Business Networking to get Results
Business networking is important to grow your business. Networking can range from virtual online networking using tools like LinkedIn or Facebook to face-to-face meetings. Which forms work the best? Actually, I find that a mix of real and virtual networking is best.
The age of your targeted customer should be an important determiner of which way is best. Match the preferences of your targeted customer with the networking strategies that you are comfortable with. Let’s look at generational preferences.
- Baby Boomers, those in their 50’s and 60’s will always prefer face to face meetings. They tend to be less comfortable with computer communication and like to interact verbally and when possible, in person.
- Generation X, those in their 30’s and 40’s tend to be much more comfortable with technology. They prefer keep it simple and are very likely to be using LinkedIn and other business networking tools.
- Generation Y, those in their teens and 20’s are the most comfortable in using all forms of technology. They know what they want and they will come find you. They will usually have a good presence on MySpace or Facebook.
Face-to-Face Networking: This can include “Leads Groups” that meets at your local Chamber of Commerce or with organizations like I take The Lead. You can also use networking services like meetup.com to find local group meetings. If you want to connect with senior level leaders, then attending a $300 a plate dinner may be a better investment than attending a dozen networking breakfasts. Many professional associations have terrific opportunities for face-to-face networking.
Virtual Networking: the best networking tools are those that get you in front of your targeted customer. LinkedIn seems to be the most accepted business networking tool. Other popular tools include Facebook, Plaxo, and Fastpitch.
Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. That makes them age 44 to 62.
Some do love technology. I write two blogs for boomer consumers to provide information boomers can use to make effective choices in their lives.
My blogs are The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide at http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com and the Boomer Consumer for the Seattle Post Intelligencer at http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/boomerconsumer/.
Comment by Rita — June 21, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Rita- I agree. There are many tech savy Baby Boomers, the PC for most of this group became popular when they were in their 20’s or 30’s. Many have never embraced computer communication.
Comment by Doug Williams — June 22, 2008 @ 7:48 am