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– 12.04.2022.

Virtual Networking Events Are the Marketplace of the Future

If you’re not participating in virtual networking events, you may be missing out on some amazing networking benefits. Networking is also an incredibly effective way to grow your business. Even if you’re running a business where you’re relatively isolated, you can still benefit. How? By using virtual networking events to find out more about the…

Jennifer Brown

South Africa

Virtual Networking Events are the Marketplace of The Future

If you’re not participating in virtual networking events, you may be missing out on some amazing networking benefits. Networking is also an incredibly effective way to grow your business. Even if you’re running a business where you’re relatively isolated, you can still benefit. How? By using virtual networking events to find out more about the marketplace you’re in, and how to stay relevant.

If you’re in a business suited to making connections with collaborators or new suppliers, a virtual networking event can be a goldmine.

Why You Should Attend Virtual Networking Events

You might not be the world’s greatest extrovert – but you’re the face of your business. You’re the leader who needs to keep an eye on the horizon and steer the proverbial ship. To do that, it’s helpful to keep up with key industry activities and players. You’ll gain numerous opportunities from attending virtual networking events.

Stay Abreast of Industry and Market Trends

Networking events give you the opportunity to gather information about developments and changes. Trends are not just patterns: they’re a window into what your customers are doing and what they want. By getting in early, you can take advantage of that information to stay ahead of your competitors.

By staying informed, you can also potentially predict changes before they happen. This can save you money and effort, while offering new business opportunities.

Cultivate Trade Insiders and Business Connections

In business, like life, success very often hinges on who you know. Attending virtual networking events enables you to meet people who have industry influence or are key decision makers. This means that you can cultivate integrity-based relationships that could benefit your business.

Finding New Suppliers at Virtual Networking Events

Whether you’re retaining a product or offering a service, there are people out there who can help you produce what you sell. From plumbing to coding, there’s always someone with a great process or tool that can save you time and money. Virtual networking events give you direct access to suppliers and producers. And, if you are one, you’ll be meeting tons of potential new clients!

Arranging Collaborative Business Opportunities

If you’re an entrepreneur, this is a huge benefit to focus on. One of the fastest ways to grow your business is to leverage the work of others in the same space. The possibilities here are truly endless:

  • A service or product collaboration.
  • Co-promotion opportunities to unique audiences.
  • Adding tangible value to an existing service or product.
  • Access to a different customer base or industry

You’re limited only by your imagination. Longer-term business alliances can also lead to greater individual market share and reputational growth for your business.

Enhanced Visibility and Marketing Opportunities From Virtual Networking Events

By attending virtual networking events, you might just be putting your business in front of people who haven’t heard of it. Imagine how it would benefit you if they began to buy from you – or encouraged their customers to buy from you.

Virtual networking events also give you the opportunity to market your product or service at a different level. For example, you could offer a wholesale deal that wouldn’t usually be available to the public.

Establishing Your Relevance in Your Industry

By being present, you’re demonstrating that you’re engaged and active in your industry. As a result, it tells people you’re at the forefront, that you’re proactive, and that you’re available. When they need someone in your field, you’ll come to mind first – and likely get the business.

Positioning Yourself as an Expert

Perhaps you’re not an expert yet (or maybe you are). Either way, by being a constant presence at virtual networking events, you soon will be – and you’ll be perceived as one. People trust experts and want to do business with them. And so you can use your exposure and experiences at networking events to create web and social media content, too.

Referrals!

You might think it’s a tad cheesy, but networking is about getting people to talk about you. You’re participating in a network of individuals who will vouch for you and recommend you to others. And so, as old-fashioned as that may seem, it can lead to some incredibly profitable opportunities.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Virtual Networking Events

Participating in virtual networking events should be taken seriously. You can do several things to ensure your participation is impactful and successful.

1 . Create a Superb Attendee Profile

Create an attendee profile that showcases your business, your strengths, and the value you bring to the event. If you need help, call on a professional copywriter to help you polish your pitch. People will evaluate you even before they hear you or see you – so lay a strong foundation. And remember to link to your social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn page!

2 . Introduce Yourself Powerfully and Confidently

You want people to gravitate toward you because you want to be remembered. It makes sense to practice that intro until it’s fantastic. Smile, make eye contact, speak with presence and sincerity. Make friends through your body language and what you’re saying.

3 . Engage with Other Attendees at Virtual Networking Events

Use break times and discussion sessions to form genuine connections with people you like. And so, don’t be a wallflower. Now is your time to put yourself out there and be the attractive face of your business.

4 . Use Social Media to Amplify Your Attendance

A virtual networking event is an event – so promote it! Because, by showcasing your attendance across your social media, you’re presenting yourself as being meaningful in your field. Also, repurposing marketing content for your business is a smart strategy.

5 . Participate in Activities at Virtual Networking Events

Even if you’re not normally a team player, use this opportunity to demonstrate your skills. By being a team participant, you build trust and connection.

7 . Showcase Keynote Speakers

Do some prior research. Find out about keynote speakers and give them prominence in your social media posts. You’ll be associated with them, thus elevating your own profile.

8 . Ask for Contacts

It might seem obvious, but you’re there to make contacts and open longer-term conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask for contact information!

Needless to say, follow up. Do your best to keep open channels of communication with people you’ve met. Even a simple ‘great to meet you’ mail makes a positive impression – and could benefit you into the future.

Keeping Track

Looking for ways to manage your ever-growing contact list and ditch the email agony? If you want to free up valuable time in your business, a virtual assistant could be the answer

Book a discovery call today and claim your free trial. We’ll show you how effectively a professional virtual assistant can help you build your business.

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Talk to one of our team members about the tasks consuming your time, and your goals. Going forward, your virtual assistant can work with minimum input from you.

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