Technology
has opened up great opportunities for entrepreneurs, even in the area of
networking and networking groups. For
example, technology can now be used for efficiently making referrals,
especially with the use of a great CRM system such as AddressTwo.
However,
when we think of networking meetings, we typically think in terms of meetings
in our own area. However, thanks to
technology advances we can now participate
in virtual networking meetings.
Virtual
networking allows a group of individuals from throughout the country, or even
world, to join together in a networking meeting. For an entrepreneur that wants to expand
their business outside of their physical area, this provides a great
opportunity to make new contacts and discover new referral partners.
I’ve been a
public speaker for many years and I remember my initial resistance to the
tele-class or webinar format for delivering content. I
thought I needed to see the faces of my audience to do a good job presenting my
programs. It turns out I was wrong. When I first heard about virtual networking,
I knew it was a concept that could be effective in the same way that
tele-classes or webinars work.
The virtual
networking meetings that I’ve been involved with are structured much the same
way as local networking meetings, without the open networking time. There’s usually a speaker followed by an
opportunity for each person to introduce themselves. During their introduction, a slide is shown
on the screen with their contact information, picture and company logo. After the meeting, the participants can
schedule one-on-one phone, Google Hangouts or Skype meetings with the others
that they want to connect with further.
Right now up
to nine people can participate in a video meeting using Google Hangouts; I’m
sure the technology will be here soon (if it’s not already) where there can be
a virtual networking meeting with a group of 20 people all participating on
video. I’m not sure if I’m ready for
that – part of what I like about virtual networking is not having to get
gussied up!
So how do you get started with
virtual networking groups?
Here are a couple of ways:
1. You can
approach a national or regional group that you are already a member of and
see if they might be open to adding a virtual networking meeting to their
schedule. That’s what I did with the Powerful You! Women’s Network virtual meeting that I now
facilitate. PS - that’s the risk of
having an idea – you may have to back it up with involvement!
2. You can start a virtual networking group on Linked In, Facebook or Google+
and invite people to participate. It will be up to you to decide if you want to
charge for the meetings or not. I’ve
seen some that are charging $10/meeting to offset the cost of preparing the
slides and the conference calling system.
Technology
has opened new ways for entrepreneurs to connect with others to grow their
business; I encourage you to consider virtual networking as another viable source
of networking.
About Pat Altvater:
Pat Altvater is a speaker, consultant and author of Choose
Success - Ignite the Power Within and the creator of BizConnect TV.
In her books and products, she describes her system for taking charge and
creating outcomes desired called the Conscious Transformation Process™.
As an entrepreneur, she opened 10 franchised women's only fitness facilities and took
them to profitability within the first year. Currently, as a sales and marketing
consultant, she helps entrepreneurs showcase their
expertise and extend their influence through the BizConnect
TV show host opportunity.
