When you think of networking you probably imagine trying to meet with potential customers, networking to increase sales. But networking with colleagues/competitors is just as productive.
Just this week I fired off an email to a colleague complaining about the service I planned to use to set up my affiliate program … it wasn’t going to work. Really, I just wanted to vent to someone who understands. Imagine my delight when she replied with three alternatives, one of which is better and cheaper than the one I had planned to use. Her quick email saved me tons of time searching for an alternative, not to mention money. It also means I’m going to be using a service that is referred, not going in cold and hoping it delivers.
That’s not the only time a network of colleagues has saved my bacon. When I first started my business, a mailing list of copywriters was invaluable. I could ask questions about marketing, pricing and just about anything else and get quick and thoughtful answers. Networking with colleagues has allowed me to locate amazing people to interview for my book. I’ve found great guests for Andrea’s More Effective Marketing Podcast. The list goes on.
It’s not just me. I know a group of coaches who were having trouble marketing their services because in my area, coaching is still so new many people only think hockey when they hear the word coach. They banded together to promote the field as a whole. As a result, all their businesses took off.
If you aren’t actively building a network of colleagues, you are missing out. Whether it’s help solving a problem, joint marketing, joint ventures or just a sympathetic ear, networking with others in your industry is just as necessary as networking with your customer base.
Andrea J. Stenberg
