It’s a thought I wish more businesses would embrace: the real power of social media lies in building relationships, not just hunting for prospects. Far too many companies and professionals jump straight to selling before they’ve even figured out what people want to buy. The goal here is to shift your perspective on social media and offer some practical ways to change the results you’re getting.
Back in the mid-90s, the internet felt like a collection of digital clubhouses called bulletin boards. They were the original social media, places where you could find people who were into the same niche things you were, whether it was a specific TV show or fixing your own appliances. Fast forward to today, and that same spirit lives on in online forums.
You've been to the networking event. You perfected your pitch, handed out some cards, and collected a stack in return. The hard part is over, right? Not quite. The real work—the part that actually turns connections into clients—starts the moment you walk out the door. So many people nail the meeting but drop the ball on the follow-up, leaving a pile of potential on their desk.
They say talk is cheap, but the chance to share your passion and expertise with a supportive audience is priceless. When you’re building a , getting in front of your networking group for a ten-minute presentation is one of the biggest opportunities you’ll get—mostly because so many people are afraid to do it.
You’ve heard their 60-second pitch. You’ve glanced at their website. But let’s be honest—you don’t really know what someone in your networking group does, let alone who they are. To truly understand, you need to go a little deeper, and that’s where the one-on-one meeting comes in. It’s your chance to move beyond the business card and build a real relationship. This is a critical skill for anyone looking to build a successful .
If you’ve ever been to a networking event, you know the moment. One by one, people stand up to give a brief introduction of themselves and their business. If the thought of this “introductions round” makes your stomach do a little flip, you’re in good company. Researchers estimate that 75% of people have a fear of public speaking at some point. It’s a completely normal feeling, even for seasoned professionals.
Walking into a room full of strangers can be nerve-wracking, especially at those unstructured "open networking" events. Many of us find them intimidating, but with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate them effectively and build valuable new connections for your business.
If you’re about to walk into your first networking meeting, this is for you. I’m going to cover everything you need to think about before you even leave the house. But even if you’re a seasoned pro, stick around. You might pick up a new strategy or just get a fresh dose of motivation for getting out there. When you’re , making these events count is crucial.
Across the country, convention centers are buzzing with trade and business shows. Some are massive, industry-specific expos, while others are general events for local entrepreneurs. While the main attraction is often the sea of trade stands trying to sell to attendees, there’s a powerful undercurrent of networking happening everywhere. Sometimes it’s a scheduled event, but more often, it’s about finding opportunities to make genuine contacts in the midst of the chaos.