How to network like a ninja + pitch template

You know it’s critical to your success, but are you doing it with forethought and a solid strategy in place, or do you just “wing it?”.

 

 

Admittedly, most of us are squarely in the winging it category, but there are some quick and easy changes you can make that will put even your most important networking tasks on autopilot. Adding any additional task to our already full blogging plates can seem daunting, but making connections with others can really take our blogs to the next level.

 

 

Networking can put you in touch with people who you can develop friendships with, or even lucrative joint venture partnerships. You can find a likeminded group of people who will support you and your blog and vice versa. You will also have the connection to the contacts of the people you meet, so your network expands even further.

 

 

There is a few different types forms which networking can take;

 

1. Online
2. Local meetings
3. Conferences

 

There are many activities that fall under the ‘online networking’ umbrella. You probably even do a lot of things on a daily basis, that you don’t even really think of as networking. Commenting on others blogs, answering comments that people leave on your blog, helping other bloggers, chatting with people on social media, running a specific project with another blogger and countless other things.

 

We’re so lucky that we have a number of platforms at our disposal to aid our networking efforts. For example, Facebook groups makes it possible to find kindred spirits from all over the world.

 

Facebook groups

 

‘Networking is connecting with people. It isn’t promotion’

 

Although Facebook groups offer us so much opportunity, so many people waste it. They think only of promotion, of what’s in it for them. You see it so often in Facebook groups. The looooooong captions, with veiled pitches. It gets really old really quickly. What doesn’t get old is showing up with authenticity and helping people. Chatting to them with no ulterior motive. Let’s not forget we’re humans and don’t get me wrong I have NO issue with promotion but I do have an issue with people who choose promotion over forming relationships with others. If you show up and make connections. Give value where you can and support others. This will come back to you in the long run. People will think of you, they will come to you when they have the need and they will recommend you to others.

 

Online introductions and pitches

 

You can take things further by reaching out to peers and people you admire to introduce yourself and offer your assistance. You might want to work with them on a joint venture. There is no doubt that while networking is vital to the growth of your business, it does take time. You can, however, outsource some of the steps to save time.

 

Outsource the research: First step, hire a VA who can find and connect you with potential joint venture (JV) partners, affiliates, guest interviews, and all the other marketing options which are at your disposal. Don’t stop reading because you think you can’t afford a VA. Some VA’s based in other countries have super reasonable rates and can work for as few a number of hours each week that you want them for or perhaps you can hire someone just for a couple of hours as a one off.

 

 

If you want to join my mailing list and get access to my epic Blogger’s Resource vault of cheatsheets and downloads (INCLUDING A BLOGGER COLLABORATION PITCH TEMPLATE) as a welcome gift, you can do that here.

 

 

With a list of requirements at hand, he or she can spend an hour or two on Google and bring back a list of hundreds of people you can then reach out to. What would a list of 100—or even 10—new potential JV partners do for your business growth?

 

 

Automate the initial connection: Create a script or email template to use when you first reach out to potential partners. Make sure you tweak it for each contact. Your VA can send this in an email or make a call on your behalf, but having the script in place will accomplish two things:

 

 

• The process will be much faster than if you have to think about what to say.

• You’ll be able to tweak the script as you go to get better results. Just like you split test your emails, you can test your outreach process as well.

 

 

Automate the follow-up: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, create an email or phone script to help speed the process. You or your VA (or your email autoresponder series) can send out a series of emails to follow up on that initial connection.

 

 

Automate your scheduling: Using a service such as Calendly or ScheduleOnce, you can easily set up your calendar with your preferred times for interviews, webinars and such. Give your JV partners links to book time with you, and the meetings will automatically add themselves to your calendar. No more endless back and forth to discuss potential meeting times, just a single click, and your partner can choose the time that works for both of you.

 

 

Here’s a hint though: be sure to use your calendar diligently, because if you don’t you run the risk of someone scheduling time with you when you already have another commitment.

 

 

Will it take a bit of work to get these systems in place? Sure. But once you do, you’ll find that attracting and working with JV partners, guest experts and others is much easier and more streamlined. Not only that, but with the time you save, you’ll be able to concentrate on creating new programs and services. Or maybe just hang out with the kids a bit. You deserve some time off.

 

 

Local networking meetings

 

Local business networking gives you the opportunity to mix with a variety of people. Including those running more ‘traditional’ businesses. This might seem pointless, but they can provide you with a great ‘outsiders’ perspective.

 

 

Conferences

 

There are various different types of conferences; business, blogging, and specific niche ones too. Conferences can often give you the opportunity to network with brands as well as peers. The chance to learn new skills and be immersed for a day or so.

 

 

 

If you want to grow your blog and take your traffic generation to the next level in a friendly, supportive and totally kick-ass community. Check out the Revolution Inner Circle, my amazing membership community.

 

 

If you want to join my mailing list and get access to my epic Blogger’s Resource vault of cheatsheets and downloads (INCLUDING A BLOGGER COLLABORATION PITCH TEMPLATE) as a welcome gift, you can do that here.

 

 

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