So consider yourself warned.
And maybe just go have a glass of milk and a cookie.
If you want to step up to another level in being a person who knows other people and gets introduced to people and who is known her or himself, consider writing a blog just about networking events. You could do what I'm doing with this series of blog posts about networking event tips (using your OWN content thank you very much, LOL) or find another way to approach the topic, but the idea is to put up a blog and consistently created and post content relevant to business networking in your area.
The great danger here comes from the concept of balance, and it's a double threat.
- First, if people begin to associate you with someone who writes about and knows about networking events, they may think that's somehow how your primary or only business - which can be maybe not that bad if you're a marketer or business consultant (maybe), but not great if you're a caterer, REALTOR(tm), landscaper, chiropractor, or boutique dress shop owner. So think about the business message you'll send.
- Second, running a blog takes time. It usually doesn't cost you anything but most people also don't put up blogs as profit centers, either, so you can spend a lot of time on something that not only doesn't make money (at least not directly), may dilute the message of your primary business or profession, AND can take away from your social, family, and personal time.
Remember that "b" word, "balance"? If you can blog about networking events and keep everything else in balance, that's great. I'm obviously a proponent, personally, but I'm not you with your interests and demands on your time. So think about this one before implementing.
If you do decide to put up a blog or website dedicated to business networking, please e-mail me the link, I'd love to see it. Or send me an e-mail with your idea if you wish and I'll be happy to give you feedback.
This post is one in a series on how to make the most of in-person networking events. If you're going to go (and I suggest you do if your business benefits from relationships), you might as have the most fun possible and give and receive the greatest benefits from the occasion.
If you know want to know about upcoming business networking events in the greater Wilmington Area [which means to me anywhere from Topsail Island, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC], check out David Merrill's Networking Event Calendar . And if you know of or are planning a networking event you'd like included in the calendar, e-mail David at david.m.merrill@gmail.com
