Event Launch Strategies

Networking results in sales and deals and is therefore important for all businesses. Most of us are so tied up running our businesses that we hardly take the time out for professional networking. The good thing is that even a few minutes every day for online networking can go a long way.

First of all, make a mental distinction between the two types of network groups:

* Your peers, colleagues, like-minded folks, could-be partners, vendors, industry authorities’ etc.

* Your potential clients, potential customers, potential audiences.

* There are many things that you can do to network;

1- LinkedIn.com is great for staying in touch with your professional networks and to share business advice. It’s a social networking site where you can manage your contacts and find other relevant people to connect to. You can choose who to add to your network and have intellectual discussions over the platform. Just like in real life, you can meet people that your friends know (second degree connections). The power of this community is great, because you can find a lot of business opportunities there.

Make a good profile for yourself and add connections to increase your visibility. Add links to your website or blogs so that you can redirect traffic to you through your LinkedIn profile page.

2- Create a following online. Networking is all about being in touch with your contacts on a regular basis. If you choose to follow relevant people on their micro blogs, blogs and sites; chances are that a good percentage of them will follow you in return based on internet etiquettes. So, choose your contacts wisely. I follow people in the event and social media space because that’s what I do.

3- Correspond regularly with your contacts through comments on their blogs, walls, Skype phone calls, email or other online mediums. You can set up reminders for emailing or sending cards if you have a busy schedule, so that you don’t forget about one of your biggest assets - your network…

This post has been included in our “Event Launch Guidelines” training program. Click for more information.

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