First of all, networking isn’t advertising. Make it clear. It has nothing to do with advertising at all. However, networking does share few similarities to advertising. But, how to network without advertising yourself?
But, what is networking?
Networking basically means to interact and build authentic relationships. Making trustworthy connections and sharing insights. It also includes collaborating and coordinating with each other over multiple tasks and meetings.
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HOW TO NETWORK WITHOUT ADVERTISING YOURSELF
Good networking doesn’t involve sending one-sided elevator pitches in a salesy manner or dominating the conversation. But, you can inevitably talk about your products, services and other skills.
You don’t have to announce yourself.
In fact, you’ve to;
1- Make A Compliment
The intent of networking isn’t to dive into self-promotional techniques or any sales pitch. You won’t need to do that.
Instead, make a compliment to strike up a conversation. By making a truthful compliment about the specific product or service, you appreciate them for what they are doing. Maybe, you’d like to network with other DIY bloggers. How about complimenting the products and the ideas they create?
Let them know how amazing work they’re doing. Believe it or not, everybody loves getting appreciated.
Compliment them.
Helpful read: How to monetize your blog without ads? And, make money online
2- Ask A Question
Why not ask for something to make a new connection today?
First, study and research your ideal prospect or the one with whom you’d like to connect. You can visit their websites and blogs to know more about their products and services.
Then, ask a relevant question. Maybe, something you didn’t understand. Or, ask for a helpful resource.
Ask questions about a specific topic.
But, don’t make it weird. Ask something that is important enough to get a reply from the expert, customer, or the blogger. You can even ask for some guidance or help. Stick with the underlying goal of networking and that’s our next point.
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3- Strike up a natural conversation with zero expectations
While holding a conversation with another blogger, or entrepreneur, don’t expect anything in return. Just be natural like you usually talk with a new person.
Have a natural and authentic tone in your voice. You don’t have to prepare a conversation. But, it’s always a good idea if you note down what are you going to talk about.
Have zero space for expectations in your conversation. The lesser, the better.
Helpful: Top 25 ways to generate endless blog post topics that never fails
4- Give a mention
Of course, you would be wondering how to do networking without advertising? Because it’s all about promoting yourself only. Look at the other side.
In blogging, we all feel appreciated when someone gives us a mention. Whether it’s a Twitter mention or a webinar recommendation it always feels amazing.
Maybe, you are recording a Facebook Live or Youtube video and you talk about a topic that’s relevant to another fellow. Give him/her a mention while talking to your audience. You can give an example of how he/she does on her blog etc.
Maybe, you are planning on writing a next blog post. Give mention to your new blogging fellow and shoot an email to let her know.
Or, you both can talk and introduce each other in your email newsletter.
Maybe, just a few lines about her and the business she runs.
This way, you both can get new audiences.
Related ==> How to grow your blogging network? 2 Steps to grow blogging connection
5- Always follow up, Stay in touch
The last but most important step in networking is the follow-up. Without a check-in, you may just be forgotten. You may even forget the people you met or interacted.
Maybe, you had a physical connection with a new blogger or influencer in an event or meeting. Shoot them a message.
Have someone, you know, sharing your posts on social media? Follow up and say thanks.
Have someone gave you a mention in a webinar, or blog posts? Send them an email and say thanks.
What you can do is to keep your clients, peers, and contacts in order so that you can always stay in touch with them.
A simple spreadsheet will suffice to record the data.
To get you on the right track, I’ve just talked about a few ideas to do networking.
Take these as the starters.
You can go beyond and make the most of it. Inviting someone to write a guest post or sharing advice is also a sort of networking. Giving a shout out on social media to someone is also a trick to the network. Using Twitter mentions can also be helpful for networking.
What are you going to do?
As I said, there are tons of things you can do. But, don’t make it weird.
Don’t just do approach the same person every day or week.
Networking is all about making trustworthy relationships. Present positivity and authenticity when you hold a conversation with someone. Remember, not every single interaction leads to a job or contract. That’s not what networking is all about. The intent is to meet new people and interact. A simple conversation that’s more organic and natural will work.
Keep your main focus to meet new people in your field of work, without expecting anything. The purpose is to meet and listen to new bloggers and what they’ve to say.
There’s nothing complicated about it.
Just be natural.
Jen @Jenron- Designs says
Great advice, I have found some dear friends in the blogging arena . I love to stay in touch and support there on going endeavors. This is a fantastic article for those that are new to the blog-o-sphere. Great job!
Ahmad Imran says
Arfa, this is the one on my list now. Networking and building genuine relationships. Blogging can be a lonely task if one is not careful. We are stronger when we leverage the strengths of others and channelise to a common and a win-win objective for all.
Good article, thanks for sharing and reminding an important message.
Ahmad
Arfa Nazeer says
Thanks, Jen! That’s probably one reason I love blogging more. You get to know more blogging friends and their struggles. Like how they overcome and what are they going through. I’m pretty sure you and your friends share some great insights with each other.
Arfa Nazeer says
Hi Ahmad, thanks for always taking out time to read the post and comment. I really appreciate that!
Definitely. Networking is huge. It can be efficiently used to leverage others powerful reach and of course, creating a win-win situation for both the parties. I see several bloggers make great online connections and help each other grow which I think is a great idea to progress. Even, an accountability partner is what I always recommend to others. That’s so big if you have got a blogging friend who shares everything with you. The struggles, the paths and of course the strategies. To survive in the market, you will have to interact and network.
Thanks, Ahmad!
Sandra :: Wallifyer says
Ahhh, this is so nice to my eyes and ears hahaha! I am so tired of people only connecting in order to get an advantage not to connect in a real way! I love your post, it so needed.
durgavati says
Hello, Arfa Nazeer
Oh! my god ….This articles are extremely interesting and totally different.you are such a great because you’r spread about Network .really! great your post.
thanks for sharing this one.
Arfa Nazeer says
Thanks, durgavati!
Jennifer says
This is so useful as I’m on a journey to start a blog and looking for tips on how to network with other bloggers. This was really helpful especially ideas in how to collaborate with another blogger.