All Business Networking

Making yourself indispensable to clients

One of the attendees at NRG in Birmingham last week shared his reason for networking, "it helps make me indispensable to clients".

He explained that he is often contacted by clients who say "I know you don't do this, but do you know someone who does ...?". He is able to refer people from his network and that strengthens his existing relationships and helps make him indispensable. He is also very attractive to the people he meets networking.

A great approach to have, and very profitable too!

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast

Offline still most important for Word of Mouth

A couple of years ago in 'Word of Mouth: The real action is offline' I wrote about research from the Keller Fay Group revealing that 72% of all word of mouth interaction took place face-to-face.

A recent report from Mintel finds people still prefer real-life recommendations to online.

So while Social Media and Social Networks are becoming increasingly important in maintaining and building relationships don't forget to focus on the offline.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success

business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast

Finding your existing contacts on Linkedin

Yesterday I wrote about adding online networking to your offline activity. Someone asked how they went about finding their existing contacts on online networks generally and Linkedin specifically. Most of the online networks allow you to add a free profile and upload details of your contacts so that you can see if they are already there.

In Linkedin you go to the contacts menu, add connections and follow the instructions from the wizard you see below: