In the online world it is easy to sneak around the edges, learning, unobserved.
Business networking is high touch — and that means participation. These guidelines insure your networking success.
1. Join Three Different Types of Business Networking Associations:
- Maximize your networking time by participating in one weekly and two monthly groups.
- Plan to benefit in different ways from each of them: industry education, business referrals, community involvement, social recreation, personal growth and public relations are distinct and valid reasons for participation.
2. Be an Officer or Active Committee Member:
It is possible to join and still lurk. Insure your networking success by serving in a visible position. You benefit when you show other Members you are a reliable and responsible participant.
3. Show Lurkers how to Network:
You know how difficult it can be to join a group in-progress. Often, that is why we lurk. It can be your mission to make it easier for those who come in after you.
- Invite them to serve on your committee,
- Introduce them to each other,
- Share a podcast,
- Schedule a 3-way lunch,
- Hook them up with a prospective client,
- Subscribe to their newsletter,
- Pass on information,
- Invite them to be your guest at another networking meeting.
Make a name for yourself: Networker.
Do good … Network … Make Money
~ W!