Posted By Amanda Collins on December 5, 2011

When you head to a networking event, what is your goal? Quarterly, NetworkingPhoenix.com holds Signature Events, where 1,000-2,000 people converge on an area resort’s ballroom to mix and mingle. It is definitely THE place to see and be seen if you’re a business owner or looking to generate more leads, but so few people know how to maximize their attendance.

At each of the past four events I attended, I have generated at least one great contact: One bought a résumé the next day, one became a good friend, one became both a friend and a business collaborator, and at this last event, I met two potential clients through an existing client who talked me up. My time is well spent if I just get one wonderful client or connection; I don’t have to sell to everyone in the room. And that’s where many people seem to be missing the idea.

Although I certainly meet a number of people at these events, my goal is never to sell anything—at least not right then. Naturally, new connections will ask what I do, and I tell them: “I help small businesses get in front of—and stay in front of—their target markets through concise, effective content marketing.” If they ask more, I share a bit more. Sometimes, it’s good to be next to someone who knows what I do, because he or she will often elaborate on my short answer by giving me an instant testimonial. At the latest event, I was with a current client, who shared,” Amanda does all of our marketing, including social media, blogs, and writing awards. Without any SEO, we come up first when you type in anything about our industry, and we are consistently at the top of Ranking Arizona.”

What a great testimonial! If I heard that about someone, I would want to learn more for sure. It’s a great idea to approach any event with a buddy, preferably a client. In this case, I know so much about that client, that I could give a reciprocal testimonial, which perked up the ears of new folks.

So, when it’s time to head to your next large networking event, remember that you just need to meet one good person. Introduce yourself to a bunch, but hone in on one or two that look like they could be potentials. Have good conversations and, for goodness sake, don’t try to sell anything. In the end, you’ll likely find that you’ll make a lot more than just some quick cash.

Category: Business Development, networking | No Comments »
Tags: building relationships, Business Development, networking

Posted By Amanda Collins on July 2, 2010

Sometimes we forget that not everyone knows the same things we do – or maybe that’s just me. Recently, while sitting down for a one-on-one with a web designer, we were talking about the benefits of great content in boosting SEO. I was telling him about how he should be blogging on a regular basis to add more content to his site, and that he should follow up with notices on social media about his blogs.

“Can I just lift blogs from other people if I give them credit?”

It’s a good question—with an easy answer. Ideally, you should contact the writer and ask for permission. Short of that, giving full credit to the author on your blog, along with a link to the original post, is sufficient.

However, the question about cross-posting brought up another topic of SEO: commenting on others’ blogs. If you run a Google alert on certain keywords significant to your business (résumé, job search, etc.), you will learn of all kinds of blogs from colleagues. What a great way to make connections and drive traffic to your site by adding supportive, thought-provoking comments to those blogs!

Determine who the industry and thought leaders are in your profession. Follow them. Comment on what they have to say. Readers will link back to your site if you offer noteworthy comments that capture their attention and provide information. It’s a simple, effective trick to improve your SEO and continue to position yourself as an expert in your field.

Category: Business Development, seo | No Comments »
Tags: building relationships, Business Development

Posted By Amanda Collins on March 2, 2010

Even though you have your phone with you at all times, do you use it to talk? It seems that most people are using those little gadgets as mini-computers – searching the Web, answering e-mail, or, if it’s the phone aspect, texting. How many of us really use the phone to talk? It seems there’s some kind of negative connotation with calling. Even I am often arrested with the thought that I’ll be disturbing someone if I call, whereas a text or e-mail can be retrieved when the receiver is available.

I was at a presentation recently where the value of a phone call was discussed. SendOutCards folks will suggest sending a card a day or a week to your best clients, but this presenter suggested picking up the phone. “How would it make you feel if someone called you just to check in and see how you’re doing,” asked Sandy Rogers of Face-Time Fridays, LLC. The general consensus was that a phone call makes you feel special; an e-mail has become status quo. Even when Constant Contact offers personalized e-mail newsletters, there’s just something about a phone call.

I suggest you consider how you’re reaching out to your clients. Schedule in time to call past clients or check in with people in your database. Let’s turn around the misconception that phone calls are a hassle and actually start talking again. Most of us grew up in a time before computers were everywhere, so I know we all know how to dial.

Category: Communications | 2 Comments »
Tags: building relationships, client communications, e-mail, networking, phone calls