As the video briefly explains there are many ways you can develop new business using social media and other tools. I have argued for many months (and even at times for years) that networking just for the sake of networking doesn't really get you anywhere (lets see, waste of time, unproductive, waste of dollars and more). I see a lot of people that just "connect" on LinkedIn because it feels good, hip or fashionable to do so. Not knowing who you are connecting to, and more importantly why, are some of the reasons that you should consider. So here is the last tip of the year:
If you have 500+ connections on LinkedIn, spend the first couple of weeks of the new year going through all names and trying to reconnect in terms of a phone call, short coffee meeting or email figuring out the following:
How can I help you?
Is there a way that you can help me?
Should we form a strategic partnership?
Can we jointly develop business that benefits both groups?
Who in your network can be of help to them?
How can they be your eyes and ears?
Is there anything you can do to help them meet their business goals for 2011?
I can go on .......
If you do this correctly you will find out a lot of things (a few listed here), some people have moved jobs, moved to new cities and have had major changes in their lives. Some people have been promoted, demoted or retired. This way you can rejuvenate old relationships, forge new ones, and you never know someone might need your business.
I did this exercise last week and found over 20 emails that were no longer accurate. After double checking their names on LinkedIn noticed that they have moved companies and they never informed me(too busy and settling in their new role and new company). Because I reached out we now have new meetings set in the new year. I already have 12 meetings in the first 2 weeks of the new year. 3 firms have a serious need for what we do at 678 Partners. (no promises yet but early stage of the sales process).
How do you generate revenue?
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