“I love to network with purpose and intention. This is how I and many others grow our businesses.” @TLBurriss
I do this work by Networking Face – Face (IRL or in real life) as well as through social media, including on LinkedIn.
Here are 10 points of comparison – Networking IRL vs LinkedIn Networking
#1 – When Networking IRL you need to present who you are clearly & succinctly, relevant to your target audience. This applies to LinkedIn as well – build a compelling and clear LinkedIn Profile focused on your target audience.
#2 – When Networking IRL you need to show up where your target audience hangs out. This applies to LinkedIn as well – build a LinkedIn Network of your target audience and their influencers.
#3 – When Networking IRL you need to get into conversations that are relevant to your target audience. This applies to LinkedIn as well – engage on content that’s relevant and useful to your target audience.
#4 – When Networking IRL you should acknowledge milestone dates when possible, birthday, job anniversary, new jobs or roles. This applies to LinkedIn as well – acknowledge these milestones for your primary target audience.
#5 – When Networking IRL you should look for ways to help your target audience. This applies to LinkedIn as well – introduce your connections to each other when relevant/possible. Offer to help them where you can.
#6 – When Networking IRL you should pay attention to your target audience’s words to uncover ideas and business opportunities. This applies to LinkedIn as well – changes in their roles, business, industry, communities, employees, facilities, etc can be opportunities for a deeper conversation.
#7 – When Networking IRL you should not ‘barf’ your brochures all over your target audience. This applies to LinkedIn as well – most of the content you share should not be about your business, rather useful information for your target audience. You’ll get the chance to share your brochure in time.
#8 – When Networking IRL you should never get into conversations that will damage your personal or professional brand. This applies to LinkedIn as well – never get into conversations that could damage your brand.
#9 – When Networking IRL you should never do, say or engage in any way that you don’t want to be seen, heard or perceived of in life. This applies to LinkedIn as well – Period.
#10 – When Networking IRL you should always smile and leave your problems & issues in the back seat of your car. This applies to LinkedIn as well – ‘lead with a smile’, never criticize, condemn or complain.
Bonus Comparisons
#11 – When Networking IRL the goal is to make a connection, develop a mutually beneficial relationship and look for ideas and opportunities. This applies to LinkedIn as well – focus on making connections, building relationships and looking for ideas and opportunities.
#12 – Networking IRL works better when you use LinkedIn. Networking on LinkedIn works better when you Network IRL.
#13 – Often I get asked for the ROI of Networking IRL. The ROI lies in the network of target audience and influencers who trust, respect and even like you. Done correct, this network can become a great source of referrals. This applies to LinkedIn as well – build a great network of your target audience and their influencers and do what it takes to develop trust, respect and even like. LinkedIn will become another source of great referrals.
If you want to further discuss how your sales team could be creating value using LinkedIn as a Networking tool, let’s talk.
Teddy Burriss
Burriss Consulting, Inc.
LinkedIn Coach & Trainer
336-283-6121
info@burrissconsulting.com