Its Not What you Know, But WHO you know...

Popularity Post High School....

Ok, we are all familiar with the saying it's not what you know, but rather WHO you know. This saying is so very true in our business and in almost every business/industry out there.


Q: How do you become popular in business?

A: Maintaining relationships and making new ones!

So, how do you maintain relationships and or make new ones in this volatile economy? I was talking with a colleague of mine last week and with so many people changing positions, whether because of a lay off, and or a better opportunity. How do clients know where do go for resources or planning if their go to gal/guy has changed their job to a different business offering?

I know it may be hard to pass up an opportunity because it will change what you are known for, but how do you do it strategically? The only advice I can offer, inform all your connections of your new move in the industry, keep them in the loop of your new business, promotions and how it can benefit their business. As long as they are completely informed of what you do, hopefully some of your previous clients will need you for your new offerings. And if those clients can't use you, Hey, make NEW CONNECTIONS!

I broke down the top 3 ways to maintain relationships and make new ones that make your professional stock rise, because as we know, its not what you know, but who you know!

-Face to Face Networking


Yes, be active in your local industry associations, attend monthly meetings, you have to show face and be out there. Being in front of people definitely maintains top of mind of awareness. Another networking technique is attend association meetings outside your industry. Start attending association meetings of industries that your target clients belong too.


-Online Networking

Being online is VERY time consuming, but if done right can be totally worth it. Online networking is all about your message and you have to position yourself very carefully both professionally and personally to really benefit from it. Friend and connect with all professional colleagues and clients on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin, But keep in mind, you always have to think of your audience, is your message and or updates interesting and not too intruding? Always keep it light, fun and relevant to your business, items that are considered new and worthy of being mentioned. And for those who can really juggle their time online in the midst of being on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter, start a blog and talk about what you are passionate about in your business, blogging totally increases your online visibility.

The Washington Post did a great article that summed up Online networking perfectly! It covers the same concept but yet for those of us who are not necessarily seeking clients but seeking jobs- Online Guerrilla marketing for job seekers- http://bit.ly/LvKS


-Getting Together

Inviting clients, colleagues and associates out for coffee, lunch or drinks is always a great personal touch and builds relationships even stronger. Having one on one time is usually hard to come by but it allows you the time to really pick each other's minds on their needs, likes, dislikes and will help you better shape your approach with that person.


All these approaches are really powerful and I look forward to touching on them further in depth in future blog posts, stay tuned!