Archive for Networking

The Art of Follow-up

Meet-up chairs

Flckr img via Meet-up Annieta

I belong to several forums for Virtual Assistants and often times I see inquiries about getting clients.  Several newbies stated that they do not know where to begin, however it is not how to begin but how to continue the relationship.  Finding new prospects is easy, forming relationships with them is where the work needs to be done.  I am not an introvert by any means and it is easy for me to enter a discussion with anyone but that is not enough.  Here are a few steps that I take after meeting new people, prospects or not.

Send a “Great to Meet You” note.  Notice I say note.  We get way too many emails so think outside the box and send them something the good ole fashion way.  I send a card with a note that says glad to meet you at the event and for them to let me know who their ideal client is so I can keep a lookout in my referral network.  If they are true prospects I also add a let’s get together for coffee.

Check their social media accounts.  Join their networks however do not just sent a generic “add me to your network” message.  Personalize it with “Great to meet you at [event name].  I thought it would be nice to add you to my circle.  I am looking to getting to know you and your business better.

Send en email.  After the first two suggestions I send an email with a great business tip or general information I find helpful.  I also ask permission to add to my email list so that I can share useful resources with them.

Greet them at the next event.  When you see them at the next event be sure to greet them and have a brief conversation to see where they are since your last meet.

These are just four steps that you can take to start cultivating your relationship.  Remember not every contact will be a prospect but they can be a referrer so treat everyone equally in your art of follow-up.

What is your art of follow-up?

Signing off,
Lee

About Lee Drozak

I help entrepreneurs organize their processes, implement their strategies and run their back office through planning and action. Building your online home using WordPress, social media, email marketing and eCommerce strategies. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary strategy session.

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Make A List And Check It Twice

Using social media can be quite daunting for some as your network connections increase and you feeds are flooded with updates. I like to use lists to keep my streams manageable for both Facebook and Twitter.  I can then easily read and find information from those on my list as opposed to searching through the whole status feed.

Setting up lists is extremely easy for both networks.

Facebook:FaceBook Lists option

In the left navigation panel you will see your LISTS.  By hovering near that section you will be given a MORE option that you simply need to click on.  Once you do that it will bring up your LISTS screen and off to the right you will find the CREATE LIST button.  Click on this and you will be presented with a pop-up to CREATE A NEW LIST.  Name your list and click on the create button.  The next step will be to add people to your list and you do so by checking on their image.
FB Lists Page
Once you have your list created all you need to do is click on that list to bring up the feeds for that person.  Also on the lists page,  at the right of the page, you will see who is on your list and have the option of adding more friends to that list as well as removing them and choosing the types of updates you prefer to feed into your list.

 

Twitter:

Creating a Twitter listTwitter lists are slightly different as you have an option to make this list public, to be share with everyone or private for your own viewing pleasure.  Start off by selecting the LISTS option on your Twitter dashboard.  At the bottom of the options you will find CREATE A LIST.  Once you select this option a CREATE A LIST pop-up will show and it is here that you add your list name, a description and the privacy setting of that list.

Add followers to your Twitter listAdding people to your Twitter list is a little different as you need to add each one individually.  You can add to your list when you select the Follow option for your new connection or you can add once the follow has been done.  Go to the OPTIONS button in the profile and select ADD TO LIST.  Check any or all of the lists that you would like them to be included and their feeds will now show in that listing.  You can also create a new list under this option if you want to separate them out but do not yet have a list created.

One note with Twitter is that you are limited to 20 lists so you need to choose wisely when setting up your structure.  If you are not using lists twenty may seem like a lot however the slots do go quickly as you add and organize your groups.

There you have it.  Two simple ways to stay organized when using Facebook and Twitter to connect with your circle.  How many lists have you created?

Need help creating your lists or getting your account in order, give us a shout or leave your question, we will be happy to help you.

Signing off,
Lee

About Lee Drozak

I help entrepreneurs organize their processes, implement their strategies and run their back office through planning and action. Building your online home using WordPress, social media, email marketing and eCommerce strategies. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary strategy session.

Mail | Web | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+ | More Posts

Do I know you?

Over the last few days I receive connection requests from people I have no idea who they are. You know the “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Yes, I get them from Facebook and Twitter too. If I have the time I do a little research to see how we are connected, who we share in common or what exactly your business is. However, if you personalized the invitation or gave me a clue how I know you it would make life just a tad easier. Here are a few tips to help:

Personalize: When sending the request, add a how I know you sentence. Something like this:

Lee,

It was great to meet you at XYZ event. Thank you for the tips on resources I could use for my business. I would like to add you to my professional network.

Jane Doe

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About Lee Drozak

I help entrepreneurs organize their processes, implement their strategies and run their back office through planning and action. Building your online home using WordPress, social media, email marketing and eCommerce strategies. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary strategy session.

Mail | Web | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+ | More Posts

I’m so shy that it is painful.

ShyWell not exactly.  As my family would say, I will walk in to a room and know everyone before I leave.  I have been blessed with an outgoing personality and better yet a passion to listen.  My husband often teases me that I do not need to know someone’s life story when I meet them.  Yes I do!   That is the reason that my circle is never stagnant.  That is also the reason that I continue to build my referral network.

Don’t you see that by knowing the story you will be able to help them better.  My crazy dog helps me build camaraderie with pet lovers. My passion for moving and the real estate market helps me build relationships with others who are moving, remodeling or selling their homes.  My love of food and wine connects with everyone.

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About Lee Drozak

I help entrepreneurs organize their processes, implement their strategies and run their back office through planning and action. Building your online home using WordPress, social media, email marketing and eCommerce strategies. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary strategy session.

Mail | Web | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+ | More Posts

Four tips to connecting at a vendor show

Meet and Greet I recently was part of a large event sponsored by Building Bridges for Business which allowed me to connect with new and emerging entrepreneurs. Getting the most out of these types of events is key because your not only make face to face personal connections but you also can interact with other vendors to discover new synergies.

With these goals in mind I remember some key advice I got early on in my business venture. These snippets are geared to trade or vendor shows but can be used in any face-to-face networking event.

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About Lee Drozak

I help entrepreneurs organize their processes, implement their strategies and run their back office through planning and action. Building your online home using WordPress, social media, email marketing and eCommerce strategies. Contact me today to schedule your complimentary strategy session.

Mail | Web | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google+ | More Posts