Being active within a chamber of commerce or other networking group is an excellent way to build your business; however, it does take a lot of time. I know this because Gossett Marketing is a trustee member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and we’ve gotten to know other members by attending networking events, Danette sits on several committees, and we have even sponsored an awards luncheon. Our commitment to the Chamber has helped us expand our network, which, in turn, has garnered us both new business and referrals from our fellow members.
Obviously we make our membership in the Chamber a priority and that has paid off for us, but what if it isn’t your “thing,” you don’t have the time, or you live somewhere without a strong chamber of commerce? Do you just forgo networking? No way! You just have to go about it differently – namely, you need to make a presence for yourself online.
I’m on LinkedIn, our company is on Facebook, and I obviously blog, but to me the best way to meet people online is through Twitter. You see, the business people who are on Twitter are there for a purpose: just like you, they want to network. That being said, you have to approach Twitter like a giant, 24/7 networking event.
Much like walking into an event where you don’t know a single person, it can feel a little bit daunting to reach out to those people who “arrived” at Twitter before you; however, I’ve found that the people with the biggest followings are often the most engaging. Take Robert Caruso (@fondalo @bundlepost) of BundlePost.com. He is literally a Twitter pro – his company provides a social content management system that automates your social media activity – he has over 10,000 followers, and he’s a genuinely nice guy! Danette re-tweeted one of his posts months ago and he took the time to thank her for doing so. She was flattered that such an established Twitter person would talk to her, so she responded back to him and, lo and behold, they started chatting regularly! I know that there are some big-time tweeters who have rejected us in the past, but, to be perfectly honest with you, it doesn’t hurt so much when it’s online. Plus, for every jerk out there, there is a genuinely helpful and nice person who wants to connect!
Once you have gotten over that initial feeling of intimidation, there is another key to utilizing Twitter as a constant networking event: keep an open mind. I understand how tempting it is to find the biggest company out there – let’s say Coke (@cocacola) – and try to establish a relationship with them while ignoring the “little guys.” But you wouldn’t walk right past a potential customer at a “real” networking event, would you? I hope not! More often than not in my experience, those are the people with whom you tend to form the strongest bonds. And they’re the ones who provide the best referrals! So, take the time to engage with everyone who mentions or re-tweets your posts – that’s how you build a relationship and a network.
We’re lucky enough to live in a world that includes one giant, ongoing networking opportunity, so join me on Twitter (@marketngtidbits) and let’s help grow each others’ businesses!
