How to win at networking with the follow up. The ONLE Networking Show ep22 with Steph Bonnie and Debbie Crompton.

Kelly and James discuss the importance of the networking follow up and how embracing social media can help you maintain a greater volume of connections. Plus our members’ comments about limiting beliefs reveal why support and community is undervalued when overcoming challenges in business.

Finally, we hear a fascinating interview from Stephanie Bonnie and Debbie Crompton, the dynamic duo of Stebbington, where they reveal the secret to maintaining their close friendship while being business partners.

Listen/subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-win-at-networking-with-the-follow-up/id1500905335?i=1000621742974

Listen/subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/66IiM2w19ncC6d6c27th3e?si=KBA3o78oT-y5lRz_mcYUXw

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
How to win at networking with the follow up:

How much of networking is won/lost in the follow up? Although your presence and behaviour within the meeting can lay a great foundation for forming connections, it is a common misconception that simply showing up to a networking event will lead to business. You must be realistic with what you wish to gain from your networking activities and in order to achieve the results you want to, you must adopt a follow up strategy that will keep your new connections engaged.

Time is becoming increasingly precious and though we may not be able to carve out hours and hours each week just for 121 meetings, we can utilise social media platforms to do some of the work for us. A LinkedIn connection, an Instagram follow, a like, a share or a comment go a long way to keeping you at the forefront of people’s minds. Another consideration is how often do you follow up with those who didn’t attend the meeting but were on the attendance sheet? This might be more successful that you think.

It is best practise to carve out at least 30 minutes after your networking meeting to connect with those who attended. Taking a screenshot of the Zoom window can be a helpful way to put a face to a name when you are doing your follow up activity. Simply hitting connect on LinkedIn is not be enough to form a memorable connection with another business owner. Adding a note detailing where you met them and why you want to connect, to the invitation is a far more engaging approach and is also helpful when inputting new connections into your CRM system - a helpful way to keep track of individuals your business network.

Based on Vanda Varga’s ONLE Talks, challenging limiting beliefs, conversation amongst the members revealed that although there are a few exceptions, the insecurities that come with limiting beliefs seems to be a universal struggle and the need for a place of support and honesty with like-minded business owners, such as a networking community, is essential in feeling less alone alone in these challenges.

It is all too easy to get sucked into comparison culture, but it is important to remember that most of that which you see online is a highlight reel and is not reflective of all the struggles a business owner can face along the way. In fact, it seems that the online posts showcasing sincere honesty and vulnerability, attract more engagement and generate meaningful conversation with your connections as everyone experiences struggles in one way or another.

Conclusion: Your networking activity does not end when the meeting is over. If you want to see tangible results from your activities you must adopt a follow up strategy which keeps you at the forefront of people’s minds. Social media is your best friend, a written connection invitation, a like or a comment goes a long way to maintaining a relationship.

Give Steph and Debbie a follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephbonnie/, https://www.facebook.com/Efficiencywithasmile