With all the different social media platforms available today, it’s easy to focus your marketing time here because it’s generally less time consuming to engage from your computer than it is to attend real-life functions and talk to people in your community. However, if you depend solely on social media for your marketing, you’re missing a vast opportunity to market your business to locals right in your own backyard.
Your marketing goal should always be to build relationships with people you can help with your products or services. Even though you may be tempted, don’t push the hard sell on people you’ve just met. They don’t know you, so they likely won’t spend their hard-earned cash on your product. However, by interacting with them at networking events, in addition to engaging them on social media, you have built a foundation upon which to build a stronger relationship, which may ultimately lead to them buying from you.
How to Get Started Networking Offline
While it is true, most Offline groups are meeting online due to the Corona Virus, many of the aspects of offline can still work online. The idea of walking into a room without knowing a single soul can no doubt be daunting (likewise, joining a Zoom video call and not knowing anyone can be just as daunting). But the alternative of not sharing your story and your mission to those who may be seeking this exact answer to their problems is equally troubling. No matter how you want to start networking in real life, put on your brave face and tackle your social fears head-on.
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Join a Relevant Business Networking Group
Very often there are dozens of business networking groups and chambers of commerce spread across the country in every locale, so you really can pick and choose which group is best for you. Yes, you want to reap a reward for being a part of the group, but your acceptance into any business group will depend on what you can contribute. After all, it’s all about building relationships. Some groups are more formal and have standard meeting rules, while others may be much more casual and usually smaller in scale. Ask to visit a meeting or two before submitting an application and never be afraid to ask questions about the other members or when the group was formed.
I am currently the President of my BNI local chapter – we meet every Tuesday morning at 7 am Eastern (if you want to be a visitor at one of our meetings, let me know!) I also am a member of a few MeetUp groups. In both cases, (BNI & MeetUp) we are meeting virtually due to Covid-19 right now).
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Hold Live Workshops
What better way to showcase your authority and expertise than to speak to your local community! Turn an online webinar into a live presentation or create a presentation customized to your community’s needs. Contact your local library, business association or community college with your ideas and very often if the presentation is unique and relevant to the community, you will get a booking. Depending on the size of the space and occupancy levels (25% or 50% depending on how things are in your community), you can still get some great connections. And, smaller crowds actually allow you to be more intimately and make closer connections.
Even if live events are not your forte, choose a topic you are passionate about and that you could speak about for hours. Your passion will carry through and you’ll be less likely to be nervous or get tongue-tied. Make sure to collect business cards or to have attendees sign in so you can connect with them on social media and continue the relationship building.
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Volunteer in the Community
Look for groups or charities that are relevant to your experience, but don’t go in thinking you need to change everything. Building relationships should be a positive experience, so offer your guidance and input when asked. Otherwise, enjoy conversing with other volunteers, board members, and administrative personnel, all of whom hold the possibility of referring you to their family, friends, or other networking contacts.
Are you networking in person, either in-person or online? Please leave a comment and let me know!
Very good advice, Paul. Though I don’t have a business or in the workforce anymore, tips on building relationships are useful. I still have passions that I want to promote – like climate change and saving our planet.
You will ALWAYS need relationships regardless of what you do… Yes! I agree, Lily!
You have focused on a the minor points which enhance the repo of the business.
Sometimes it is the little things that matter!