When it comes to building your brand, there are few things more important and more effective than networking. You can advertise to investors, clients, and customers as much as you want, and that’s all well and good, but making yourself known among your industry is just as important.
There are plenty of different ways to network, whether it’s face-to-face, digital, through podcasting, advertising, seminars, on and on. And it’s important to remember that how you present yourself, where you show up, and what you say when you get there are all a part of networking.
Here is a list of networking tips and suggestions for you to remember for the next time you go out to make some contacts.
Important Networking Tips for Everyone
1. Know Your Audience
The number one most important thing for you to know when you start networking is who you’re trying to talk to. I don’t just mean who are you trying to get to buy your products or use your services. Who might you want to work with as you grow? Who would you want to collaborate with? What other businesses might you want people to compare yours to? Think about it all. Once you know who your audience is, start tailoring everything you do to them. Choose social media platforms that your customers use. Attend conferences and events in the industry you want to be a part of.
If you’re struggling to identify your audience or don’t know what methods to best reach out to them, consider getting help from professionals in marketing, like the experts at V12 Business Strategies. To learn more, visit https://v12strategies.com/.
2. Partner with Other Brands
Like I said, you aren’t just looking for customers. How many different products have you seen in recent years that are collaborations between trusted brands and popular brands, influencers, celebrities, and more. From Coca-Cola eyeshadow to celebrity-endorsed food and drink products and on, don’t be afraid to be creative! Imagine how your products and your services could benefit from an endorsement or collaboration.
3. Prepare
Bring a couple of copies of your resume or your business card with you wherever you go, and make sure all of your information is up to date.
Finally, keep in mind a few different times you’re available for a meeting in the near future. Again, those seconds are important and fleeting.
Facebook Networking Tips and Other Social Media Suggestions
1. Create targeted branded content
If you’re throwing everything at the wall in all different directions, you might eventually hit someone or something that applies to you. But, if you send out specific, carefully-curated content directly to where your customers, clients, partners, and colleagues are, you have a much better chance of finding someone interested in what you’re doing. Your time and money will be much better spent focusing on people you know will be interested in your company than spreading it in all directions, hoping it makes contact.
2. Watch Your Tone
As you start preparing and creating content, make sure you know what type of voice and tone your customers will relate to the most. If you’re reaching out to young creatives, humor might be really engaging. If you’re in a more serious field with older, busy business people, go for a more formal tone.
Networking Strategies When You’re Out in the World
Don’t use the few precious seconds you have someone’s attention fumbling for the right words to describe yourself. Come prepared with an introduction that tells them what they need to know and what you WANT them to know.
Just like in a job interview, don’t leave without asking a few questions of your own. Be prepared with a few questions to ask everyone you talk to. Not only are you showing your interest, you’re learning more and making your impression more memorable.
When it comes to your business, don’t let networking fall to the wayside. The professionals at V12 Strategies want to help! Visit https://v12strategies.com/ or contact one of the marketing experts at V12 Business Strategies today!
