You Networked, Collected Business Cards ... Now What? Three Things You Can Do To Engage Deeper

If you are like me, you might attend multiple networking events each week. Not only is this a great opportunity to meet new people, but also collect contact information for connecting deeper. There are a few tactics I have in place when I connect with someone new that may benefit you if you are trying to optimize your networking experience.

(1) Remember a Few Key Take Aways From Your Visit 

Write down a few things you remember about this person that will spark a memory later when you send them an email thanking you for connecting and encourage a follow-up meeting.This is so very important and what a lot of people forget - EMAIL them a memory from your encounter.  It will not only show that your encounter was memorable, buut that you value their connection.

(2) Connect with them on LinkedIn

Connecting on LinkedIn takes the face to face meeting to a higher level showing your contact your interest on connecting further. Adding them to your "Professional Network on LinkedIn" provides them with a deeper visibility to you and vice verse.

(3) Visit Their Website and Connect With Your New Connect in Social Media Platforms 

If you take the extra step of visiting their website, you will probably learn a bit more about the service they offer, learn about potential networking opportunities, but also see if they have a presence in other social media platforms.  Fanning and Connecting to the other social platforms takes your engagement to a higher level of getting to know them and learning more about what they have to offer.

Networking is an opportunity to build relationship marketing on a deeper level.  You have already met the person, seen their face, heard their heart for their business and now you are taking that next step to get to know them better.  These 3 components may really enhance your next networking encounter.  Don't just take a business card and walk away, take the time to dive deeper and it will open doors you may have never imagined.

~ Social Media is changing the way people do business.  Don't get left behind ~ 

Hollie Clere, of The Social Media Advisor is a social media manager, trainer and author in LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Google+ , Pinterest and the tools to manage them. Click here for her Social Media Links

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