"Offline" social networking
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
I’ve spent a busy week, hitting a lot of live networking events and realize that I’m energized and excited. As much attention as online networking gets, the “old school, offline” way of networking is still advantageous in many ways. But you have to manage these relationships in a different way than your online contacts.
It begs repeating that when you go to live events, take plenty of business cards and prepare to shake a lot of hands. Have your elevator pitch
ready and don’t be on the look out for who can help YOU. Look for those people who need your help. I generally seek out overwhelmed and under supported entrepreneurs. But I also generally just enjoy chatting with, and getting motivated by, others who are running their own small businesses. Collect business cards and, after you chat with someone, step away for a moment to make a few notes so you remember details about who they are as people…not as potential customers.
The real work begins when you get home though. You must have a good contact management system. Whether it is Outlook or a newer Web 2.0 version like Big Contacts The Phantom of the Opera the movie
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, don’t sit on all that information. Spend a few hours getting everyone’s details entered. Now you are ready to follow up. For those new contacts with whom you had a strong connection, a phone call to simply say “Hi! I really enjoyed meeting you and discussing x, y, z. Did you enjoy the event?” and nothing more. DO NOT PUSH for business. You’ll come across as slimy. Just remind the person that you exist and you had a connection. They are far more likely to contact you when there is a need-or when they hear of one.
Also consider sending out real notecards with a handwritten message. Don’t send out mass, general emails. For some new contacts, an email is most appropriate, but include a bit of info about each of them like “enjoyed discussing how the economy is affecting small business” or “I loved hearing about your dog, George!”.
Keith Ferrazi has released a new book
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Meeting others in person allows for a more accurate impression and is likely to buy more loyalty. Go gussy up and go do some offline networking. If you need events, check out Meetup.com or LinkedIn for opportunities in your area!