Tag: business networking

Networking for Introverts: Practicing the “Loose Touch”

We often hear about the importance of networking and it’s tough to challenge that notion. Networking is a great way to make new connections that can lead to job offers or other professional connections. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, networking is especially important, because simply generating awareness of your organization can be difficult without meeting people in person and building personal connections. Continue reading “Networking for Introverts: Practicing the “Loose Touch””

Are You Wasting Your Time at Networking Events?

In a recent Entrepreneur article, John Rampton explains to readers “Why You Should Stop Wasting Your Time on Networking Events.” In the piece, Rampton writes, “If people will be there that have great ideas and energy to share, I’m game. But attending an event just to hand out business cards and get a stack in return with the hopes of landing a new client or important connection is not for me.” Continue reading “Are You Wasting Your Time at Networking Events?”

Avoiding the Top 3 Networking Blunders

Hiring marketing or content marketing talent?Networking is an important activity in any industry. The term has many definitions depending on who you talk to, but in a broad sense you can think of it as just getting to know people in your industry. It’s surprising how many employment, mentorship, sales and partnership opportunities come about just by tapping into who you know and who you’ve met through networking activities.

Unfortunately, we don’t always leverage those relationships to best advantage. Continue reading “Avoiding the Top 3 Networking Blunders”

Networking in the Digital Age

It simply can’t be overstated just how important networking is for business professionals. But, in an increasingly online world, the game has changed significantly from the days of handing out business cards at cocktail parties. Here we explore the concept of online business marketing. Continue reading “Networking in the Digital Age”

Tips for Business Networking: Online and Off

networking, business networking, effective networking, business development, developing new businessWe talk a lot about the value of online marketing and analytics for growing your business. These are crucial tools; however, it’s also important to keep in mind that business is also very personal. While outreach through the internet is certainly a must, knowing how to effectively network on a more personal level is critical. This is especially true for larger customers, business-to-business relationships and engaging with key influencers. The same is true for executives in larger organizations. As reported in Fast Company, “A recent study of 6,000 executives at 3,000 companies in the U.S. and Europe found that executives with 50% more professional contacts above the average, had a salary 3.5% or $15,000 higher than their less gregarious/friendly/sociable colleagues.”

So how can you network online, and off, in a way that’s designed to build value—and relationships? Continue reading “Tips for Business Networking: Online and Off”