As a freelancer, getting out from behind the desk (or kitchen table) and out into the real world is crucial for building relationships and winning new business. The pervasive nature of social media means that we are increasingly connected online. We tweet about our day on Twitter post news on Facebook, and share our location on Foursquare.
The accusation from social media dissenters is that these online relationships are false and do not lead to meaningful offline connections. However, in my experience this is not always true, and I find the web can make the transition from an online connection into a real world relationship much easier.
Here are 4 ways I use digital tools and social media to make the most of networking opportunities.
Firstly, you need to find the right sort of events to attend – either ones frequently by your tribe or sector if you are seeking collaborations, or industry specific ones if you are looking to connect with potential clients. Meetup, Upcoming and Eventbrite are great ways of finding out about suitable events.
Next, find out who will be going to the event. Many events listed on the above sites will have a list of attendees so you can choose in advance who you would like to make contact with. Use Michael Schrage’s Google Rule to research potential clients or collaborators so that you can have an interesting conversation with them when you meet them in person.
If you have no direct contact to someone and would like an introduction, use a service such as Twiangulate or Linkedin to find out who you know in common.
Most events today encourage participants to actively tweet about the event. When you arrive find out what the Twitter hastag for the event is and get tweeting. Updating your followers with tasty morsels from the event is a great way to build your community.
Collecting business cards goes hand-it-hand with networking events. There are a number of mobile apps that you can use to take photos of and store your virtual business cards. If your contact has an iPhone Android phone, you can use a great new app called Bump to share details. Simply, bump the two phones together and your contact details are automatically shared.
Top Tip: Remember to put your social media contacts on your business card so people can connect with you after the event.
The most common error with networking is not following up with potential contacts. The beautiful of social networking is that it allows for loose ties with many people. After an event, connecting with contacts through Twitter or Linkedin is a good way of maintaining a link with that person. A short personal email within a few days is also a great way of being remembered.
I find having a system for ensuring I don’t forget to action items such as sending someone an article or link is essential. Easy task management tools such as Remember the Milk or Action Method are perfect for this – you can make a note on your mobile at the event and follow it up at home.
By Sinead Mac Manus founder of 8fold, a social enterprise that helps people and organisations use digital technologies to be more effective – at work, in business and, in life. She is also co-organiser of RewireLondon – a one-day co-created, experimental and energising event for creative freelancers and small business at Rich Mix on the 8th June 2010.
