Why Offline Business Networking Events Can Waste Valuable Time & Hurt Your Bottom Line

I am not anti-networking but I am not a fan of attending offline networking events that waste my precious, valuable time. I have wasted a lot of time and energy attending business networking events that didn't help my business. I also think it really depends on your market, regional location, and the types of business owners/entrepreneurs you connect with at these events. As a former fundraiser, I was forced to attend many networking events that I found to be a huge waste of time so I learned a few networking lessons over the years, and how to screen these networking events/groups more carefully.

Have you found yourself collecting a lot of cards at these events but you either don't follow up with these leads OR these leads end up being flaky and unreliable? I seem to bat zero when I attend these events--and it's not from lack of trying. I followed up with leads, and even wrote up proposals for potential clients. But the lack of professionalism turned me off so I chose not to return to these groups. I just wasn't feeling it.

I've made the decision NOT to attend offline business networking events anymore. If you have run across similar challenges with networking groups, I recommend that you consider either scaling back your business networking groups and/or doing away with them altogether.

So what about the human personal touch? You can still get that personal touch when you connect with potential clients and leads from your Facebook page and/or LinkedIn. It also allows you to screen people better before you make that face-to-face contact. Another bonus: you don't waste time and money traveling to a networking event--only to discover it was a big dud and you just wasted precious time networking with people that don't have any interest in your products or services.

Bottom line: What is your return on investment if you attend a business networking event? Just to socialize and have fun? I'm not anti-fun, but there is a time and place for having fun. If you attend these events for the heck of it, without any solid goals in mind, I suggest you re-think your lead generation strategies.

Before you attend an offline networking event, ask yourself the following five questions.

1. Do I have the time/energy/money to take ________hours out of my day/evening to attend this event? 

2. Do your homework first. Are the right people going to be at this event? My target markets? Potential leads/clients? Other business owners who complement my industry and aren't my competitors?

3. Do I have to pay a fee to attend? Do I have the budget to invest in a fee-based networking group? What do I receive (perks, benefits, etc.) in return for my dues/fees?

4. Am I obligated to produce referrals/leads to others in the group? Some networking groups (leads-based groups) have a mandatory rule that you must contribute so many leads per week/month to the group. 

5. Are there other avenues/marketing channels (i.e. social media, etc.) that I could pursue that will give me a better return on my investment? 

I've been down that road with networking groups and I found them to be a huge waste of my time. I am not against networking, but I am not a fan of wasted time and energy. If you find yourself wasting a lot of time at these events and you don't get viable leads as a result, you might want to ditch the offline networking for now and stick with online marketing channels.

LinkedIn Answers - How to Market Without Really Marketing

The theme of my week was "LinkedIn Answers." If you haven't checked out LinkedIn Questions & Answers, you are missing out on potential online marketing opportunities. How can you market your company by answering questions? It's not like you can plug your company when you answer the question.

This week, I answered two questions this that involved non-profits and social media. Non-profit is my background so it's a natural fit. Ironically, one question I answered involved how can non-profits better utilize LinkedIn. As a result, my tips were included  in an About.com article. I also will be quoted in another article about Facebook and social good.

So how did this happen? I shared my expertise by answering questions- that's it!  They asked me if they could use my quote/tips. 

I know what you're thinking: "I don't have the time to answer questions on LinkedIn let alone run to Starbucks to grab a latte" It only took me ten minutes to answer both two questions. Ten minutes that turned into an unexpected online marketing opportunity. I even cross-promoted my friend and mentor, Victoria Ipri's LinkedIn for the Clueless book in my LinkedIn answer. That was a double marketing whammy for us both. 

Here are a few tips to get you started on LinkedIn Answers:

1. Use your expertise to help others. Search for questions in your field of expertise/industry. Pick and choose. Don't answer just any question - stick with your expertise range. For example, I have a background in non-profit fundraising/event planning so I'm more inclined to answer non-profit and event planning questions. I also answer questions about public relations, copywriting, marketing, and social media.

2. Don't shoot off a one sentence answer. That isn't helpful. Offer "real world" examples that people can put to practical use. Include resources in the "Links" section and always extend the offer to help beyond just the question. I've had people follow up with me and ask additional questions. As a result, we added each other to our LinkedIn connections - a fantastic networking opportunity! 

3. Don't just answer questions but ASK questions. You have a plethora of industry experts at your fingertips so don't be afraid to jump in and ask for expert advice/help. Although, don't use it as a platform to get "free" advice 24,7. That's not the point behind LinkedIn Answers. 

4. Review the published answers before you answer the question. Someone might have already beat you to the punch. You don't want to look like a "copycat" and give a similar answer. 

5. If you haven't answered any questions on LinkedIn yet, make it a point to answer at least ONE question per week to get your feet wet. 

If you never thought about using LinkedIn as a potential online marketing channel, you might want to consider adding LinkedIn Answers to your marketing tool belt. It's the best way to market without really marketing - and saves you time since other people market your company/brand for you!

Give it a shot...and please share your success stories with LinkedIn Answers! I'd love to hear about your experiences. 

Just in the Nick of Time...Why You Need a Social Media Plan in 2011

If you thought you could get away without using social media in 2010, you'd better think again for 2011!  Social media is here to stay! It's time to start making your social media lists AND checking them twice...and three times!

If you don't have ANY clue where to start, check out Modello Media, Inc. and their "Just in the Nick of Time" package deal they are offering through the holiday season! 

I know people struggle with their marketing budgets thanks to our tenuous economy and I know what you're thinking - I JUST don't have a marketing budget!  

Sometimes you've got to spend a little money to make some money and...you don't have to spend a lot either - why I wanted to pass along this fantastic deal because I know you're crunching the digits as you wind down your year.

So here's Victoria's deal, plain and simple - no muss, no fuss! 

60 minutes of phone consulting for...$50! (that's less than original $60 fee she offered 2 years ago - wowwww!)

So where do you start? 

• Want to do a better job of promotion using social media?
• Need a stronger LinkedIn presence?
• Want to integrate offline and online marketing?
• Wish you could pull off a great direct mail package?
• Want to effectively use a new trick or tool on the market
• Need guidance on a new website or blog?

And I know your social media list goes on and on...
The topic is up to you, and anything related to online marketing is fair game.

Choose 2 convenient hours on the 21st, 22nd, 27th or 28th of December - email  Victoria@ModelloMedia.com

Oh, and by the way...if you schedule a minimum of two hours, you receive a free copy of Victoria's newest ebook, LinkedIn For The Clueless! The only requirement to receive this bonus is that one of the hours must be scheduled during the above dates mentioned. 

Soooo...STOP blaming your web designers, business managers and everyone else under the sun for your failed social media plan - or lack thereof! 

Don't wait until 2011 is half-over to create a social media plan! For more information about Victoria's "Just in the Nick of Time" holiday deal - contact Modello Media, Inc. today.

Merry Holidays & wishing you MUCH social media succes in the New Year!