november2021 - 5

FEATURE
Quick Networking Tips
That You Can Implement Today
STUDIES SUGGEST THAT networking at events can gain
companies up to 20% of their new customers, and a
networking strategy can also be the key to finding new
investors and partners that will help to grow your business.
Unfortunately, it isn't always easy
What's more, when networking
for everyone to network successfully.
Some of us are shy, we're not sure
where to start, or we have not had
great luck in the past.
Well...not only do you have to get
used to the awkward initial introduction
phase when you're trying to make
connections with others, but you've
got some serious time constraints to
worry about too. I get it! We are all
busy. But are we busy with the right
things?
Building connections takes time.
As every accounting business owner
knows, time is money. So how do
you ensure that you're still working
on your networking strategy when
you're strapped for time?
Try these strategies...
1
MAKE IT A DAILY
HABIT
The more you practice
networking as a daily
habit, the more naturally
it will fit into your day. OK, so let's be
honest - maybe weekly might work
better for you than daily. Just start
somewhere.
Rather than setting aside an hour
a week where you can talk to people
who could help your business grow,
you use five minutes each day. Start
the morning by sending emails to
others online and connecting with
your peers on social media platforms.
Put phone calls into your calendar
and make the call. If networking is
as much of a habit as brushing your
teeth or your hair, then it starts to feel
more natural.
becomes a habit, it also emerges as
something that you force yourself to
make time for. You're less likely to
make excuses that you don't have a
moment to spare.
2
LEVERAGE NEW
CONNECTIONS
AND THE
CONNECTIONS
OF YOUR
CONNECTIONS
Networking isn't just about building
new relationships.
There's a good chance that you
already have some quality people
in your existing network who could
help to introduce you to important
figures in your space. A great place to
start building your network is inside
your current network of professional
connections. You might discover that
your internal network has a lot more
value to offer than you originally
thought.
3
AMPLIFY WHAT
YOU ARE
ALREADY
DOING
If you already take part
in social activities from time to time,
why not use those as part of your
networking strategy? If you regularly
volunteer at nonprofit organizations,
for example, then you can strike up
conversations with people there.
Season tickets to the Met? Talk to
other regulars.
Even if you don't gain any valuable
connections, making the time
4
SCHEDULE
EVENTS IN
ADVANCE
In other words, put it
on the calendar. Not in
a " I hope to do this thing " list, put
it on your calendar right now. If you
do want to make time for a specific
in-person networking event, then
it's important to block it out so that
nothing else " comes up " .
To help improve your chances
of regularly networking, attempt to
attend at least one each month - even
if it's an online event. Make a list of
the events that you most want to
attend and add them to your calendar,
so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Be selective about the kind of
events you choose. Ideally, you'll want
to visit an environment where you can
reach people who are going to benefit
you and your business.
5
USE SOCIAL
MEDIA
Yes,
By Richard Roppa-Roberts
to connect with others and practice
your networking skills will benefit
you in the long term. You can chat
everywhere -- from your gym to the
grocery store. I gained a client once
by saying hi to a stranger in a local
restaurant.
through your LinkedIn connections.
Do the same with Facebook. The
key to success with social media
networking is ensuring that you don't
spend all day there. Keep it social
and remember that you are having
conversations with people you already
have conversations with - you are just
shifting the narrative slightly.
DON'T LOOK BACK.
Because you weren't good at it or felt
uncomfortable three years ago, does
not mean it will not work today. Networking
is vitally important for your
success and that of your business.
I hope you keep these tips in
mind. Keep it simple, and just put
one foot in front of the other. Keep
one other thing in mind, you will not
gain ten new clients next week if you
start today. Networking is about
keeping up with things as they come
up. It is about creating meaningful
conversation, and not always about
an elevator pitch.
Start here ---> connect with me
on LinkedIn at Linkedin.com/in/
richardroppa. Tell me something
about you. Tell me what you are
looking for? A human to work with
you? A new app? A conference
friend? I'll be sure to let you know
how I can help. I'll do the same. ■
social media.
Every accountant I have
ever worked with starts
out loathing the though of something
else to maintain, but once they get
into it, things start to happen.
Social media is one of the most
popular, convenient, and even
(yes - annoying) ways to network
in these days of Zoom meetings and
working from home way more than
we ever did before.
Make a little time each day to go
NOVEMBER 2021 ■ www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
5
Richard Roppa-Roberts is the
founder of Quasar Cowboy
Consulting, where he helps accounting
firms and their clients
with technology, workflow,
engagement process, sales,
marketing, and long-term
planning.
http://www.Linkedin.com/in/richardroppa http://www.Linkedin.com/in/richardroppa http://www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com
november2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of november2021
