Networking: Key to your PR
By Andy Pearson
A business organisation has asked me to give weekly tips on networking skills.
Challenge accepted! But where to start? The web, of course.
And below is the edited result of that first Google click.
But why so interested? Well, personal contact is the simplest and most surefire way of building trust between potential business provider and client.
In short, it’s an essential marketing tool – a valuable low-coast, direct PR opportunity. Sell yourself – but do it in the right way.
Top 5 Networking Tips Soni Pitts – www.sonipitts.com
Go with a goal. Are you looking to acquire new prospects, meet colleagues for possible collaborations, create a mutual referral partnership, create name recognition for you and your business, find funding or just “shop around” for interesting news and trends you can use?
Hone your message. When someone asks you what you do, can you articulate not only your business but it’s benefit to them in a clear and concise manner? How about your “elevator speech” or 15-second intro – is it crisp, to the point and compelling, or do people’s eyes glaze over?
Check your gear. Make sure that you have everything you need to make a great impression. Are your business cards or other hand-outs up to date, and as professional-looking as you can make them? If this is a planned event, do you know who will be attending to plan ahead?
Educate your audience. If you’re looking for referrals, then do your potential referral sources know what constitutes a good referral for you? It’s a waste of time if you turn down or do a bad job for everyone they send to you because the referrals were inappropriate.
Follow up. The most important part of networking happens after the initial contact. The best impression, the snappiest laser marketing message and the deepest desire to work together will all come to naught if they don’t hear from you in a timely manner.
Tags: Cardiff, networking, PR, PR agency, Soni Pitts, Swansea, Wales
