As a working blogger, you may already feel overwhelmed, juggling dual responsibilities of work and writing. When it comes to networking – yet another task – you may feel that “the time I’ve spent at networking has never really paid off.”
Creating a personal and professional network is essential for your work + life success. That’s why working blogger need to approach networking with a different paradigm, explained below as a three-part process.
Relationship Building
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards from people you think may help you. It’s about planting seeds and nurturing long-term relationships that mature over time.
Empowering Actions
How many times have you attended networking events and seen others babble on about themselves and frantically hand out dozens, if not hundreds, of their cards? In my opinion this approach may come off as a level weakness. As a working blogger, draw from that “creative” authority to engage in empowering, networking actions. Apply the same writing tools you use to attract readers...only now its a face-to-face meeting.
* Give – Adopt a giving attitude. When you meet someone ask, “How can I help you?” Always think, “Who could I connect them with to help them meet their goals?” It’s a natural principle: The more you help others, the more others will help you. I think this is the golden rule of networking!
* Ask – Be bold. Always think, “you never know what will happen” and “it’s worth a try.” If you meet a new contact and find you have an instant connection, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Close minds don't get fed. Nothing beats a failure but a try.
* Follow up - Getting introduced to the “right” people is important, but it’s what you do after the introduction that really counts. If you’ve felt a connection with a new contact, phone, email or send a thank-you note within one or two days. Then, keep in touch periodically, even if just to say, “Hi, it’s been awhile…” Be careful with that last statement. No one wants to feel they're being harassed or you don't want to give the impression you're needy.
Efficient Use of Time
You may be thinking, “I’d like to stay connected with people, but I just don’t have the time.” Here are three ways to efficiently find time to network:
* Lunch Hours – I’ve historically used my lunch hour, a coveted ME time, to run errands, walk a mile or two or get my hair or nails done. Yet, many associations and groups schedule networking meetings during this time. So, I began to add networking "power" lunches. It’s a great way to preserve early-morning and evening family hours by substituting networking lunches for breakfast meetings or evening mixers!
* “Coffee/lunch over Skype” – A non traditional, but ingenious idea of networking by scheduling “coffee over the Skype”. What a great idea! This is a more efficient way to meet and multi-task. Plus, neither party has to invest in driving time. When you want to spend time with a colleague, try a relaxing “lunch via Skype” by scheduling a lunch appointment, packing a lunch that day and calling at the appointed time.
* Schedule in advance - Earmark your calendar to remind yourself to connect with new contacts periodically. If you meet a new contact today, schedule the follow up call for two days later and plan a “check-in” email within 60 days.
* Utilize your skills while taking full advantage of all available sources; Facebook,Twitter,Pintrest...even other blogs. Information is power. Learn from others.
Remember, the key to networking is building a relationship over time, no matter what your interests are. By using the steps above you should succeed at establishing good relationships that empower you and your business, and yet, don’t use hours and hours of your time. Work smart, not hard.
