If you own a small business, you know how crucial networking can be. Think of it as a sink-or-swim type of skill. It can mean the difference between inking a deal with a new client, finding the perfect candidate to fill that job opening or getting the word out about your services.
Networking allows a savvy business owner to build upon the relationships he or she already has to create new connections in that – as GetRichSlowly.org’s JD Roth wrote “help both parties pursue their goals.”
Without knowing it I’m sure I learned a bit about the power of networking in college. Michigan State was a big school with a vast array of students studying any subject you could imagine. But we all converged on that campus – at house parties and events. Working at the college daily, The State News, I knew a little about a lot of student and staff organizations, too.
I was plugged in without having to belong formally to any one group. I could walk into the bagel shop or record store, my favorite coffee spot or bar and know at least one person. A big school felt like a very small place after four years – thanks in large part to networking.
Today, my naturally social behaviors translate well with technological enhancements. Inc.com ran a piece featuring the top 10 apps for networkers. Among them were a few familiar names we’ve covered here before – like Foursquare. But I was curious and pleased to see a slew of new options, new ways to meet like-minded folks in business settings. I’ve used Bump socially, but more and more consider it a virtual business card.
As smart phones become more prevalent, I see Bump as an option to share contact information with new business contacts. Jump Scan allows us to do something similar – using every one’s favorite square, QR codes. It almost seems outdated to carry an actual paper card around anymore. Who doesn’t want a custom QR code?
Options like WhosHere and Planely offer frequent conference-goers and business travelers the ultimate networking advantage. Make the most of that downtime by seeking out your contacts and Twitter connections in real time. Opt to sit together on the plane. Mobile proximity networking is the ultimate time-saver.
I remember not-so-long ago I took special precautions not to reveal too much online. That may still be a concern. We’re not advocating stalking here. The option to connect for business purposes – and do so in a meaningful way – has changed thanks to technology. It’s interesting to watch the transformation and to know how valuable networking continues to be, regardless of your industry.
Have you found an interesting way to infuse technology into your networking or communication efforts in business? Tell us about it.
Post by Stephanie Angelyn Casola, director of PR and Marketing at The Urbane Way and @Steph_Urbane on Twitter. At The Urbane Way, we specialize in social media marketing and PR and lifestyle branding. How can we help you?
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