Marketing Fitness Challenge #11
The Networking Win-Win
Huddle up, team! It’s time for our 11th Marketing Fitness Challenge—a series of industry tips and tricks to whip your brand into the best shape of its life. This month, we took a page out of the playbook of our fearless leader and “coach,” Diane Devaney, to share with you the top five things you need to know about networking as a marketing tool.
#1 Game-Winning Approach
Networking has the power to make or break your business. People need to hear about your company to establish brand recognition and trust, and networking is an excellent opportunity to get your name out there! It doesn’t matter if you’re recruiting, selling, raising money, or just trying to grow your connections, you can create new possibilities when you network.
#2 Rallying the Crowd
The key to establishing a solid rapport is to understand the crowd that will be at the event you’re attending. When looking for the most valuable networking events it’s important to keep in mind the characteristics of your job, the areas you cover, and your interests and values. It’s easy to get acquainted with someone when you have something in common, so it’s always a good idea to look for events geared towards your industry (see tip #5!).
#3 Don’t Be Afraid to Sit the Bench
Keep in mind that some of the best contacts are made by being a good listener. You don’t have to be on the floor promoting your business in every conversation you have—sometimes it can work in your favor to sit back and be a good connector to help others succeed. When you take the time to introduce people instead of pushing your own agenda it shows that you also have your clients’, partners’, and employees’ best interests at heart. Plus, a potential partnership or referral could come out of it in the future!
#4 Training New Recruits
One of the best ways to grow leadership experience and refine your team’s skills is by encouraging them to attend more in-person industry events. Bring them with you to your next board meeting or committee happy hour and let them see how effective networking can be. It’s healthy to step outside the office and meet new people, and it shows your team that you see their potential and are invested in them.
#5 Team Work Makes the Dream Work
Attending industry events may seem like you’re fraternizing with the competition (hey—it’s a bunch of similar businesses all in the same room), but it doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, use it as a chance to save time and resources, spark new ideas, or discuss different approaches to solve issues in your industry.
Need a Push in the Right Connection Direction?
The Devaney & Associates team can help you become a #1 networker—schedule a one-on-one call with our head coach, Diane Devaney!
Check Out Our Other Marketing Fitness Challenges
