Vanya Wryter Consulting Services

Tag: finding clients

  • 4 Tips for Effective Networking Connections

    4 Tips for Effective Networking Connections

    If you’ve attended a networking event, you’ve likely connected with other business owners and entrepreneurs who later said, “Let’s meet over coffee.” It’s a great idea, but how do you know if this connection with lead to a meaningful business relationship?

    Whether in person or at an online virtual meeting, you can make that follow up to the networking event a successful one by having clear objectives for connecting. Are you looking for opportunities and clients or just building relationships?

    Here are five tips to help you make meaningful connections and create effective business opportunities.

    1 Prepare a pitch so you connect with the right people

    At every in-person networking event, prepare a brief, 15 to 30 second description of yourself, including your name, company name, what you do, and your ideal client. When informally networking at an event, this is the information you want to share. When asked to give an introduction to a group of people, the description is the same, but when you finish, restate your name and the name of your company. (People don’t always catch your name the first time.)

    Take some business cards with you to share. They may also ask if you have a business card for a door prize draw. If you’re tech savvy, you can share your QR code to your LinkedIn profile or website instead of a business card. The benefit is you can easily update your LinkedIn profile or website, compared to ordering a new set of business cards whenever you update your information. 

    For virtual networking events, have your contact information typed out and checked for spelling and punctuation. You can copy and paste your information into the chat after your introduction to the group.  

    2 Attend networking events that attract the target market

    Another tip for a successful networking event is to learn what you can about the event before attending. What industries or niches do the attendees represent? Do they have a newly-minted business or have they been in business for a while?

    These questions are important because if you command a high price tag, a new business may not have the means to hire you. Similarly, if you are just starting to build your skills and your client network, a five-year old business may prefer to hire someone with an established success record.

    If you are in a marketing business specializing in marketing for tech companies with 50 or more employees, going to an event for small business owners may not be the best use of your time. To make the connections you’re looking for, do your research on the event prior to attending.

    3 Understand that networking isn’t the same as building connections

    After attending a networking meeting, you hope to have two or three people to follow up with. You might also be approached by someone who wants to meet with you and learn more about your business over coffee. Be clear about the purpose for the invitation.

    First, if you’re a new business owner, freelancer, or entrepreneur, meeting someone for coffee and getting to know each other’s business sounds like a great idea. You’ll build up your contact list and even if you don’t do business together, you’ll know who to recommend for (insert their business product or service here).

    Second, general getting-to-know-you chats build connections but rarely result in any business. You already introduced yourself and what you do at the networking event. If someone truly is interested in bringing you business, they will say something specific such as, “I’m interesting in signing up for your finance education program but I have some questions. Can we talk over coffee?”

    4 Set clear expectations

    Always be clear about your expectations prior to setting up a follow-up meeting after the networking event. If the other person says they want to “chat and get to know you and what you do,” expect that you’ll be working on building a connection. The connection might lead somewhere or it might not.

    A more specific objective, such as working on details about whether you can coach them on starting their new business is more likely to bring you a new client.

    Key Takeaways

    Networking is an important part of growing your business. A follow-up meeting after attending a networking event will be more effective if you are clear about your goals for going to the event, whether you just want to make a connection or find possible clients.

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  • How to Empower Your Job Search with Facebook Groups

    How to Empower Your Job Search with Facebook Groups

    Facebook can be as powerful a tool for finding work as LinkedIn and Indeed, whether you’re searching for a job or looking for your next client. Facebook communities (or groups) are a source for job opportunities, career trends and advice, and professional support.

    Like searching for the ideal job, your search for the Facebook groups that are the right fit for your needs requires a time commitment and research. Here are some tips for finding career-related Facebook communities that offer the best benefits for your job search and career development.

    Tip 1: Search Keywords Related to Your Career

    The search for Facebook communities that fit your needs is proactive and reactive. Sometimes Facebook suggests groups you might be interested in based on your past searches and comments on Facebook pages.

    Another way to find communities is to type keywords related to your career and then search “communities”. Facebook will list several groups that it thinks are the best match. For example, if you are a self-employed copywriter, you could search “marketing,” “writing,” “freelance,” or “copywriter.”

    Specific keyword search terms may not provide you with as many search results, so broader terms such as “marketing” may give you more community listings. 

    After creating a list of possible groups, read the community description to see if it fits your needs. Is it a group for copywriters to provide advice to other copywriters? Is it a group that allows job postings or self promotion of what you do?

    How many members are in the group? How frequently do group members post in one week? Larger groups with active members and frequent posting generally have more value than groups with a handful of members and one post a month.

    Finally, check the group’s location. A group may have members from all over the world, or it may focus on a particular country or city. If you are searching for jobs in one location, a group for a specific city may be a better fit. If you’re interested in remote work, a group with members from around the world may be the group you’re looking for.

    Tip 2: Look for Career Advice, Job Postings, and Best Practices

    The best Facebook groups for career opportunities have three features.

    First, the group offers job opportunities that are vetted. The moderator(s) check that the job posting seems legitimate, with the salary (or salary range), name of the company, description of the role, and contact person listed. In some cases, a minimum wage (for the industry) is required for post approval to ensure the job meets wage standards.

    Second, the group members are supportive. Members ask for advice on various topics, such as dealing with a bad client or boss, checking that their work contract is legit, suggesting improvements to resumes, and other career-related questions. Supportive members offer their advice in a constructive, insightful, and non-judgemental way.

    Third, the group conversations are monitored by the community monitors. They check that people don’t spam other people’s posts (such as advertising a bitcoin opportunity when the poster asked for advice on a job situation), giving unwanted opinions on a poster’s situation, or DMing (PMing) a poster without permission. 

    Some Facebook groups with thousands of members have received positive opinions from members who have been happy hiring people from within the group (after getting their resume or portfolio). 

    Group members also refer each other after seeing posts and replies from other members over time. For example, if an accountant is repeatedly recommended in a group – that person is likely someone people should consider working with.

    Tip 3: Connect with People in the Same Industry

    Facebook communities allow members to get to know each other over time. This is possible with LinkedIn groups as well. 

    Local Facebook groups have in-person events where you can network with local business owners in the same group or industry. Nation-wide or international groups often have virtual events with the opportunity to network and listen to presentations on business topics.

    These events are a great way to find a future employer or client. Attending regular events builds relationships, and people become familiar with what services or products members offer. Over time, people may refer members to potential employers or customers. These referrals are as effective as references. 

    Tip 4: Update Your Profile for Your Job Search

    Think of your Facebook profile as a resume. When connecting with potential employers or clients on Facebook, you want to be presentable. Your profile photo can be a casual snapshot of you hugging your cat.

    However, you may want to draw a boundary between casual and too revealing. You may want to avoid publicly sharing some of your photos. What photos you would consider private depends on the job you are applying for and how much of your private life you want to share with professional connections. Use your discretion. Some people are very private and don’t like to share family photos with strangers.

    Others like to use their Facebook accounts to promote themselves and what they do. For example, they may post a photo of a convention or work event that they attended. Or they may post updates on upcoming events where they will be presenting or post a product their company is selling.

    If you’re going to be active in Facebook communities for professional connections, check what you’re sharing publicly. What you’re comfortable sharing depends on how public you want your life to be.

    Key Takeaways

    Facebook is a less formal way to connect with people for potential job search opportunities to find work, connect with people in the industry, and get advice from people already working. Many people have commented that they have found jobs and clients after connecting with members in Facebook groups. 

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