Building Relationships the old school way

Hi hi!

Remember those old-school networking events? You know the ones where you’d nervously rehearse your elevator pitch, shake a few hands, and then maybe—just maybe—get a coffee date out of it? I know, I can already see you cringing, but bear with me!

As a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable these seemingly awkward interactions can be. In a world dominated by LinkedIn connections and Zoom calls, there’s something refreshingly authentic about face-to-face networking. It’s where genuine relationships are forged, and trust is built one handshake at a time.

Yes, you might feel a bit like a fish out of water at first. There’s that uncomfortable moment when you’re not sure if you should extend your hand or go for a wave, the inevitable name-forgetting, and of course, the challenge of trying to deliver your elevator pitch without sounding like a robot. But trust me, these experiences are golden for your business, whether you’re just starting out or have been around the block a few times.

Here’s the thing: no matter how established your business is, you can always benefit from adding a few more allies to your network. And the best way to do that? Get out there and meet people in the flesh. Old-school networking events might feel a bit vintage, but they’re a classic for a reason—they work.

So, where can you find these events? Here are five places to get plugged into, whether you’re looking locally or nationally:

Chamber of Commerce Meetings – Your local Chamber is a treasure trove of networking opportunities. They regularly host events that bring together business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various industries.

BNI (Business Network International) – With chapters all over the world, BNI is a structured networking organization that’s all about helping members increase their business through referrals. It’s a great way to meet like-minded professionals who are serious about networking.

CEO and other position-specific groups/trainings – These are my favorite as a CEO. Groups like EO, Vistage, Convene. While they are not technically there for you to network in, business happens here.

Industry-Specific Conferences and Trade Shows – These are perfect for finding networking events that cater directly to your business niche. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or retail, there’s a conference for you.

Build your own leads group – If you’re looking to make sure that everyone in the room could potentially refer you business, think about building a leads group yourself. For example, if you are a commercial furniture dealer, call up everyone that could potentially touch the customers you are looking to get in front of and invite them to a group that you are forming. Everyone wants more business, they will welcome the call.

Networking might seem like a bit of a throwback in this digital age, but there’s no substitute for the connections you make in person. So, polish up that elevator pitch, dust off your business cards, and dive in!

Here’s to building relationships the old-school way, one handshake at a time.

As always, if you need anything or if you want to go to a networking event together, you can always reach out! Shoot me an email at: Lindsey@theitcrowd.com.

Until next time!

-Lindsey

Tip of the Month

Are you doing this?

Optimize Your Website’s Accessibility

Tip: Accessibility in digital marketing is often overlooked but is crucial for reaching a broader audience and providing an inclusive experience. Ensuring your website is accessible means making it usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. This not only aligns with ethical standards but can also improve SEO, as search engines favor accessible sites.

How to Implement:

1. Use Alt Text for Images: Describe images clearly to assist visually impaired users and enhance SEO.

2. Ensure Keyboard Navigability: All site functions should be accessible via keyboard for those who cannot use a mouse.

3. Provide Transcripts and Captions: For audio and video content, make sure there are transcripts and captions available.

4. Contrast and Font Size: Use sufficient color contrast and readable font sizes to aid those with visual impairments.

5. Mobile Accessibility: Ensure your site is fully functional and accessible on mobile devices.

Expected Outcome: Improving your website’s accessibility can lead to a wider audience reach, enhanced user experience, and potentially higher conversion rates. Accessible websites are also more likely to rank higher in search engine results, as search engines prioritize sites that offer a better user experience. Additionally, this effort demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, which can enhance your brand’s reputation.

Key Takeaway:

Wider Audience Reach: By making your website accessible, you cater
to a broader range of users, including those with disabilities. Improved SEO: Accessibility features, such as proper alt text and mobile-friendly design, can enhance your site’s search engine ranking.

Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility improvements often lead to a better overall user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities.

Legal Compliance: In some regions, accessibility is not just a best practice but a legal requirement, reducing the risk of legal issues.

Positive Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity can boost your brand’s reputation and foster loyalty among your audience. By focusing on accessibility, you not only expand your reach but also improve your site’s overall usability, benefiting all users.