Business networking meetings might have paused and everybody’s on ‘go slow’ during the summer months. But, if you’re planning for a successful September, then don’t take a complete sabbatical from your marketing.
Here’s FIVE ways to smash your business networking in August AND enjoy the holidays.
1. Enjoy Some Social Networking
There are often lots of opportunities to work on your tan and do some ‘summery’ networking during August.
Check out your local Chamber of Commerce, FSB or other local business organisations for summer BBQs, net-walking, drinks parties and even days out at the races. And if there aren’t any locally, why not invite some of your close contacts over for a BBQ or organise drinks at a local pub?
Whatever summery networking you do, be sure to arrange a couple of 121s afterwards with people you’ve met (hint: these can be planned for September!)
2. Smash Your Networking On LinkedIN
There might not be as many organised networking events being held in August but that doesn’t stop you supping on a cocktail and hanging out on LinkedIn.
Throughout the summer months set yourself a goal to connect with a handful of new people each week. Don’t just connect with them – start a bit of a conversation on messages. Talk about what you’ve both been up to over the summer to get to know each other a bit better – like you would in a ‘normal’ networking event.
Who should you connect with? Have a look at who your close connections are connected with or look at the connections that LinkedIn recommends to you. You could even see who follows the same hashtags as you.
3. Reflect And Review Your Business Networking
August is a great time to review who you’ve connected with over the course of the year and identify the people you want to develop more productive relationships with.
Who is shaping up to become a proper Trusted Contact?
While you’re stretched out on your sun lounger, drop your quality contacts a message and book in some proactive September conversations to share your Q4 goals and discuss how you can help each other to smash them!
4. Have Some Summery 121 Meetings
It’s the summer so take full advantage of it! August is a great time to meet a contact or two for some totally chilled out, social activities. Your 121 doesn’t need to even mention business. Just take advantage of some proper ‘getting to know each other’ time. Have a glass of something chilled or maybe go out for a meal. The business stuff can get planned in for September.
Remember that people buy from people. The summer is a great time to enjoy each other’s company and build stronger relationships that deliver higher quality results in the longer term. It all adds up.
5. Plan Your Post-August Networking Diary
Whether you get out and network over the summer or not, August is the perfect time to review the types of business networking you’ve been doing.
Research which groups you are planning on visiting in September and October and get booked on so your raring to go as soon as the kids are through those school gates again. Perhaps invite some of the people you’ve met over the summer to go with you and continue building those all important relationships?
It’s Not All Work, Work, Work!
We’re not saying it has to be all hard work. We all need to recharge our batteries!
But, if you want to smash your networking over the summer, make sure you don’t completely disappear off the radar and undo all that good work you’ve put in all year.
Find ways to enjoy your networking time and the holidays and use the time to hit the ground running ready for success in the autumn.
(Incidentally, The Growth Community operates throughout the year (including the summer!) And we are booking now for September. So come along and use up this year’s SIX free visits! )
Further Resources
Keen to explore the right networking options for you? Why not have a read of some of our other blogs in our library.
Identify the right networking format for you
How to get the most out of your 121s
Ways you can build trust with your connections
Learn more about Growth Community member only meetings
