Networking To Build Relationships In These Ever Changing Times!

I have been in the world of business professional networking for over twenty years and there has never been a better time to reach out and expand your network like there is now with the changing business dynamics.  With the recent transition to more of an online networking world, I have noticed that I am able to attend more events, reach out to my connections to see how I can help.  I have also build some new business relationships with some amazing people and I look forward to continuing to strengthen my professional relationship with my network. I wanted to write this blog to provide some additional ways for you to build relationships with your new connections and rekindle the relationships with your older connection.

The hardest part of networking is the follow-up. You go to an event, meet some great people, connect to them on LinkedIn and then they go away. That happens 75% of the time. The other times, you may have a follow-up meeting, provide each other a pitch of what you both need and sometimes there is a continued dialogue after that.  Over time, you lose touch with some of your older connections.  Life happens and it is hard, since networking is a full-time job, right?

Believe it or not, there are more creative ways to stay in touch and support each other during these busy times.  I have a few ideas that I like to provide in the next few paragraphs that I hope will help you maintain a successful professional network.

1) Create your own networking community - Online groups of people with common interest is a great way to build your network and get to know more like minded people. Keep your group limited in size so you can really get to know them.

2) Recommend them on LinkedIn - Most professionals have profiles on LinkedIn. Show some love by sending their trusted confidants a glowing recommendation and share it!

3) Give Referrals - If you participate in online communities like Meetup or networking sites such as Alignable, you know people are always looking for referrals.  Keep your contacts at top of mind and refer them in the online groups.

4) Collaborate - Now is the time to work together and create projects requiring collaboration such as online Zoom event, blogs or joint podcasts.

5) Host your own Online or In-Person Event - We love to help you get started. One idea is to create a panel of experts you want to build relationships with. You are actually doing them a big favor by promoting them as an expert and exposing them to your audience.  An example is our Sponsorship Program with Mass Professional Networking.

6) Be a Guest at Someone Else's Event, Blog or Podcast - Offer your services as an expert guest on a podcast or webinar.  You would build a strong relationship with not only the hosts but expand your network to include the attendees. In terms of blogs, offer a business some content to help their customers and business.

7) Feature Your Connection on Your Company Newsletter - If you have a company newsletter or blog, save some space for your favorite clients and partners.  Here you can talk about their services, add their logo, and link to their website.

8)  Engage on Social Media - Take the time to engage with your connections on social media.  Comment on their posts, like and share their content. Engagement keeps content relevant and keeps them and you at the top of the feed.

9) Write Online Reviews about Your Connection's Business - Reviewing your clients and contacts helps promote their business and shows them you really care enough to contribute, and it is likely they will reciprocate and provide a positive review of you or your business.

Hopefully, some of these ideas with help you have more engaging networking relationships and the networking itself would be fun and engaging!  If you like to connect, please do. I would like to hear how you are doing!