After seeing last weeks post, I know you’re wondering if this old guy has heard of Social Media?  Yes, in today’s world it is an important part of networking.  But, bar none, there is nothing that can match face-to-face, personal contact for networking.

Social media can present your profile and can be exceptionally effective in finding and connecting with contacts in your profession or industry.  LinkedIn can connect you with your industry groups, Facebook, for some businesses, can link you to those who have need for your product or service.  Instagram can be an amazing outlet for your product or service where a picture is worth a thousand words.  It is what you do with Social media before and after the connection has been made that counts and will build the relationship.

I knew someone who work for a sawmill.  They were the exclusive supplier to clientele in Japan.  Twice a year this person’s task was to go to Japan and meet personally with the clients to see how they used the product and what might be done differently to improve the product.  In addition, each client had pictures of the workers who produced the product so there was a connection to it.  At home in the mill, there were pictures of the clients so the workers could see a destination for what they produced.

This is the ultimate networking.  This completes the connection of sales, production, and utilization.  Does Social Media play a role?  Of course, but it is not in itself, the complete process.  Face-to-face with its body English and human nuances still makes for real networking.

Get out, connect, and have fun!

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