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Networking for the Virtual Age
by Monique Daigneault
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June 22, 2023
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Business woman using laptop app for communicating with several people at same time together

Do you receive most of your clients through referrals? What happens when referrals dry up? You might be experiencing this now due to the pandemic. Building your client base through referrals can be passive, unlike networking which is a more assertive way to keep your pipeline full. Networking is nothing more than making yourself visible to your target clients. Traditional networking is a face-to-face process, but today, you will learn a process for virtual networking, a much quicker, cheaper, and less stressful way to network that is 100% online.

The benefit of virtual networking is that even those who despise the traditional method will embrace this process with ease.

Also, it will help you to quickly pivot your marketing to withstand the new COVID-19 guidelines that have suddenly taken everyone off guard. With this process, you will be able to network across borders from the comfort of your office. Those who prefer face-to-face networking will now have a secondary option if needed.

Follow this four-step process and watch your revenue grow exponentially!

1. Find Potential Clients

If you have not reached out to your database of old clients, now is the time to do it. Or, access your social media platforms where they subscribe to your services. If you have a LinkedIn profile (which should be mandatory for business professionals), then you have the perfect avenue to reach your target clients. In LinkedIn, not only do you have your own contacts (people you are connected to) but there is a way to connect with others by searching and filtering. You can do this based on geography, company, field, and other data. With LinkedIn, you can reach out to anyone, anywhere. Choose the platforms you want to access, and start reaching out to people.

2. Reach Out to Potential Clients

The process of reaching out involves deciding who you want to reach out to and then sending them a short email message or a message through LinkedIn. I do mean short – about 1 or 2 well-crafted, spell-checked, concise sentences. Remember, networking is not about making the sale, it is about developing the relationship. That should take the pressure off completely because you are not trying to sell, you are trying to learn.

Here is an example introductory sentence to send to one of your LinkedIn connections, or to someone on LinkedIn you would like to connect with. “Hello John: I noticed that we are both in the same line of work and I’d like to connect with you to learn more about what you’re doing these days. Would you be open to a brief phone/zoom chat in the next week or so?” That is it, done. Two sentences.

Here is another LinkedIn sample sentence. “Hello Samantha: I noticed from your profile that we have some professional commonalities. I’m always trying to grow my network and wondered if you have time for a brief networking call later this week.”

Here is an example for someone who is already one of your Facebook contacts. “Hi Julie: I notice you’ve been a subscriber for a while receiving my business Facebook posts. I’m trying to make more time to get to know my loyal readers and wondered if you would like to have a brief chat next week.”

You can modify these sample sentences in whatever way applies to your business and your style. The point is that they are short, friendly, and an opportunity for you to learn. You will find that almost 100% of those you reach out to will accept your invitation.

3. What to Say During the Networking Call

When you receive a response that someone wants to chat, confirm the day, time, and phone number, or link. Then, send a formal calendar invitation. During the actual call, the content should be no different than a face-to-face networking meeting. Here is where most people mess up even with face-to-face networking. You are not trying to sell! You are trying to learn! So, plan to ask them a lot of open-ended questions, have two-way dialogue, listen for their pain points, and show an authentic interest in what they are saying. Look for ways you can help them (for free). For example, send them a resource, refer them to someone in your network, or give them a quick tip or piece of knowledge. Be sure to end the meeting on time.

A great side benefit that will almost always happen at this step is that they will also ask how they can help you. Do not say: “Please purchase my service/product.” Remember, that is not why you are connecting with them. You might ask them to make an introduction for you or to add you to their contact list, or ask if you can follow up with them in a few months. This is the start of building the relationship.

4. What to Do After the Networking Call

There are post-networking activities that need to be completed within 24 hours after your call. You need to add the person to your database with notes about the call. If they agreed to subscribe to any of your social platforms, subscribe them. If you promised to send them something, send it. If you committed to following up with them, leave yourself a reminder. No matter what, send them an email thanking them for their time and letting them know something valuable that you learned.

Many business activities have been conducted virtually for a long time, but now, it is almost mandatory. If you want to pivot in a way that will help your business survive, then try virtual networking by following these steps. This will be easier for some than for others, depending on your business and your personality, but give it a try. Commit to three hours of virtual networking a week (six 30-minute calls), and watch your confidence and your business transform.

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About the author
Monique Daigneault
Monique Daigneault is a seasoned professional with over three decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience. As an executive coach, Monique is known for her directive, yet collaborative, approach to client development. She has the unique ability to build immediate trust and quickly get clients into alignment with their true values and desired direction.
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Networking for Success
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