Contacts: Collecting, Connecting and Coordinating - Part II

Connecting with Contacts

Now that you've met a few new business professionals from last night's networking event, make sure to continue the relationship online. Here's an easy way to start. Soon after the networking event, offer to connect with them on LinkedIn and introduce yourself a 2nd time. Always be sure to remove the default LinkedIn- provided blurb and craft a short note about the conversation you had (shows you were paying attention; doesn't everyone like to get a personal note?).

It's a good strategy to ask further questions about their business, what types of clients they need to meet, etc. If your businesses or personalities really clicked, look to develop the conversation past LinkedIn and onto email and phone. If you feel the synergy is right, move on to set up a coffee chat.

Now we move on to Group 2. These are the individuals you had met for the 2nd or 3rd time. At the very least, if you feel it has the potential to develop into a beneficial connection, go ahead and email them to let them know it was great to see them again. Just a short touch to keep you in their minds. By now, with the people you've met and conversed with more than once, you'll most likely have a "feel" for their interest level in your business. Hopefully, your conversations have included an exchange of ideas about each others' business focus, and if that's the case, I would let them know that they can benefit from receiving free tips and news from you about developments in your industry.

Remember to branch out with your connections to embrace other avenues of social media. Perhaps your connections really only check in with LinkedIn here and there, but spend a lot of their time on Twitter; follow them on Twitter and send a Direct Message or two, share a link, etc. Or perhaps Facebook is more their speed, and you may want to check out their Fan page and encourage them to Like yours in turn. While on their Fan Page or Blog, post positive comments and show your support. Continuing the relationship on Social Media sites is interesting, worthwhile, and helps you learn more about them and their business.

Will this pay off? It has been proven that a smaller, true list of warm connections will go much further than a barrel of cards from strangers. You'll want to evaluate if they fit your target market (or have direct access to them). Have they demonstrated a genuine interest in your products or in helping you connect to people who do?

Follow through on this screening process and every few months, go through the people in your database. You'll know by now who to reach out to. Toss out anyone who you can't remember because you've never heard from them again. Where do all these contacts go? Find out in Part III.

Susana Fonticoba
President, Home & Office Computer Training
Helping Business Owners Use Technology To Their Advantage Since 2004

Email: susana@njpctraining.com
Web: http://www.njpctraining.com
Blog: http://www.thecomputerlady.wordpress.com

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6321685

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