Why You Should Network Like It’s 1999

As online marketers, we put a lot of stock in social networking, and rightfully so. There really is no better way to get the word out about your business, its mission, and your brand and to build valuable relationships that will create opportunities and help your business grow. Or is there? Back in the day, before Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and even Friendster, all they could do was network the old-fashioned way: face-to-face and in person. Sure it was slow and time-consuming, and your reach was limited to the number of people you could manage to reach in real space and time, but let’s look at some advantages that may have been partially forgotten in the race to get the most Facebook fans:

Build Your Brand Identity Faster

Especially if you’re just getting started in online business, you may be having trouble picking a brand identity and sticking to it. Having to introduce yourself to strangers or relative strangers can help cement your own ideas about your fledgling company and in so doing help define yourself to yourself, which of course is a prerequisite to defining yourself online. Even if you want to start an online business but aren’t sure what angle to take, in-person networking can help give you an idea of where you want to fit in.

Create More Loyalty

It’s probably just human nature that we all would prefer to do business with people we know. And, let’s face it (no pun intended), you really don’t know someone until you’ve met them in person. If, all other things being equal, it comes down to buying a pair of shoes from your acquaintance down the street or someone thousands of miles away, you’re probably going to choose the former. Keep this in mind when you are weighing whether to attend the next business mixer in your area. Just knowing you will give people added incentive to throw their business your way.

Kick Start Word of Mouth Buzz

Sure the most effective word of mouth is happening online these days. After all, if something goes viral, it has the potential to reach an audience of millions in a matter of hours or days. But don’t discount the groundswell you can create by forming relationships with people in the real world. Word of mouth exists here too, and while it may move slower, its effects last longer. And remember all the stories about slow and steady winning the race.

Take Advantage of Business Opportunities

Developing a business partnership with someone can be akin to embarking on a marriage. You want to make absolutely sure that this is someone you can – or want to – do business with. Would you marry a stranger? Probably not. Knowing a lot of people, and networking in person can help plant the seeds for some profitable partnerships down the road.

Boost Your Online Efforts

Virtually everyone you’re going to meet these days at a business social function is going to have an online presence. That makes offline networking a great way to boost your online social media efforts. Get new contacts, gain new followers or fans, and broaden your and your business’ horizons. You really have nothing to lose by embracing offline, in-person networking, and you have much to gain.