Effective Business Networking (read: a REAL networking plan)
While I have a very diverse marketing acumen, I do struggle with networking. So what is the best way to overcome a lacking skill? Answer: jump right in and figure it out. Or, as Tim Gunn would say, “make it work“.
In late 2007, I jumped into the Portland, Oregon networking pool and received mixed results. I want to save these results/insights for another post. But, in the meantime, I wanted to share with you the most effective advice procured: how to build an initial networking circle.
The initial networking circle is so simple, here are the short Sprite Marketing notes:
1) Grab a pen, paper or TextEdit and determine 10 industries that associate with your business. For me that includes: programmers, accountants, general business consultants and ect.
2) Once you have determined these industries, branch out and determine 10 individuals within each group.
3) You now have 100 potential partner relationships. Send them an email, stop by their shop or give them a call. Have a relaxed conversation on how you can help each other. You may decide to set up a commission partnership or just a plain ol’ referral network.
Extra Tip: Don’t be afraid to include your own industry! I have had great success handling extra work from other marketing firms. You never know when your competitor will have overflow.
Cheers!
