Putting in Face Time: How to Leverage Face-to-Face Networking to Make Connections and Drive Profits

Putting in Face Time: How to Leverage Face-to-Face Networking to Make

Connections and Drive ProfitsPresented by Audience Matters, Inc.

When You Audience Matters, Your Message Matters.

Audience-Driven, Social Web Branding Strategy(404) 913-3340

[email protected]

© 2012. Audience Matters Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved

http://www.myaudiencematters.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Who Am I and What Do I Know About Face-to-Face Networking?

I’m Dahna M. Chandler, a professional social media, digital publicity and content development strategist.

I am an award-winning, serial entrepreneur and journalist and former reporter for Black Enterprise magazine.

I networked my way into getting clients including major nonprofit and government agencies , consultants, physicians, law firms, staffing agencies, elected officials and candidates for public office.

I’ve been networking my entire life, professionally since I was a teen working for my father, Dana C. Chandler, Jr., a world-renowned visual artist who networked his way to fame.

I’m passionate meeting and connecting others. Passion counts!

© 2012. Audience Matters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In This Presentation, You’ll Learn…

What networking is, generally. What constitutes face-to-face networking. Why it’s still important to network face-to-face. The importance of making face time part of your

overall marketing strategy. Some places where you can find appropriate

networking events. Some basics on networking effectively. How to leverage social media for face-to-face

networking.

© 2012. Audience Matters, Inc. All Rights Reserved

So, what is networking, generally?


It’s connecting with others in a way that you intentionally and ultimately build mutually beneficial relationships.

Again, networking is….

“the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, support and access in such a way as to create mutually beneficial relationships for personal and professional success.”

From Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-How for Cash, Clients, and Career Success by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon


Activities that get you before at least one other person to have a conversation are networking.

They don’t have to be professional activities to be networking. You can network anywhere there are people. That means, if you’re in your regular grocery store talking to the

cashier or other customers, you’re networking. Talking across your fence with a neighbor can be networking. Riding up with colleagues or coworkers in the elevator can be

networking. Participating in sporting events or similar activities can be

networking.

What constitutes face time or networking?


So, RELAX! If you’re talking to someone else in a relational way, you’re probably networking!


“All of life is about networking with others.” George Fraser

But why is face-to-face networking still important?

Because it’s still how you get people to really know like and trust you.

Because it’s how you build the relationships which are most mutually beneficial.

Because you’ll make more solid and lasting connections than you do virtual networking.

Because people are more likely to buy from you if they’ve met you.

Because it’s the way people determine if you’re a fit for them, their organization, their business, their brand image.

Because you develop support systems and resources before you need them.

Because in some places, like the south, it’s still an important part of the culture.


Because, frankly, face-to-face networking is the world’s original social networking…


…and if you don’t do it regularly, effectively and strategically, you won’t build the relationships that are critical for business development.

In fact, effective networking in business is key to profitability.


When the effort you make creates the professional and personal outcomes you seek.

When it attracts to opportunities and introductions you that you weren’t necessarily seeking but you wouldn’t have otherwise had.

When you provide others with help, connections and information they would not have otherwise received but they won’t likely forget.

When it builds community and constituency around important issues. When it raises your profile, builds your brand, creates quality

relationships. When you start to become a source of positive conversation in your

communities, professional and social circles of interest. When business starts coming to you because you’re known, trusted, liked

and respected—your presence and input are valued.

So, when is effective face-to-face networking effective?


So, how do you network effectively?


Photo: Marco Belluci

Strategies for Networking Effectively


Have a plan for business networking. What do I want to gain from my deliberate networking activities?

Make networking a way of life—professional and personal—don’t only network when you want or need something.

Be a go giver, not just a go getter. Contribute…don’t just distribute your business cards.

Offer to help someone before asking for something. Be authentic, open and personable. Learn etiquette, protocols. Eye contact, handshake, speech—

all are important. Take courses, read books if necessary.

Strategies for Networking Effectively


Be aware of your presentation, your image. Dress and act appropriately for the occasion and situation. Don’t focus on sales, focus on developing relationships. Get involved in the networking group or activity. Volunteer to

help, contribute your knowledge, expertise. Network outside your comfort zone, stretch yourself. Be consistent, dependable when you join groups. Follow up, follow up, follow up. Keep in touch; send articles, birthday wishes, etc.

Some Places to Find Appropriate Networking Events

AccessAtlanta.com AllConferences.com Atlanta.eventguide.com Atlantaevent.com Atlanta.Kijiji.com (E-Bay) AtlantaBuzz.com AtlantaCalendarLive.com Craigslist.com Eventful.com Eventbrite.com Facebook.com LinkedIn.com Localendar.com Meetup.com


Some Places to Find Appropriate Networking Events

Local Chambers Professional Organizations Industry Trade Associations Fraternal Organizations Fraternities/Sororities Churches Affinity Groups Hobby or Interest Groups Alumni Groups Friends, Family, Colleagues Nonprofit, Volunteer and Government Organizations Neighborhood Groups and Associations News Media Social Media


Leveraging Social Media for Offline Networking Opportunties


Use social media specifically to develop relationships then plan to meet offline.

Look for groups like LinkedIN LinkedUP THINKTANK to join. Start or participate in a TweetUP (an event where people

connected on Twitter meet offline, in person). Don’t forget listservs, forums, online chats, bulletin boards. Don’t be afraid to go global and use sites like Internations.org

or Ecademy to start developing global business relationships. Find niche or interest specific sites on Ning and other

platforms that allow you to create your own social networks.

Networking is a Skill You Can Learn and Master


“Effective networking skills are simply effective relationship-building skills. Some of these skills you already have; the rest you can not only learn but master until networking becomes practically second nature.” Dahna M. Chandler, Minority MBA Magazine, Fall, 2004

If you want to be successful in business and even in your personal life, you gotta put in…

So, the Bottom Line is Still the Bottom Line


…face time.

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Putting in Face Time: How to Leverage Face-to-Face Networking to Make Connections and Drive Profits

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Transcript of Putting in Face Time: How to Leverage Face-to-Face Networking to Make Connections and Drive Profits