Got contacts or dead ends?

[I'm In]

I frequent networking events, because I believe in the power of socializing.

I have a stack of biz cards. What should I do with them? I'm in content creation.

If I have a card for someone who owns a production company, should I just email him saying "hey man, you need content?"

Obviously I'm not that informal, but what do you think?

 

[Blackice]

There is a certain style that works best based on your personality. Its difficult to give you info geared for you without knowing your personally. So instead maybe a couple general suggestions may help.

The business cards are only worth as much as the connection you make with the person. As you ask them about what they do etc identify if they would have an actual need for your services. If you are uncertain, when they ask you about your work. Speak about success stories with other clients and the quality of your team. Then at the end of the conversation if it goes well you offer them your card and say something along the lines of , "if your ever looking for a content writing specialist let me know." Then after the networking event write down all the information you remember about the person and their business.

Worst thing that can happen is they throw your card away and it leads to nothing. There will be a certain % of conversions and your time spent needs to justify the return.

 

[backinblack]

I'm going to say that IME networking events are low return on my time investment. Because most people are there to do just what I am there to do: make a connection that is favorable and or lucrative to myself and/or my company. They aren't there really to hear about what my company can do for them just like I'm really not there because I am looking to find someone that offers their services. Is that cynical and a broad generalization? Sure. But it holds water.

I've had better luck being involved with charities, joining clubs I am actually interested in and having some sort of social life. I make more deals with people I meet that way than any of the networking events I have attended over the years. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Rec]

Networking seems to be something that a lot of people misunderstand. It's much better to go to the event and make 1 or 2 good connections that a whole stack of business cards. There are times that a quick meet and greet might make sense, but you'll know you made a solid connection when you don't have to ask yourself how to proceed.

Now, I understand that not everyone is in your industry, or is possible to be a great connection immediately. But, try and stay in touch and be human. The human connection is what matters, and that's what a lot of Marketers miss. You can have an entire database of names, phone numbers, and email addresses, but get nowhere without an actual connection.