Networking is an essential part of public relations but it is more than just shaking hands and sharing business cards. It is about the opportunity to make a human connection. However, connections are often lost or never fully developed. Like any relationship, networking takes work.
Business cards need to be taken out of the card file, phone numbers called and emails sent. Relationships must be maintained in order to keep the connection.
How many times does someone say, “My door is always open,” or have you heard, “call me if you need anything?” Now can you think of a time when you took them up on their offer? Unfortunately most people can’t.
OKC Thunder Marketing and Sales Senior VP Brian Byrnes spoke at a college marketing meeting and offered a challenge to the students. Byrnes said that he bet less than five of the fifty or so people in the room would email him. Less than five would utilize his willingness to help.
Byrnes mentioned this several times during his presentation and used an example. He said a student emailed him about opportunities and Byrnes gave the student a job shadow day all because the student contacted him after meeting.
Take this short quiz to see if you network.
Inspiration: Marketing meeting
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