Tags
2012 calendar, business, Business Networking, Business Networking Tips, connections, Events, Face-to-face communication, fall, goals, Groups, investors, LinkedIn, links, mentors, networking, pay it forward, personal branding, richard branson, schedule, signature, Social Media, social profiles, Twitter, updates, vip
The fall social season will be upon us soon and with it the opportunities to make and renew connections. Let’s all make the best of this special time of year and approach it with a plan.
Get ready in 5:
1. Update all of your online social profiles
Be sure to including images, content, contact information, signature lines and double check all of your important links to make sure they are still working.
See also: 6 Quick Tips to Freshen up Your LinkedIn Profile
2. Review your goals for 2012 and/or set your goals to finish the year.
What and who do you need to help accomplish your goals? (Mentors, suppliers, facilitators, power connectors, investors, etc.)
3. List your connections ~ Face-to-Face is key
It’s all about connecting and there are two types of connections to think about.
One is who you know~ List your main contacts to reconnect with and schedule a meeting, before they get busy.
The other is who do you WANT to know ~ List them and get connected. If contacting them directly or being introduced through a common connection is out, then do some research. Go where they go by finding out what events they might be attending, Google them or look them up on LinkedIn and learn about what groups they participate in and ask around.
See also: Richard Branson on How to Network. Hint: Early and Often
4. Update your calendar
- Events ~
- Research and select the events that best fit the direction your goals are taking you
- Use local media, social & niche magazines, LinkedIn’s events and Facebook’s events calendar as sources for up and coming activities
- VIP with caution! They are not all created equal and at times not worth it, though when they are it can be BIG. Ask around and keep notes during the season on what worked and what didn’t. Go to at least one event this year as a VIP
- Group Associations
- Do more than sign-up as a member ~ get focused ~ get involved ~ go deep
- Here it’s not about how many groups you are a part of it’s about how active you are in them
5. Have Fun and Pay-it-Forward!
These are the people we want to know and have similar interests with, so relax and enjoy the experiences this season offers. Ask your connections about their projects and goals. And consider offering a gift-that-keeps-on-giving by becoming a mentor ~ you’ll be amazed what YOU will learn.
Please share your networking ideas for the fall season and/or any questions.
I really like your approach to networking
Thank you! I looks like we have a similar approach – face-to-face and reaching out to people where they need help. Would love to talk with you and share more about our projects. (Followed you on Twitter and FB)