Introduction

Today I'm going to show you three strategies on how to turn those initial networking connections into valuable collaborations. I left you a bonus at the end because it's a game changer. Hey everybody, Ted here. If you've been following this channel, you know the drill about networking sales. You go to an event, exchange some business cards, shake some hands, meet some people, but then what? Far too often, we go to these events and make the mistake of meeting people and then not following up until the next event. Keep watching if you want to turn those fleeting conversations into long-lasting business relationships.

1. Follow Up Fast and Effectively

After an event, time is of the essence, so follow up as soon as you can. Don't make the mistake of letting those connections die on the vine. Send them an email, send them a DM message, even send them a text within two business days. Remember to make it personal. Mention a topic that you discussed or a shared interest that you have. If there was a funny joke that you talked about, add that in too. This shows you were genuinely engaged and not just collecting business cards.

2. Provide Value Before You Ask for Anything

Provide value before you ask for anything. Before you try to leverage any new connection for business, provide value first. You can do this by sharing an article, introducing them to someone that you know, or inviting them to an industry event. This is a crucial relationship-building strategy because it shows that you're interested in their success and not just yours. This will set the stage for mutual benefits and shared prosperity.

3. Regular Check-Ins

Make a plan to stay in touch, but this isn't about bombarding them with updates every week. Instead, reach out to them with purposeful communication every few months or so. Ask them about what they're working on, share some of your projects, and see how you can collaborate in the future. Keeping the connection alive is crucial for long-term growth.

Bonus Tip!

Personal touches go a long way. This networking tip was given to me by one of the best networking pros that I personally know. Remembering personal details like their hobbies, upcoming travel plans, and even professional milestones will slowly turn you from just another salesperson into a genuine friend. Bring these up in your follow-ups sincerely. If you do, you're going to pave your way to a stronger trust-based partnership.

Outro

But what if you're still not comfortable building relationships with random strangers? In the next video, we're going to dive into warm networking: how to build bridges, not walls. If you like this video, please like, subscribe, and share. Follow along for more marketing and sales tips to grow your business. Thanks for watching "You Know Ted." I'll see you in the next one. Bye.