Defining a networking strategy
All businesses are different and as a result there is no single networking strategy that works for everyone. A networking strategy should be designed to specifically match how you are set up in business, hence providing the highest convenience for connect with your target audience. Remember that networking isn't about making a sales pitch; it's about building your contact list, learning information and building your reputation in a way that places you in a position of strength in the market.
Networking comes in two main flavors:
Online networking through forums and social media websites. These are especially handy for extending your reach to people you would never meet on a face to face basis:
Example: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook can be used to find and engage in relevant conversations that lead to gaining new contacts of interest.
Real world networking performed mainly at organized events and later followed up with one to one meeting:
Example: There are many...
