Networking Insight

Five Networking Motivators

It can be hard to motivate ourselves from time to time to meet new people and leverage our existing network. Below are five motivators that will hopefully get you back on track to proactively network with others.

1. I will increase revenues – The end game for a lot of us is to increase sales with our respective organizations. Most of our firms can’t afford expensive marketing strategies so we have to rely on relationships to drive revenue.

2. I will find my next job – More than 80% of jobs are found via networking. Take the time to meet new people and leverage your existing network to find your next opportunity.

3. I will raise capital for my business – For entrepreneurs wanting to grow their business, raising outside capital is sometimes necessary. Finding capital is mostly based on relationships so take the time to leverage your network.

4. I will find some new friends – For most new relationships to last, you need to also get to know peoples' personal sides. In many cases, you will end up becoming friends with some of your good contacts.

5. I will be considered an expert – One way to be perceived as an expert in your field is to be visible so you can talk with others about your subject matter. In addition, be consistent in your message so people will remember your expertise.

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Every Encounter Should be Taken Seriously

You never know when you could meet your next client, partner, or friend.  Treat every situation as an opportunity to expand your network.  Put yourself in a variety of situations that will allow you to meet new people. Whether you are with family, friends, or colleagues, you should take the time to speak to new people.  

Think back on how you met some of the people in your network. Did you meet them at a professional event? On an airplane? At a bar? At a wedding?  The point is that every situation you are in is an opportunity that you can leverage.  

Take each conversation seriously because you don’t know who knows who.  Even if the person you meet is not someone you will be build a relationship with, this person could introduce you to someone in his/her network that could be a good contact. 

Below is a list of places that you could meet people:

• Business networking event
• Happy hour at a bar
• Sporting event such as a baseball or basketball game
• Playing sports such as golf and softball
• Religious event at church or temple
• Attending a wedding
• Flying on an airplane
• Travelling on a train or bus
• Shopping at a store

Where are some of the places that you have met people?

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comScore Study Says Social Networking is Big on Mobile

According to comScore, "Mobile use of social networking applications ballooned 240 percent to 14.5 million users in April of this year, compared with April of last year, while mobile visitors to social networking sites via browsers grew 90 percent to 30 million in the same time period."

The study shows that mobile usage is on the rise and social networking sites and applications are one of the hottest in the mobile space. 

To read more, go to Social Networking Ranks as Fastest-Growing Mobile Content Category.

Do you use your mobile phone often to access social networking sites?

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