We often discuss networking strategies around the 4ward Marketing Group office. After all, having a strong network of allies is one of the most important aspects of sustained success. Here are a few simple but effective connecting techniques we use to build our contact lists and advance our careers.
Offering value before asking for any type of assistance is one element of good networking. Of course, this doesn’t have to be anything major; even a book suggestion or link to an interesting article is enough to make a strong impression. A simple act of generosity can lay the groundwork for a fruitful connection.
We’re also careful to focus on quality rather than quantity when we attend a big industry function. Collecting a bunch of business cards is all well and good, but you need to have engaging discussions if you expect to forge real alliances. We try to make a handful of meaningful connections at each networking event. We then follow up shortly thereafter to stay fresh in their minds.
Speaking of following up, we also make notes on the business cards we collect right after every 4ward Marketing Group networking discussion. This allows us to include a few specific details in our messages so that our new contacts remember us.
These simple strategies are helping us make more productive connections.
