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tiffany@tiffanycoxdesign.comHow to Network Effectively Online
12 . 28 . 2020
If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that the need for human connection is more important than ever. So when we aren’t able to network in person like we are used to, how can we still create that human connection online? Let’s explore some tried and true methods to teach you how to network online and create a lasting impression even if you can’t meet in person.
Most of us are familiar with Facebook groups, even if you haven’t joined one I’m sure you’ve been invited to join one. Facebook groups are a fantastic way to find potential clients and to network with people who might be power partners for your business.
Facebook offers groups with so many different demographics and topics you’ll more than likely find many groups that match what you’re looking for. For example, if you own a company that sells products for children, it would make sense to start networking in mom groups on Facebook.
BEWARE! Most of the groups on Facebook have rules that the administrator has put in place to keep people from being too salesy or inappropriate. Check EVERY group’s rules before posting your content. Keep your content informative so you don’t appear too salesy and make sure to interact with other people’s posts. There is nothing worse than having group members that post often without interacting with others. It could even get you kicked out of the group if you’re not careful.
Another fantastic way to start to build a community on Facebook is to create your own group! Make sure your group has a clear purpose and a catchy name. Also don’t invite everyone to your group, make sure to invite only the friends you have that are relevant to what your group is about.
PRO TIP: when creating your group you can create sign up questions. Ask for an email (and state why you are asking for email) so you can start to build your email list as well as fill your group.
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful social networks for B2B businesses. Not only can you post compelling relevant content to your current connections you can also start to connect and network with potential clients using LinkedIn’s People Search option.
This search option makes it so easy to find the right people to connect with, whether that’s power partners or potential clients. For example, I work with small business owners. When searching on LinkedIn I can put in my geographic location and keywords for their title. I would use something like “Owner” or “CEO” to find the person who might own a business and that may want to work with me.
Once you do your initial search it will be important to get to know these people one-on-one. The first step will be to make sure that person is the right fit. For example, if I connect with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company they may think I’m wasting their time because I only work with small businesses. Click on their profile to make sure they are the right fit before making the connection.
Once you’ve found the perfect fit it’s time to connect. When you connect with people make sure to include a relevant message. See my example below.
Dear [First Name],
I came across your LinkedIn profile and thought you might be the perfect person to add to my network! I love to connect with and get to know other amazing business owners such as yourself and I’d love to get to know you.
Thank you,
Tiffany Cox
If that person then accepts your request it’s time to GET THEM ON THE PHONE (or Zoom). Once they accept send them another message thanking them for the connection and offering to get on a Zoom or phone call to get to know them. I always include a calendar link as well so it’s easy for them to pick a date and time that works for them.
PRO TIP: don’t sell your services right away, not only is it offputting but it totally defeats the purpose of networking. This person may or may not be a good fit as a client so get them on the phone first before talking too much about yourself. The whole point of networking is to get to know THEM so you can either help them or they can be an awesome referral partner for you. You always want to put others first so you can build a strong relationship.
Ah Zoom, I apologize in advance because I’m sure you are pretty sick of Zoom at this point. But once you learn to embrace Zoom networking you’ll start to reap the rewards and that is ultimately what you’re doing it for right?
First, let’s talk about appearance. I’m sure you’re guilty of the Zoom Mermaid (business on top, PJs on bottom) I admit it, I have done this but let’s be honest, we behave differently depending on how we are dressed. We feel more confident wearing a good blazer or suit so when we are at home on zoom we need to remember how clothes can translate into our confidence. So as much as I LOVE the Zoom Mermaid we need to refrain from dressing this way.
Let’s also talk about personality, I’ve noticed that most people don’t seem as friendly or approachable on Zoom as they do in person. Most of us are uncomfortable seeing ourselves on camera and tend to forget our faces when we’re looking at a screen. Remember to SMILE! Even if it feels a little awkward, look straight into the camera lens, and make sure to smile. Trust me it feels like an overkill but when you’re in person you look right into people’s eyes and smile more often without even realizing it. Looking into the camera and smiling just mimics your “normal” in-person behavior.
PRO TIP: Hide your own camera view so you can focus just on the person you’re talking to and not how “weird” you look.
Finally, let’s talk about the presentation. Some of the zoom networking I’ve done let’s me introduce myself, which is fantastic! I usually get the most return from these. But some don’t let you introduce yourself. With these, I like to go ahead and put my contact information in the chat. I start with something like “I’m so excited to see everyone” and then make sure to include what I do “Full-Service Marketing for Small Businesses”. A lot of times when I do this I get people who want to chat with me more about my services. So it’s kind of like an introduction even if they don’t let you introduce yourself on camera.
One of the worst things business owners do is forget to follow up. I know I’m super guilty of this! Once you get someone on a call it’s very important to say thank you! This all drives into what we call Relationship Marketing. Send them a follow-up thank you card in the mail. You’ll be super surprised how grateful people are to receive something in the mail that isn’t a bill or junk. I like to use this in all aspects of my business so when I get a new client I always welcome them to “the family” with a nice card. I also send yearly thank you gifts and appreciate my clients in as many ways as I can. This always leads to a greater sales close rate, an increased client retention rate, and of course a greater referral rate!
I hope you found these tips helpful in your online marketing efforts! And of course, I’d like to get to know you more. Feel free to click on the button below and schedule a FREE discovery call with me so we can help you take your business to the next level.
