NETWORKING
As the networking person for our newly starting digital marketing company, I believe that
my role is pivotal in laying a strong foundation for relationships that will fuel the growth
of our company. Here’s a step-by-step plan tailored that fits my ideologies:
1. Develop a Clear Understanding of our Company
a) Understand our Brand
1. Identify the company’s core values and principles.
2. Understand the mission and vision statements to guide our messaging.
3. Analyze our company’s tone and style for communication.
4. Be clear on how our brand differentiates itself from competitors.
5. Familiarize ourselves with the company’s story and why it was started.
b) Define the Target Market
1. List the industries and niches our services cater to.
2. Determine the demographics: age, gender, location, income, etc.
3. Understand their challenges: online visibility, conversions, engagement, etc.
4. Segment our market into smaller groups for personalized approaches.
5. Research trends and opportunities in these target markets.
2. Build the Company’s Presence
a) Set Up Online Profiles
1. Create accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
2. Optimize profiles with professional bios, links, and branding visuals.
3. Post regularly about services, team culture, and industry trends.
4. Use platform-specific hashtags to boost visibility.
5. Include testimonials or case studies (if available) for credibility.
b) Highlight Expertise
1. Publish blogs or articles on our website showcasing digital marketing tips.
2. Share our knowledge via video content, webinars, or Q&A sessions.
3. Post about tools, techniques, and best practices the team uses.
4. Showcase team achievements and individual skills on social platforms.
5. Use visual content like infographics to explain complex ideas simply.
c) Join Industry Groups
1. Participate in LinkedIn groups for digital marketers and small business owners.
2. Comment and provide value in discussions to establish authority.
3. Use Reddit and Quora to answer questions about digital marketing.
4. Join local business directories or communities to connect with nearby clients.
5. Attend online forums to stay updated on industry challenges and trends.
3. Attend Networking Events
a) Local Events
1. Attend trade shows, small business expos, or industry meetups within our nearby
areas.
2. Join chambers of commerce or regional business groups.
3. Hand out business cards and engage in meaningful conversations.
4. Host small workshops or meetups for local businesses to showcase services.
5. Connect with other attendees post-event through LinkedIn or email.
b) Virtual Events
1. Sign up for webinars or virtual panels relevant to our niche.
2. Actively participate by asking questions or engaging in discussions.
3. Use chat functions to introduce ourselves to other attendees.
4. Follow up with speakers or participants through LinkedIn.
5. Offer to host or co-host virtual sessions on our expertise.
c) Industry-Specific Events
1. Look for events targeting sectors like real estate, e-commerce, or health.
2. Prepare tailored pitches and service examples for that industry.
3. Share industry-specific marketing strategies during networking sessions.
4. Collaborate with event organizers to promote the services we provide.
5. Stay updated on industry-specific trends discussed at these events.
4. Identify and Connect with Potential Clients
a) Use Tools for Research
1. Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find prospects by location or industry.
2. Employ tools like Apollo or Hunter.io to gather contact details.
3. Research clients on Google to understand their current marketing presence.
4. Look for clients who actively advertise but lack engagement or results.
5. Analyze competitors’ client lists for potential opportunities.
b) Approach with a Value Proposition
1. Start conversations by addressing their specific pain points.
2. Share examples or case studies of how we have solved similar problems.
3. Offer free audits or consultations to demonstrate our expertise.
4. Highlight cost-effective solutions or introductory offers.
5. Use a customer-centric approach by focusing on their goals.
5. Forge Strategic Partnerships
a) Connect with Complimentary Service Providers
1. Partner with web developers to create joint service packages.
2. Collaborate with graphic designers for seamless branding solutions.
3. Work with content writers for better SEO and blog campaigns.
4. Partner with video editors or photographers for social media visuals.
5. Build alliances with e-commerce consultants or platforms.
b) Offer Mutual Benefits
1. Provide cross-promotion opportunities through shared social media posts.
2. Refer clients to each other for complementary services.
3. Share profits or commissions for joint projects.
4. Combine resources for shared events or campaigns.
5. Build long-term alliances with clear terms and expectations.
6. Build a Referral System
a) Encourage Referrals
1. Offer discounts or incentives for successful referrals.
2. Create a formal referral program with clear terms and rewards.
3. Encourage satisfied clients to share testimonials and recommend our brand.
4. Collaborate with influencers for word-of-mouth promotions.
5. Recognize and thank those who refer us publicly or privately.
By actively networking, positioning our company as a solution provider, and building
strong professional relationships, we’ll lay the groundwork for long-term success.
