Unlock your networking potential with social media. The ONLE Networking Show ep15 with Leah Steele.

Kelly and James discuss the ways that social media can be used as a tool to enhance your networking and further cement those all important relationships. In her networking gem, Kelly explains the importance of preparing yourself before a conversation by leaving your baggage at the door and having an open mind.

Also, we interview Leah Steele of Searching for Serenity, about the reality of struggling with burnout as a small business owner and how easily it can fly under the radar. Finally, Leah exposes the things she wish she knew when she first started her business, as well as her extraordinary schedule as lifelong night owl!

Listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/unlock-your-networking-potential-with-social-media/id1500905335?i=1000590020277

Listen/subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ic6VFgS6CRC5XCOH6Kl1H?si=a93fcc24cc4c48be

Our sponsor

The ONLE Networking Show is proud to be sponsored by GetSetSolent. GetSet Solent is a fully funded business support service. The service helps businesses overcome the two biggest barriers to growth: generating profitable customers and accessing finance. 

GetSet Solent’s aim is increase the knowledge and skill levels in the region, providing clarity and confidence to help Solent-based businesses achieve their growth potential through 121's and workshops. GetSet Solent is only available to SMEs across the Solent area and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Find out what support you can get by checking out: https://www.getsetforgrowth.com/solent/

Show notes
Unlocking your networking potential with social media:
In this episode, we explored the different ways in which you can use social media as a tool to further your networking experience. The advantage you have as a small business is you and your ability to communicate personally with connections and prospects. So use your social media platforms to show your support for others and have those interactions which help to build meaningful relationships all from the comfort of your own home.

Trying to become a mass-market marketer puts you in competition with companies with much larger budgets and negates your strength and ability to stand out by being a real person having a real conversation. So having an active online presence that is consistent with what you portray while networking is a vital component to giving your network an insight into who you are. Remember, people buy from people!

Kelly’s networking gem: Preparing for conversations
Following on from Simon Rogers’ Morning Mastermind session, we discuss why clearing your mind before a 1-2-1 or talking to someone is essential if you want to have a productive conversation. By leaving your baggage at the door, you cannot be distracted by a busy mind which may hinder the impact of your interactions. Taking some time to reset or even finding more about the other person prior to the conversation shows that you genuinely care about building a lasting connection. A clear mind allows you to engage in active listening, where you are seeking to understand rather than reply. This is the foundation of an honest and successful relationship.

ONLE members notes from around the network:
Nick Shrimpton: "If it touches the market, it's marketing.”
Alice Smee: “Follow up! Your thousands of connections on Linkedin will do nothing if you don't follow up and talk to people.”
Margarida Holden: "I use Linkedin to stay in touch and learn more about the people I meet at online networking. It helps me get to know them and stitches the conversations together.”
Jim Culverwell: "It's very difficult to network now without a strong online presence. Because when people meet you, the conversation is likely to continue online so your website needs to be up to date and you need to be actively engaging online with the people you meet at networking events.”
Alan & Emily Braithwaite: “Get people into your digital ecosystem.”
Denyse Whillier: “I've learned to use the natural flow between networking and social media, especially Linkedin, to build depth into relationships and continue the conversations.”

Conclusion: Social media is your free tool for extending your connections beyond a networking event. If used in the correctly, your various platforms can provide the opportunity to engage with and support those in your network as well as represent your brand and who you are to potential clients.

Give Leah a follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahysteele/, https://www.instagram.com/leahsteeleuk/, https://www.facebook.com/serenitysearch