There are a lot of people out there who consider networking should stay just within their area or business. However, this approach is close minded and is far from the most intelligent networking strategy. Actually, it is tremendously advantageous to network with professionals who are not in your particular business. Why? Here are top five reasons:
1. Professionals From Different Industries Can Provide Another View
It is always a good idea to have people in your pocket who will willingly give feedback to you. It is particularly helpful to listen to those who know little about your business, products, or services because they are able to give you honest feedback on anything. What did they think about a specific phrase you used to market your brand? Did it feel like they realized they needed to buy it? Having individuals who are outside of your area can be exceptionally valuable in terms of feedback.
2. They Can Become Your Customers
Branching out and networking with professionals from different sectors can appear unproductive, yet, it can actually give your sales a boost. Let us say you are a web site designer. You are not likely to get many customers, if you’re just making attempts to network with other web site designers. But if you’re actively seeking to network with individuals who you believe could reap the benefits of having a web site (that’s pretty much everyone), you could actually raise your customer base.
3. They May Be Great References
They are able to provide insight and ability to develop professional relationships, although they might be unable to talk about your own particular skill set. Just be sure before you list them you give your contact a heads up! Not only can it be improper to simply list someone without asking for his or her permission, but it is also not a strategy that is good for you. They might say the wrong thing, if you don’t let them prepare for the call. Not good for anyone!
4. They Might Know Someone…
Let us say you are a writer who’s seeking professional blogging or writing chances. Let us also say you only met with this man who works in advertising at an event. Since content marketing is in such a high-demand right now, it is quite possible that man knows someone in the publishing business who’s trying to find professional writers. The fact remains, you simply never know who knows who!
. … Or Someone Is Known by YOU
And the same goes for you – you might know someone who could benefit from connecting with this marketing professional. Perhaps they want some promotion work done for their brand – simply by providing an introduction you could help both parties. Your generosity will be remembered by them and repaid afterwards.
Wonder how to meet these people and connect with them? CityHour app allows you to refine your search around specific industries, meeting goals, locations, or dates & times. Just choose the area that you’re interested in and quickly connect to a professional in this industry within a 50 mile radius who is looking for a meeting in the next 2 hours. It’s fast, easy and free!
About The Author
CityHour - An invaluable tool for sales and business development professionals, as well as job seekers, recruiters or simply for general networking. Powerful business networking Tool designed exclusively for arranging face-to-face meetings with other professionals around mutual calendar availability, commonalities or shared objectives.