A smart social media strategy adds networking in-person to build your community and find your ideal client.
Networking Groups
- Referral-based groups
- Chambers
- Local interest
- Special Interest
From my own personal experience, I have also found that the vibe of an individual chapter of a larger networking group can be quite different! If you have the opportunity, test out a few before making a yearly commitment. Ask others their opinion on the group.
You also will want to find a group that works within your budget and time limitations. Evaluate your commute time to and from the event, down time out of the office and fees involved. While a low yearly fee might sound reasonable, a large time commitment means that in order to “break even” from attending you need to make up your hourly rate of time lost.
Social & Community Groups
Don’t underestimate the value of these social connections! Political, sports, community service, religious, book clubs or purely for fun…it’s all all about making connections! The other advantage is that your social connections already “know, like and trust you”, which is the key to a ideal connection. You may consider including information about these groups in your profile.
Alumni Groups
Your alumni network from your College, University, Fraternity or Sorority can be a gold mine of connections. Connect with people through social and networking activities, lifelong learning and continuing education, and outreach to students/young alumni. Consider asking your school if you are looking to branch out or expand your team with a new employee or intern. LinkedIn and Facebook are full of special interest alumni groups, so don’t forget to connect, and include these keywords in your profiles. Large corporations also may have a group. For example, P&G has a special website and LinkedIn group that connects people globally and participates in philanthropic activities.
Special Events
Events can be a great way to quickly make new contacts and test out a new networking group! Social Networking can be used to promote, find out about new events, and even see who is attending. Try to make contact with a new prospect BEFORE the event… it’s a great ice breaker and will make you stand out!
- Conferences, seminars, Speaking Engagements
- Mixers / Open Houses
- Organized by others or your business
- Discover new, real life events to attend & promote your events
- Use local calendars, such as Craigslist for your city
- Use the events features of Facebook and LinkedIn
- Search for “Tweetups” – events organized by Tweetup
- Discover new, real life events to attend & promote your events
- Use local calendars, such as Craigslist for your city
- Use the events features of Facebook and LinkedIn
- Search for “Tweetups” – events organized by Tweetup
Social Networking Sites
Social networking online is NOT a replacement for in-person networking. However, it can greatly streamline the process. For every connection you make in real life, have you considered connecting with them online? Ways include:
- Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube
- Specialty sites (Meetup, Groupsites, Ning)
- Sub-groups on Social Networking sites
Start Your Own!
One of the best ways to meet people is to create your own group or event! Consider partnering up with strategic connections and leveraging your networks. The benefit is that YOU can define the vibe to best fit your business goals.
About Virtuallinda (Linda Schenk)
