Social media has mind-blowing powers to put us in touch with zillions of people. But zillions of “friends” will never do for you or your business what a heaping handful of real friends and alliances can do.
Nearly 60% of my business comes from strategic alliances. No matter how effective my marketing is, I just can’t get in front of as many people as Me + A Network can.
How do you build a network of strategic alliances?
1. Interact. Since we’re talking about online here, you can interact on social media sites, forums, blogs and anywhere else you might run into someone. I’d say forums and Twitter have been the best for me.
2. Look for “sparks.” Spark is my term for attraction or desire to learn more about someone. It’s visceral, not rational. I’ve tried to pursue connections with people I’ve felt no spark for and it just falls flat. And, I’ve created cool programs with people I felt a connection with but thought, “What could possibly come of this connection?” Spark is key.
3. Take it offline. Simply put, human beings respond to the warmth and energy of a real, live person. Email, DM and wall posts are all fine, but when you have a conversation IRL, you fast-forward the whole thing into its potential.
Yesterday I spoke by phone with Paul Cooley of SureFire Business Strategies. Paul came to my attention through his astute comments on my blog and incredibly professional network of websites. I like smart business people who are on the ball: spark!
Navigating the awkward transition: How to take an online connection offline
The first few times you do it, you may find the hardest part is saying, “I really appreciate your comments [in the forum / on my blog / on Twitter] and I’d love to spend 15 minutes with you on the phone. Would you be able to chat with me by Skype on Tuesday at 10?”
How hard is that?
You’re unlikely to be blown off or rejected if you’re sincere, non-salesy and have realistic expectations about how much time someone should give you.
Augh! Nervous! What do I say? What do we talk about?
Here are my three favorite things to learn about someone else:
- Besides what I’ve seen online, what else do you do in your business?
- What are your goals for this year?
- What would be a good referral for you?
I’m always listening for the connection I intuited through spark: ways the other person could help me better serve my clients and community and what I might offer them and their clients. This isn’t always obvious or immediate. Sometimes we just get to say, “It was great talking to you. If something comes up that fits, I’ll be excited to give you a call.”
Don’t screw up; follow up
If there IS an immediate connection, be diligent about the follow -up. It’s your chance to show a potential alliance what it’s like to do business with you.
People out there need you, and so do their clients. This whole solopreneurship thing doesn’t have to be so lonely. Make friends, share resources and have fun, for goodness sake!
What’s the best connection you’ve made online? What’s your favorite way to connect offline? Share your advice in the comments.
Connective photo by lrargerich
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Samantha it was truly a pleasure to talk with you! What you said in the post is so very true.
I think it is very important not to stay away from the phone or the in person stuff just because your are an online entrepreneur. I have seen too many people with that kind of attitude and it doesn’t do them any good.
You said “This whole solopreneurship thing doesn’t have to be so lonely. Make friends, share resources and have fun, for goodness sake!”
So true! And I am thankful to have you as a new friend Samantha! :)
Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Paul! I’ve had the pleasure of taking several online connections offline: @mikecj, @cdhinton, @shama, @tsudo, @donnagunter, @robbymatthews…. and my business and life have both benefited.
To our mutual success, Paul!