5 Face-to-Face Networking Secrets
Hello there, I hope you had a great weekend. I’m still recovering from the holidays. Too much eggnog, cookies, and cranberry sauce. Too much time with uncle Buck. But you know what, I had a really good time.
I don’t always get to see my family. They live far apart so it’s really a special occasion when everyone gets together. It also made me a little nostalgic for the old days of networking face-to-face. The human touch we seem to lose online.
No, I didn’t try to recruit Uncle Buck or Cousin Ted.
I don’t think you should push what you do on anybody. But I did think about all those seminars I used to attend to meet people. Networking at the local chamber of commerce. Volunteering my skills to local non-profits. And so on.
I remember how hard it was to get out there and meet people. So I thought I would share a few face-to-face networking tips I picked up over the years.
5 Networking Tips For The Real World – By Jason Better
• Authentic You. I’m gonna risk being tacky by saying you should “be yourself” but I think this is even more important these days than ever. Before you buy a suit and tie and shine your shoes, I think you should take a look in the mirror. You’ll sell more by being yourself than you ever will by polishing your shoes.
• A Pack Of Cards. If you’re the type of person who enjoys meeting people then don’t overlook business cards. Take cards out with you every time you leave your home. But don’t push them on anybody. If your market is business professionals then ask for their cards instead. Some will ask for yours too.
• Keep In Touch. You don’t have to go out to meet new people. They’re sitting right there in your e-mail inbox or call history. So write more notes. Call a friend. Get out there and take a special interest in people. They’ll love you for it as long as you don’t shove your opportunity down their throat.
• Play The Odds. Success in marketing is a numbers game. The more people you meet the more people you’ll introduce to your products or opportunity. The more sales you’ll make and the more recruiting you’ll do. Sure, some won’t be interested, but over time you’ll refine your approach. You’ll get better at bringing people into the fold.
But first, you need to get out that door!
• Volunteer Value. I’m not talking about volunteering at your local soup kitchen unless that’s your thing. But you would be surprised by how fast you’ll build your social network if you get out there and volunteer your professional skills.
For instance, If you’re a talented writer then you could offer to write articles for a local charity. Search engine experts will find that local businesses are often willing to listen to their advice. Bloggers will often find they know more about internet marketing than the average business owner. They have a real asset worth real money.
You’re Smarter Than You Think…
Don’t forget that you’ve been building skills that the average person doesn’t have. Skills that could really help other business owners out. Blogging, SEO, copywriting, and more.
The more you give, the more you’ll get in return.
Facing Your Fears
I’m not saying you should build your entire business offline but I think a lot of people are missing out big time by hiding behind their computers. If anything the experience you’ll get offline will help you market online too.
Share Your Networking Tips Today
If you would like, you could share one of your own networking tips today. It’s as easy as leaving a comment below and I’ll get back to you a.s.a.p. I’m constantly amazed by some of the tips you guys share. 
To your success,
Jason The “Better Networker”
The Jason Better Blog
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10 Comments
Mitcehll Dillman on December 28th, 2009
Morning Jason,
Seems like lately the ‘belly-to-belly’ market is quickly coming back into view for many…
Don’t know if it’s all the Google slaps or what, but you’re not the first to be addressing this important segment of our markets lately.
I’ve recently seen several top companies coming out with new DVD’s and marketing tools designed specifically for this endeavor.
In my experience, and, like you, not to be tacky, “attitude is everything”…I think folks really respond to someone with a happy and positive mental attitude and outlook, a genuine zest for life.
Thanks for these helpful thoughts.
Mitchell Dillman
[Reply]
December 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Mornin’ Mitchell,
You’re right on. The big names are definitely
looking at the “belly-to-belly” market.
It’s interesting to watch. Almost like things
are coming full circle.
I think this time around though we’ll be seeing
a lot more technology even person to person.
With cell phones starting to interact with other cell phones
and the environment who really knows what the
future will hold for us?
Wish I had a time machine. I’m excited already!
[Reply]
Susan Young on December 28th, 2009
Hi Jason,
Great list, especially “Get out the door”–I always remind myself no one is going to come knocking on my door- I need to find them! And of course the most important point you make is “The more you give the more you’ll get in return.” Amen! Thanks for sharing.
Susan
[Reply]
December 28th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Hey Susan,
I think we could all get out the door more
often.
Not only to meet new people and grow
our businesses but protect ourselves from early
onset tendonitis!
Oh my, how things have changed over the
years.
Thanks for stopping by.
[Reply]
Peter on December 28th, 2009
Jason,
I can feel it building and gaining momentum. Every day we are getting closer to THE PERFECT STORM where online meets offline with explosive results!
[Reply]
December 28th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Evening Peter,
For sure. There’s no doubt
in my mind that the future of
marketing is where the offline
world collides with the internet.
There’s even technology now that
lets you leave location specific
text messages. Really cool.
[Reply]
Derek Alvarez on December 30th, 2009
Hi Jason,
I love the way you simplify things and make them easily understood!
Anyway, my wife and I have been mixing both offline and online and I think it’s great. There’s nothing like meeting people face-to-face.
What we’ve found is that we can meet with other Networkers and small business owners where we live and they will pay us for our internet marketing knowledge.
We’ve made some great connections this way and we’ve gotten some nice business through word-of-mouth.
We’ve made some great connections online, too — it’s just nice to have both.
[Reply]
December 30th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Good day Derek,
You know I’ve talked to a lot
of business owners and the one
thing that always seems to pop
up with the small ones that keep open
is “word of mouth”.
It’s crazy how some businesses do no
other advertising at all. I have to agree.
It’s nice to have both.
[Reply]
Jason, Once again you hit the nail on the head! While internet marketing is important and very popular,it seem’s people forget about the face to face opportunities.
I always have busniess cards, catalogs, and samples in my purse. I strike up a conversation with strangers everywhere I go. Not pushing the business, just listening to what they have to say. People are interesting and like to talk about themselves.
Hey, don’t forget about advertising on local business forums in your hometown too. Ours has a blog within it and one of my blogs made the monthly newsletter.
Have A Great Day!
Twila Jacobs
[Reply]
December 28th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Good day Twila,
Awesome suggestions. I think a lot of
people overlook the power of local
media.
They spend so many hours looking at
the world that they miss out on cheap
or even free advertising locally.
Nice.
Have a great day Twila.
[Reply]