6 Tips Networking by admin, 06/19/10 23:28:40

Six tips to effectively networking 

Most of us are probably members of one social networking site or another. I have several business and personal accounts across various networks and continuously reach out to connect with other industry members, and sometimes members of other industries. What I don't understand is why people would join theses sites if not for the purpose of networking and creating synergies with other professionals, creating new fans and customers, or at the very least, connect with like-minded folk.

99% of the time, the response is positive and we are able to create new relationships with people around the globe and even create synergistic ventures. However, that 1% irks me because my thinking is that - we join these sites to connect with others that want to possibly connect with us. So then why join any of these sites if you're not available to network?

Most of these social networks require you to know the people you're connecting with and have safe guards in place, i.e., either you know them through business associations, friendships or group activities. But in most cases you may not know them but want to connect because they are members of your industry or an industry that you want to create relationships with. And usually you'll get a positive response and you can continue building that relationship. At least that's the way it's suppose to work, isn't it?

Not all the time, there's still that 1% that may give a negative response, like "I don't know you", or "invite rejected". H e l l o people these are Social Networking sites. If you don't want to be social and make new connections with strangers - why are you on these sites? I've even experienced signing up for groups on some of these networks, just to have to wait two or three months before the moderator of the group approved my membership. Or have folk sign up at our website and then never create a profile or upload a picture, song, or even a bio. Is there a point to having an empty inactive profile or inactive group, taking up space and time? This is not considered Effective Networking. This is not networking at all.

To Effectively network consider utilizing the five "W's", the same method you would use to write a press release or tell a story. Why, Who, What, When and Where. We’re talking about social networks, so the “How” is already in place. But social networks are just one vehicle to utilize. So what's behind the five w's that makes networking effective?

Let’s face it - Networking is hard WORK! It takes persistence and consistency and time to effectively network.

The five "W's" and don't forget How     

Okay, let's start with the "Who" - the "Who" of networking involves trying to connect with Everybody - big and small, it means connecting with industry and non-industry professionals and it means you must go beyond the obvious.

The "Why" of networking – well - Why not? If you're an aspiring in the entertainment industries or in any other related enterprise, why not network. You can't work and build your career in a vacuum. How would you attract new fans, customers or make sales of your product or build your empire if you don't network. It's a great way to promote and advertise, not to mention - it's free. Advertising can be costly, but promotions on social networks still remain free for the most part, at least for now. So make yourself bigger than life, create curiosity about your music, business or product, reach out and connect and you will get positive feed back.

The "Where" of networking is anywhere you expect industry folk to be - social networks, conferences, workshops, organization meetings, lectures, seminars - and everywhere you wouldn't expect industry folk to be - shareholder meetings, charitable events, vacation resorts, public transportation and such. I'm not kidding when I say public transportation. I know of a group that was singing in the subway and a major TV Network executive saw them, loved their sound and the next thing you know they landed a gig on a TV Sitcom - you just never know "where" opportunities will turn up.

The "What" of networking requires you doing some work. Do a little background research on the people you're trying to connect to. With social networks like Facebook, Twitter, MMSN and such, finding profile information and photo's of folk is easier then ever. There are other resources such as search engines, and trade publications. When reaching out, remember a little humility goes a long way. Make sure all your networking tools are in place, i.e., demos, business cards, biographies, marketing materials. If you're reaching out to connect with other professionals who may ask for any of the above items, you need to be ready to respond expeditiously.

The "When" of networking is - All about Timing! You want to network All the Time, and you want to be remembered, but not considered a pest. As they say "timing is everything".

We answered one of the "How's" above - Social networks. The other "How's" consist of meeting in person, via telephone, or introducing yourself through a product script. Correspondence via fax, e-mail, text, and blogging are effective ways of reaching people as well as invites to events, congratulatory notes or comments on their social profiles.

When you're attending an event like a seminar or conference or networking party, consider having two or more partners with you so you can network in teams to be more effective and connect with more people. Don't just give out your business card or marketing materials, have a conversation and be yourself. You'll find that doing the advance work of research and preparation, setting-up your "style" of introduction and reaching out to connect more effectively, will affect your career and business growth in a positive way.

If you have any tips for effectively networking and using social networks to connect, or any "don'ts" of networking, send your suggestions to us and we'll print them in our next newsletter.

To start connecting to other industry professionals and building relationships – click here.

The Five W's abstracted from 6 Easy Secrets to Effectively Networking by Richard P. Dieguez, Entertainment Attorney, New York