“No man is an island.”
~John Donne
And no business is either.
No clients and transactions can start without first doing some networking.
Networking opens up your business to connect with other businesses and like-minded people. It creates a connection and when done in an authentic and purposeful way can bear much fruit. Networking shows you are open to working with others and helps put your name and brand out there. It doesn’t matter if you talk to someone who isn’t ready to sign up with you, they may know someone who knows someone who needs your services.
I would say that networking needs to be one of the highest priorities to have within your business, amongst keeping on top of your existing client projects.
Where/How can we network?
LinkedIn is a great way to connect with and create relationships with other professionals, whether that is within your industry or other industries! You never know who is looking for someone with your particular product or service!
Facebook has a myriad of groups that offer communities of like-minded people. Not only can you connect with others and create accountability but there are always people posting job opportunities for specific projects. Who knows what may be a good fit for you? (the only con about this is that there is always a lot of people competing and pitching towards these job opportunities – make yourself stand out!).
Consistently promoting yourself on Twitter and Instagram can help procure interest for your services and business. The potential reach of either is massive as you can reach people worldwide.
What it looks like for me
I perhaps dedicate three of my five days out of the week to purely just networking. Whether that is sourcing working opportunities through Facebook, striking up useful conversations through LinkedIn, or cold e-mailing and keeping leads warm. Leads usually forget conversations they’ve had with businesses they want to work with. You’ve got to keep persistent and make sure that they remember you!
It’s all about who you know and who they serve. Someone’s audience could need your services. Right now, I am partnering with many different business owners, who are not in my field. I’ve been getting constant referrals (and direct enquiries). I have been letting these people talk me up and in essence be my “brand ambassador”. It works.
Closing thoughts
Lately, it’s been working really well and the effort and energy I have put into connecting with people and genuinely striking up conversations, whilst putting myself forward … they are going full circle and proving to be positive.
You never know who you will meet or talk to who might have a need that your service can provide. It only takes one to increase your current client list exponentially.
What do you think?
Do you think networking is important or do you favour other ways of getting your name out there?
Let me know what marketing methods you use to get clients!
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Thanks!
Wonderfully Mei Designs 
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