Marketing, Is the competition friend or foe?

Social Media Networking for people in your own field

            In a previous post I discussed the importance of networking, both offline and online. In short, networking will help you build a more sustainable business by increasing your reach and influence over a much wider spectrum that you would’ve had without networking. Now to explain to you how to achieve Social Media Networking.

            Networking as a whole is not an activity for the shy. You’re going to have to be bold and put yourself out there. There will be many failures, however, take those attempts as feedback and try to fine tune your approach. One of the best ways to gain a new networking friend is by first introducing yourself, getting to know the person and what they do before doing your hard sell of, “Let’s work together!”         Put some effort into building the relationship, it will go a long way.

            Many people in your industry you view as your competition. You view them as the enemy as sorts and either want what they want, or want to hold on to your audience as closely as possible, which means not even letting know them other people in your field exist. This is the wrong approach, reaching out to people in your field, becoming networking partners, sharing information and audiences will benefit the both of you. It will build up your rapport and your knowledge in your field of expertise. The best example of this is comedians and their podcasts, by basically combining forces they have created a gigantic marketing for themselves. They once used to be fierce competitors, not willing to help any startup for fear they may take their audience. The art suffered. A few influencers changed directions and this changed the scene of comedy. Don’t look at other people on your market as the enemy, look at them as a potential powerful partner.  

            Be open minded, reach out, don’t worry about failure, it’s going to happen. Make adjustments to your approach. Build lasting networking relationships. Good luck everyone! Reach out to me if you there’s any questions.

Jason