This week on #bufferchat our community chatted all about networking, sharing tips and tricks on how to make the most of virtual and real world connections. Read on to discover all of the awesome insights shared during the chat!
Catch our weekly Twitter chat, #bufferchat, at TWO times every Wednesday for valuable industry insights and to meet hundreds of other smart marketers and social media enthusiasts. Same topic, same place, just at different times – feel free to join whichever chat time works best for you!
4 pm AEST (Sydney time)
9 am PT (San Francisco time)
This week’s stats:
Bufferchat #1 (4 pm AEST): 11 participants; reach of 986,363
Bufferchat #2 (9 am PT): 55 participants; reach of 1,092,806
Q1: Do you attend networking events? Why or why not?
From the community:
A1: No, even though I should! Mostly it’s because I’m a textbook definition introvert, and meeting dozens of people all at once is daunting! But also they usually seem to cost $$$$ ? #bufferchat
— Lauren Blake (@_lblake) May 16, 2018
A1.
I’m one of those weirdos who loves to network
so heck yes!
Meeting new people is my favorite.#bufferchat pic.twitter.com/Gd0AVuwyhP
— Tori Dunlap | Victori Media (@victori_media) May 16, 2018
A1: I try to when it’s Social Media or Digital Marketing focused. It’s a great opportunity to share best practices and just straight up learn more. The connection is also a big part. Knowing others who are also on the same journey gives me a community. #BufferChat
— Ellis Mbeh ?➡? (@EllisMbeh) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 1 here!
Q2: Do you network online via Slack, Facebook groups, or something similar?
From the community:
A2: I network via Buffer, Slack, several Facebook groups and, LinkedIn.
One guy I met on LinkedIn, I joined his toastmasters club, he is now a mentor, his wife gave me a referral for a client and a referral for a gig. Unexpected!#BufferChat
— Raul Rovira ❄ (@RaulARovira) May 16, 2018
A2: Yes, via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. In fact we are always networking online. We are currently looking into Slack and how/if we can make it work for us. #bufferchat
— Little Tzu Marketing (@wearelittletzu) May 16, 2018
A2|
Most of the networking I do online is via Twitter. One, I’m already on Twitter and Two, there are a variety of Twitter chats to connect likeminded individuals.#BufferChat
— Anastasia ☼ (@xoxAMH) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 2 here!
Q3: Are the networking groups you are a part of specific to your industry or do you network based on your location, etc. ?
From the community:
A3: Both! We love networking with other business near us! But we also network within our industry! It’s the best of both worlds! #bufferchat
— In The Event (@weareintheevent) May 16, 2018
A3:
Typically industry + location, but as I explore online networking I am loving the opportunity to go location-independent with networking. It’s opening my eyes to so many new perspectives and ideas! #bufferchat
— Paige Peabody (@Paige_Peabody) May 16, 2018
A3: I believe in diversity. I’ve networked in the smallbiz community, locally, and other industries. Testing these different waters has helped me see the smallbiz community is the most receptive for me. #bufferchat
— Lori Anding? Smallbiz Social Media Expertise (@southbaysome) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 3 here!
Q4: What are some tips for making the most of your time at a networking event?
From the community:
A4: Be sincere, don’t try to be someone you are not!! Be yourself! I used to get really embarrassed that I could not remember people’s names, now I just laugh it off !! Be human, you do not need to be perfect ever! #bufferchat
— Carrie Eddins (@blondepreneur) May 16, 2018
A4: If there is a list of attendees, look at this list ahead of time. If there are particular people you are hoping to meet you can make this a priority and prepare by doing some research in advance of the event. #bufferchat
— Jessica Knapp (@jessmknapp) May 16, 2018
A4: Follow-up! It’s not enough to exchange business cards. Reach out, connect on social media and continue the conversation after the event#bufferchat
— Danielle Bullen Love (@daniellewriter) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 4 here!
Q5: What’s your favorite way to break the ice when networking?
From the community:
A5: I’ve found a great icebreaker is to ask someone what book(s) they’re currently reading. It can lead to some really great discussions, give you good book recommendations, and you learn more about the person that can lead to more natural conversations.
#bufferchat pic.twitter.com/vvLAF1Qm6x
— Anna Reel (@thereelanna) May 16, 2018
A5: Even just doing a favor—holding a door open or asking to help someone juggling a load can raise a smile and an opportunity to talk if not now then later. #bufferchat
— KeyReel (@KeyReelApp) May 16, 2018
A5 By showing interest in someone else. Also finding something to comment on or asking a question: “Do you know where the coat check is?” or “I cannot believe I almost forgot my business cards!” or “I love your planner! Where did you get it?” #bufferchat
— WTF ? Katie (@WeirdTrvlFriend) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 5 here!
Q6: How can you follow up after networking to make the most of your new connections?
From the community:
A6: I try to send an email and connect on @LinkedIn. I do the email first letting them know I’m going to connect. It helps to keep you and the event that you met at solidified in their mind #bufferchat
— Julia Dunford (@juliajdunford) May 16, 2018
A6 Because it is a bit of a lost art, a handwritten note or thank you can go a long way. #bufferchat
— Ryan Hansen (@RPH2004) May 16, 2018
A6: If you got a business card, send an email, connect on LinkedIn and offer a follow up meet and greet. Whether it’s lunch, Happy Hour, or another event, keep the connection going! #bufferchat
— Sway Group (@SwayGroup) May 16, 2018
See all the great answers to question 6 here!
Thank you so much to our awesome community for sharing such great insights in this chat!
Do you have any comments or answers to these questions? Leave your thoughts in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!
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