Professional networking is a critical component of any business growth strategy. This is especially true of "solopreneurs" like speakers and authors. Effective networking helps you build mutually beneficial relationships with key people in your industry, potential clients, and other influencers.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, some people spend a lot of time "collecting" connections, thinking that quantity is more valuable than quality. Other people believe the opposite is true and choose to invest time in more lasting professional relationships. You may find that both are important strategies for you to pursue.
We'll begin by identifying the concrete benefits of business networking for speakers and authors in general, then we'll also talk about how to accomplish both goals: meeting a lot of potential clients and building relationships with the best of them.
Keep in mind that speakers and authors need to have networking opportunities to meet people both in your own industry as well as in other industries. You may find that the intersection where your area of expertise overlaps with other industries helps you exchange ideas, and opens the door to more speaking and presentation possibilities.
With that in mind, knowing how to network as a writer or a speaker means you can:
Identify your goals for networking. This helps you identify which events to attend, and how to follow up with new contacts. Make a list of the types of people you would like to meet at these events. This helps you target your networking efforts.
Schedule time for networking activities. You need to be strategic about when and where you network. You can't just go to a random event and expect to meet the right people. That's a waste of time, energy, and money.
Dress for success. You want to make a good impression, so dress like you would for a job interview or an important meeting.
Be prepared with your "Elevator Pitch". When you meet someone new, you need to be able to explain what problem you solve, for whom, and how you do it.
Develop a strategy for meeting people and building relationships. You want to be meeting new people all the time, but you also want to focus on building relationships with a few key people. (See below for more on this.)
Follow up with your new contacts. You need to nurture your new relationships by staying in touch and following up after meeting them.
Attend events and workshops that align with your interests. You can find these events by searching online, or by asking through word-of-mouth.
Join networking groups and professional organizations. These types of groups can provide valuable resources and connections.
Be a mentor. You can help others by sharing your knowledge and experience. This is also a great way to build relationships with people who can return the favor down the road.
Join relevant online communities and forums. These online communities can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, and connect you with other professionals.
Reach out to your personal network for recommendations and referrals. These people know you and can vouch for your skills and experience.
An important keynote speaker tip for networking effectively is to focus on building strong relationships, rather than simply trying to meet as many people as possible. The best clients come out of relationships built on trust.
Here are a few tips for building mutually beneficial relationships:
If you don't have a system for regularly reaching out to people yet - including follow-up - it's time to set up something that's easy to implement, so you don't resist using it. The most important part of networking is not the events you attend or the people you meet, but what you do with those relationships afterwards.
You need to have a way to keep track of your contacts so you can follow up on a regular basis. This could be a simple Excel spreadsheet, or something more complicated like a CRM system (customer relationship management).
But however you do it, make sure you have a system that works for you, and that you actually use it.
Make sure you measure the results of your networking efforts. See what works and what doesn't work. If you're not sure how to measure the results of your networking, ask yourself these questions:
The best way to get better at networking is to practice, and then reflect on your experience so you can learn from it.
Never stop learning and growing in your field. The more you know, the more valuable you are to your network. When you're at the top of your game, people will want to work with you because they know they can count on you to deliver quality results.
Some ways to stay current in your field:
The best way to be successful at networking and grow your speaking and writing business is to make it part of your daily life. It doesn't have to be a formal process - just reach out and connect with people in your community on a regular basis. You never know when you'll make a valuable connection.
Here are some ideas for how to incorporate networking into your daily life:
Networking is essential for speakers and authors because it helps you increase your visibility and credibility, build relationships with people inside and outside your industry, gain access to new markets and opportunities, get feedback on your work, and meet potential clients and customers.
By making networking part of your everyday routine, as well as your professional routine, you'll gradually build up a strong network of connections that can help you in all areas of your life.