08-Feb-2011 23:41

Are you really doing enough?

The myriad online social media tools, 'sites and forums currently available to individuals and businesses to publicise their specific products or services are surprisingly helpful.

The plethora of links including LinkedIn, Ecademy, Facebook, Twitter et al are really useful tools of promotion, advice and collaboration when used correctly…

However, the successful business person instinctively understands that, even (or perhaps increasingly) in 2011, nothing really beats face-to-face networking; 1-2-1's and personal connections to establish and nurture a foundation of trusted relationships that helps build that stream of clients buying whatever you may be selling.

So, however, daunting it may feel, why not try to make a commitment to step away from the computer, leave the safety of the office and really connect with others to grow your business.

My experience shows that the following couple of tips 'may' help:

1) Plan ahead - a quick whiz around your online groups and forums, events and clubs will advise you of any number of available networking events. Perhaps to begin, choose events that look interesting to you and your business. And if unsure of yourself & a touch shy, why not grab a couple of colleagues and brave that world of networking with a friendly group.

2) Coffee or lunch - Work through your, probably daily growing, lists of connections & contacts and select those that you've not met but you consider may have collaborative connections and could be decent networking partners (remember, the 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' syndrome… better known as 'Givers Gain'). Invite them for a latte or lunch for a chat (and not the 'hard sell'). A few meetings soon helps build a reliable circle of connections and associates.

As with most things in life, successful business networking requires expended time and effort but increasing your personal networking & marketing reinforces your qualities with those you may meet..

So get out there and promote yourself by helping others to help you.

Good luck - Norman