Networking online can be such a hassle. I’m just being honest. There is so many reasons to do it, but just like you, there was a point where I didn’t know where to even begin. You see it in all the big great online businesses and blogs, they find a way to join forces and reach greater audiences. You read their social media posts between each other (like a stalker) and you see they have a real connection, but how? Chances are many have not even met in person. So how do they do it, and how can you do it? Get ready to get uncomfortable.
Networking Tips
EMAILS
Recently I decided to step out of my comfort zone and reached out to a fellow blogger (a known influencer). I sat at my computer and began to compose an email to her. I typed in her email address, hit tab, and ended up on the subject line. Oh crap. What is my subject? Looking to connect? Blog owner looking for friends? What do I write to not sound desperate or spammy?
Here is what I discovered after a little research.
Subject lines should be short, to the point and most of all clear.
Ok, I think I got it. Here is a copy of my email (cringe):
Subject: [ blog name ] Pinterest Collaboration
Hello [ future friend name] ,
My name is Isela España, I run a blog named Sweet Paper Trail that covers graphic design, blogging, and business tips.
I have been recently restructuring my Pinterest account and ran into your Pinterest page. I noticed you have a few successful group collaborated boards and I was reaching out to you to see if there was a possibility to be added to them. I believe I have good tips and resources that I can contribute to your boards.
Whether you are interested or not, I will take this chance to introduce myself and reach out and make friends with a fellow creative. It’s so hard to do at times, but I thought I would step out of my comfort zone.
Nice to have unofficially met you,
Isela España 😉
There you have it. I did it. I wrote up my very first email reaching out to a fellow blogger. So what happened? Weeks passed and I got no response. Total failure right? Well, at least I put myself out there. I mean I was so disappointed that the blogger did not even bother to reply, but I tried, and I will try again.
MEET IN PERSON
Yes, networking can be tough. Especially when you get denied over and over again, but you know what, I learned something. I got over that failed email very quickly. I just said, hey maybe we were not a fit, I would have at least answered if put in her position, and guess what, a few days later I received an email from another blogger.
Subject line: Sweet Paper Trail – Let’s be blog buddies
Hi Isela,
My name is [ name ], I have a blog named [ blog name ] and am local here in San Diego. I was hoping you would be interested in meeting up for coffee sometime? We can exchange blogging tips! I would love to make friends with someone who understands what it is to run a blog.
Let me know what you think.
[ name & contact info ]
I was thrilled to say the least. Meeting up with another blogger in person was awesome. We connected instantly. Most bloggers feel like no one understands them, so when you meet someone who knows what it’s like, it just works.
No matter what line of business you’re in, reaching out to another business owner can feel a little awkward, but to tell you the truth you don’t have much to lose. Just do it!
SHOW SUPPORT
Showing support for other businesses and bloggers by sharing and commenting on their social media accounts is probably the best way to get attention. You don’t need to be scared to do this. You’re probably thinking “why would I give away the audience that I have by showing support for another creative”? Look, I thought like that at one point also, but I realized that is not so. You see there is business for everyone, and as long as you’re being unique and being who you truly are in business and as a person you will build your own following.
So start sharing, following and commenting.
Click to tweet – #SPTBIZTIPS Showing support helps you build community and followers
Join twitter chats
Joining a twitter chat is super easy. It is a great way to quickly jump into a conversation and make real connections. If you’re looking for some great chats on blogging, business, and design, check out my current favorite list on twitter. You can actually check out their previous chats or follow along without participating by typing in their hashtag. That way you can get a feel of how they work and jump in when your ready.
Here is a quick tutorial on joining a twitter chat by Little Farm Media.
If you’re still nervous about it, join me for my very first twitter chat on September 8 at 7pm. We will be chatting about making business buddies online, and hopefully making some as we do.
Join a webinar
Webinars are also great hangout places for creatives and the business savvy. A simple google search for the topic of your choice + webinar will give you a list of an upcoming webinars to look out for.
Join A Facebook group or thread
Facebook is still a great way to make business friends online and there is a new group in town that just launched to help you do just that. Erika Madden from Olivia.co has started a thread on her facebook page where you can share links to your online spaces + connect with other bloggers and biz owners. Erika also has a great post with a wonderful list of Facebook Groups for you to check out.
ATTEND A CONFERENCE, A WORKSHOP OR MEETUP
When you attend a conference or a workshop the most important thing you take away from the experience is the connections and sometimes even lifelong friends you can create.
Don’t be scared to attend a local event. Everyone starts from zero at one point and guess what, you have nothing to lose!
If you are a local San Diego Blogger and are looking for a Meetup. Look no further, I am currently narrowing down the details for my first San Diego Meetup
SHE WHO LEADS – A San Diego meetup for women bloggers and small business owners who are looking to connect, influence, collaborate, share tips, inspire, and empower each other. They will take place at a different local coffee shops (because we can all use the caffeine) once a month.
Click on the image below for more details.
Looking for more? Here are some great posts on building relationships online from other cool blog ladies like myself! 😉
Remember building a community around your business does not mean you cannot stand strong as a business alone, what it does is, it broadens your reach, it makes you a smarter businesswoman, it builds support. Why go at it alone?
Will you be joining in on the twitter chat or the meetup? Comment below!
Wendy Kim@ Your Dream Realized
Thanks Isela! These tips are really helpful. It’s true that sometimes you will make a connection and sometimes you won’t. I do find when I make genuine connections with other bloggers, customers, partners, etc. it’s worth the ones that don’t turn out.
iselaespana
Thank you Wendy! You are absolutely right!