The Foolproof Trio Of Organic Networking Success: Online And Offline
Andrew Jeffers | March 13, 2018
Do you effortlessly make acquaintances wherever you go? Or is social interaction a challenge for you because of all the small-talk involved?
When you’re a business owner, social networking becomes one of your daily priorities.
In other words, regardless of your preference for the online or offline version of social networking, the simple fact is this: you have to know how to interact with people and not drive them away.
I’m going to share with you the foolproof trio of organic networking success. No matter if you’re a social bee or a shy person, these three tips will teach you how to master organic networking both online and offline.
Let’s get started!
1. Create authentic interactions
Every interaction you have can be an amazing opportunity for social networking.
When you’re an independent professional or a start-up entrepreneur you should use all the social networking you can get.
The good news is, you don’t have to be a bubbly extrovert or have a charismatic personality. Most of the time, all you need to do is pay attention and listen (this is great for introverts, as they excel at listening and observing other people!).
In business, social networking is all about making people notice and remember you.
Here are a few simple tips for initiating authentic online and offline interactions:
Be nice and kind to people.
For example, remember the name of your mailman. Next time you see them say, “Hello Name!” Make sure you let them know you remembered their name. Or, if you want to be friendly, ask about their family or children - just general chit chat that brings a smile on people’s faces.
Let people know about your profession. Just try not to do it in a salesy way.
For example, you can use your social media profiles to post links to interesting articles about your profession. Or you can share funny jokes about your job with people you hang out with, outside of work.
Tip: Move past the friend add. Use your social media accounts to keep in touch and follow up with people you meet in real life.
Move past the friend add. Use your social media accounts to keep in touch and follow up with people you meet in real life.
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2. Always choose honesty
Most often than not people can see right through your motives. That’s particularly visible when you’re trying to manipulate or sell them something.
As soon as they realise your real motives, people lose interest instantly. There’s no going back from that!
Advice: In both your online and offline interactions choose to be honest.
Whether it’s about your discomfort of speaking in front of a large group people or your reticence of building an online community, get it out there. Authenticity goes a long way.
For example, if you’re extremely nervous about public speaking, let people know about your discomfort. You can include that confession in your speech. Get it out of the way as soon as you can. You would be surprised to find out how many people will admire and respect your honesty.
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3. Forced interactions never work
They are too phoney. And as we’ve seen earlier, people will see right through your false pretences.
Identify certain opportunities for social networking that present to you naturally. You will meet new people every day, but that doesn’t mean you have to give your business card to every one of them.
The secret to successful business networking is developing a strong social network. This takes time and a bit of effort. But the online social platforms can help you follow up with your social connections and engage with them on a regular basis.
Social media marketing professionals can make online social networking easy for you by doing what they can do best: make your social media platforms irresistible, inviting and engaging for users while infusing them with your personality. So they’re not fake accounts - they’re who you are.
Don’t limit your organic networking to online or offline. They work best together!
I can help you find your social media momentum and create an inviting and engaging environment on your social media platforms and website. This can increase your online business’ organic reach and get your brand the online presence it deserves. Let’s get in touch today and get the conversation started.
