Use These 4 Steps And You’ll Be Networking Like a Rockstar

You understand that networking is critical to your success, but are you networking with forethought and a excellent strategy in place, or are you just “winging it?”

Almost all of us are squarely in the category of winging it but there are some simple and swift changes you can make that will put even your most crucial networking tasks on autopilot.

Outsource the research:

This is the first step, hire a Virtual Assistant with networking skills who can find and hook you up with potential JV partners, affiliates, guest interviews, guest blogging, podcasts, and any or all of the other marketing options at your disposal.

With a list of requirements at hand, your VA can spend an hour or two on Google and bring back a list of hundreds of folks you can then reach out to. What would a list of 100—or even 10—new JV partners do for your business growth and networking goals? And just think of how much time your VA will save you with your networking activities.

Automate the initial connection:

Create a script or email template to use when you first reach out to potential partners. Your VA can send this in an email or make a call on your behalf, but having the script in position will accomplish two benefits:

1. The method will be much faster than if you have to think about what to say.
2. You can tweak the script as you go to get better results. Simply like you split test your emails, you can test your outreach process as well.

Automate the follow-up:

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, create an email or phone script to help speed up the process. You or your VA (or your email autoresponder series) can send out several emails to follow up on that initial connection.

Automate your scheduling:

Using a service such as Acuity Scheduling or Calendy, you can certainly set up your calendar with your preferred times for interviews, training calls,seminars on the web, webinars and so on. Offer your JV partners a link to schedule a time with you, and the meetings will automatically appear on your calendar. No more countless back and forth to go over potential meeting times, simply a single click, and your partner can choose the time that works for both of you.

Here is a hint though: make certain to use your calendar appointments diligently, because if you don’t you run the risk of someone scheduling time with you when you already have another commitment.

Will it take a little bit of work to get these systems in place? Sure. But once you do, you’ll find that attracting and working with JV partners, guest experts and others is much easier and more streamlined. Not only that, the time you save from your networking skills and networking opportunities, you’ll be able to focus on creating new programs and services. Or maybe just spend more time with the kids a bit. Don’t you think you deserve some time off?