Networking can be a crucial way to keep your construction
business growing.
Profitable contractors attend networking events not because
they have nothing better to do; they do it because it pays off. You
can either spend hours doing office tasks like bookkeeping or
getting face to face with someone who may need your services.
Meeting people gives you the chance to build and develop
relationships, hire you, or refer you to someone who might.
Regardless of your industry or business size, it is hard to
ignore the benefits of forming professional networks for potential
partnerships, expanding your client base, and scaling up. However,
while we are constantly reminded about the importance of
networking, reaching out to grow your network isn't the same now,
thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social restrictions to prevent spreading the coronavirus do
not allow traditional networking approaches such as in-person
conference events or face-to-face business meetings over coffee or
dinner. However, this doesn't mean that you should put all your
networking efforts on hold because no one can tell when this global
crisis will end.
It becomes more important than ever to try new ways to
increase your sales and ensure that your business stays afloat
during these difficult times. In this article, we will explore a
couple of strategies to keep up your networking efforts during the
COVID-19 crisis and well into the future.
1. Host Webinars, Online
Courses, or Podcasts (or participate as a guest on
interviews)
Webinars, online courses, and podcasts give you a chance to
establish thought leadership and be at the forefront of your
industry.
Now that most of the world is in lockdown, it is the perfect
time to start that project you've been meaning to work on but
haven't found the time. When done right, you will be able to engage
people in your existing network and add more people to your
database.
Take the time to do some planning on the industry-relevant
topics that you'd want to discuss on your webinar, online course,
or podcast. Include interactive activities that will keep your
audience engaged. Don't forget to let the participants know about
your website (especially if you're the one being interviewed), or
other classes or webinars. These subscribers can help you keep your
network growing.
2. Offer free downloadable
content
Whether you are creating fresh content or re-purposing existing content
that you already have, aim to provide value that will attract new
people to your network.
You might create eBooks, courses, whitepapers, research
reports, and other valuable content that people in your industry
will find useful. Offer your content to your current contacts and
promote them even further through social media and email
marketing.
3. Take part in new online
communities
As the COVID-19 pandemic changes the way we interact, you
should move online to connect with more people. Join virtual
discussion groups and online communities that will give you an
opportunity for targeted networking.
When you do an online search of relevant groups, you will find
that there are thousands of them. You don't have to join every
single one-- just choose two to three that are most suitable and
start participating. Engage by reacting and commenting on other
people's posts, provide useful tips, and consider sending a direct
message to start a conversation. Don't try to be too "salesy,"
though.
4. Tailor your
messaging
When trying to connect with people online, don't just send a
stock-standard template-- develop strong relationships by
maintaining real and genuine interactions. In other words, don't
send a message that you wouldn't be comfortable receiving.
Make an effort to personalize each email instead of sending a
generic message. You can reference a past event that you both
attended or projects that you worked on together, if there are any,
to show authenticity when reconnecting.
If this is not applicable, you can also share encouraging
words and stories, or ask if there's anything you can help
with.
5. Get involve in
philanthropic initiatives
Times of crisis teaches us that we are stronger if we work
together. In these trying times, there are many initiatives to help
those in need.
By collaborating with charitable organizations and
participating in volunteer programs, you are hitting two birds with
one stone-- doing some good for society and tapping into
opportunities to expand your network.
Besides adding people you've worked with in these
philanthropic events into your contact list, you can also share
these experiences on social media.
Keep Growing
Your Network
These are tough times for many people, and networking may not be
on your priority list. However, it is essential to keep working on
those human connections, as the effort you invest in making them
will have a significant return on your business in the long
run.
Although not every online networking event is going to yield a
harvest. You might end up learning about all kinds of needs and
opportunities about everything under the sun except what you came
for - qualified construction leads to support your business.
However, this is another path to cultivate and harvest repeatedly.
By nurturing and strengthening your relationships during this
period, you will enjoy positive impacts that last until better
times return.
Final
thoughts
Remember, as Randal says: It is not what you know. It
is not who you know. It is who knows you - that is what
counts.
When Power Connectors know you, it's more valuable than silver
and gold; they are the core of your network. They are the people
who know, like and trust you. Nurture and build your relationships
with them by adding to each other's emotional bank account. They
are the people who know you well enough to answer your phone call
at three o'clock in the morning. That is what counts.
Construction is a relationship business, and trust is
everything. Networking is not rocket science - it is a lot harder
because you are dealing with people. With rockets, if something
goes wrong, you learn what not to do the next time. With people
when something does not turn out as you expect, it is much more
complicated, but with the proper association can work to your
advantage.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA is the co-founder of Business
Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the
leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and
accounting services companies and cash management accounting for
small construction companies across the USA. She encourages
Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on
their tax obligations and offers insights on how to manage the
remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company
sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call
1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com