Kickstart Your Blog: Network Like a Blogger
I am a people person. I like going to meetups and networking events, and talking about business. I like hearing about what other people are doing, as well as the latest trends that are making the rounds.
Even though attending an event IRL (in real life) means that I have to give up my Pajamas and put on some makeup, the trade-off is that I will meet interesting people and get inspired by the ideas that are shared. I love my solo time working in yoga pants without makeup, but “No man is an island”!
As a blogger with access to online tools, you can supersize your networking game by doing a little homework. With some extra thought and planning, you can maximize your time at networking events, and get inspiration for your blog.
Why Are Attending Networking Events Helpful?
- Events get you out the house, and out of your head, and out of your comfort zone
- Meeting new people opens up your social networks
- You get inspired with new ideas for your blog and your business
- Photo opportunities (Duh!)
- Some people you meet can become friends, mentors, and business referrals
- If you regularly interview people for your blog, podcast, video, etc, you’ll meet new interview subjects all the time.
- Folks who attend networking events are often “movers and shakers”, so I already know that I want to stay in touch with the die-hards who schmoozed with Kimra til midnight!
Networking for Fun & Profit
For the past few months an online marketer named Kimra Luna has been on my radar. When crunching the numbers for my online business during my FastTrac entrepreneurial class, I was excited to project $100,000 revenue by the end of Year 2. Even though the revenue numbers seemed impossible to folks outside the online marketing world, I considered my projections on the conservative side, and was prepared to defend my financial projections in my final presentation.
But when I learned that Kimra had an online business launch that made $750,000 IN HER FIRST YEAR, I had to know more. Because inquiring minds want to know! After joining her Freedom Hackers Facebook group of over 20,000 members, I learned that the blue-haired 29 year-old moved her family of 5 to New York City.
New York City??? That’s where I live!!!
Long story short, when Kimra asked if anyone was up for a holiday meetup in NYC, I signed up immediately, and then cleared my schedule for the night. Of course, I had an awesome night, and here are some of my favorite networking tips.
Networking Do’s & Don’ts
- BEFORE: If the invite is on Facebook or any social media-friendly site, check the guest list.
See who else will be attending the event so you can plan your time. - BEFORE: If there is someone on the list who looks interesting, check out their blog and social media feeds.
You may be able to get a feel for the person, and what they’re looking to accomplish. - DURING: Get to the event as early as possible.
Some people may have to leave before you do, so don’t wait. - DURING: Don’t spend all your time at the food and drink table, even if it’s free 🙂
UNLESS, there are great conversations going on at the food table. Eat something before you arrive, so you’re not distracted over the pigs in a blanket appetizers. - DURING: Don’t spend all your time with people hanging out you already know.
Again, you can socialize with friends on your own time. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know. - DURING: Be a good LISTENER.
Find out what other people are looking to accomplish, and see if you can help them with it. - DURING: Exchange contact info during your individual conversations.
If you have a business card, give it away. Or exchange phone numbers on your cell phones. If someone gives you a business card, make a note on the back of what they looked like, what you spoke about, or anything else that will remind you later. - DURING: NEVER tell someone to Google you in order to reach you.
At a networking event, people meet a lot of people, and it’s arrogant to assume that people will remember you, your name, or your business after meeting lots of new faces and names. Give them a business card, get their email address, but don’t leave it up to someone else’s memory! - DURING: Before leaving, get selfies and group shots
As I tell students in my social media workshops: “Get pics, or it didn’t happen. Get pics of yourself, or you weren’t there! - AFTER: Send thank yous
Send thank you notes, emails, or texts to the people you met, and want to meet again. - AFTER: Send Facebook requests to your new friends
Stay in touch with them. - AFTER: Follow up with your new friends
Keep up with them and their activities. - Rinse and repeat!
If you’re ready to Kickstart Your Blog in 2016, Pajama Affiliates, is extending the sale of its Amazon Blogging Masterclass until this Christmas, December 25, 2015!!!
