Relationship PR : 21 emails to get to 1 phone call
“If you’re not in sales, you should be. Your persistence is impressive.”
one of my many messages to someone I met at a networking event. It took a collective 21 emails to schedule a phone conversation.
How easily do you give up on networking follow up?
If you’re like me, you send out a “great meeting you” message after you meet someone at a networking event. Rarely do I call, but I should.
At one Internet marketing event, I sat next to a guy who told me my card didn’t look like me. It needed to be more lively and expressive. He impressed me as being a bit strange, but likable. A few days after the conference he called to say he was calling everyone he met there to find out what they thought of the meetings and what information they planned to use. He also interviewed me about my Internet marketing experience. And then he asked for feedback on his business. What a friendly way to reach out.
Last month I met at a networking expert at an industry breakfast. I send an email, he sent an email. We exchanged, in all, 21 emails before our first phone call. Each message carried a micro update. It took three weeks to find a time to talk. When we did, I felt like we knew each other and I felt good about being valued as someone to connect with. I asked him about his personal networking style. He told me limits events because he wants to allow time for follow up afterwards. Good advice if you want to get to know the people you met.
Another networking expert I met at a luncheon followed up with two emails to her table mates. Each publicized her business. I’d rather personalize the interaction. Next time I might even add a line about setting up a time to talk.
Two questions kept coming up as I write this post:
Do you know who your contacts are and how they got there?
Where do your connections come from and where do you keep them?
My contacts fall into these areas:
LinkedIn – professional connections
twitter- you follow me, I follow you
CardScan – you give your card, I scan it in
Facebook – we make friends
Networking – we shook hands, talked and probably attended an event together
What do you think?
How do these relationships differ in regards to approach, connection and follow up?
Technorati Tags: networking,relationships,PR,Barbara Rozgonyi,Wired PR Works
April 28, 2008
Barbara,
Great post. I do not do enough follow up with people. I need to work on my networking skills. Thanks
<em>Jason | Private Investigator’s last blog post..<a href=’http://www.mywebtronics.com/seo-link-building-strategies/write-a-press-release-for-google-and-yahoo/’ rel=”nofollow”>Write a Press Release for Google and Yahoo!</a></em>
June 3, 2008
21 e-mails before a phone call!!!! Wow. That is persistant.
I am a “Hare” personality and persistance isn’t my best suit. I tent to go maybe 2 emails before a phone call. I try to follow my intuition and make contact when I feel a very strong urge.
One networking group that I like a lot is Ryze.com – another is Entrecard.com. Just now getting to know PoshMama.com
What is important is to find a place that feels good and put in the time – hour/day – to find those special people who become friends – from there the rest will come.
Great topic. Thanks.
Viveca
June 3, 2008
Viveca-Welcome! Thanks for the networking group links – all three new to me. I like being a member of a group of people I know well. Visited your site, http://www.fatiqubegoneblog.com, and found some energy-boosting advice.
June 10, 2008
Internet marketing events are awesome. I have been to a couple of them and I have picked up alot of advice and it has helped me. Internet marketing is what I love anyway:)
Carmen Vj’s last blog post..Online Millionaire Dating
September 6, 2008
Its always better to get step by step to the people in your network or the potential ones.
Harish’s last blog post..Relationship – Make It Simple
November 12, 2008
I always want to join some networking sites with the same category as my niche.. That is one way of socializing on the net..
Compaq CQ-50 139WM’s last blog post..Compaq CQ-50 139WM Laptop
November 17, 2008
Interesting post! The things we can do with networking in all its facets now is amazing. Perhaps another view … now there is a method to fit every style and personality…
December 19, 2008
Persistence is key in life. Those who keep trying will eventually succeed. Those who do not are destined to fail.
DrKNutrition’s last blog post..Popular Diets – Sham or Real? The Sugar Busters Diet
January 16, 2009
agree with drknutrition, persistence is one the key to success in life, a long with focus on what we do.
January 19, 2009
Thank you for your post. This is a great article.
January 20, 2009
i think i need to learn to how to manage my network because sometimes i am confusing on what i must to do with my network.and i think your post is good for me.thank you
joe comp’s last blog post..Exhibitions In My Town
February 8, 2009
Great article and very interesting, I need to work on my networking skills. Thanks
Micky’s last blog post..http://www.wachoviabank.com
February 9, 2009
I have already read your content it is interesting.
February 11, 2009
Thanks for information and the resources. That’s great and useful for my desire to increase my revenue from blogs.
February 13, 2009
thanks for this article , i know only facebook and twitter…