you actually reach out to them they are just numbers. The whole purpose is to network and that takes time and effort.
Thanks Roue! I often think about the movie Julie and Julia, In the movie she blogged and no one was out there except her mother. All of sudden people found her blog and started commenting. It wasn’t just her mother reading. She now had followers! We can all get to know each other and add value to each other’s audience.