Don’t Sleep On Traditional Networking!

Digital marketing is all around us and top market analysts are predicting this growing trend won’t stop anytime soon. Social media marketing is all the craze and people are flocking to internet sources more and more each day as this industry expands.

But what about traditional marketing techniques?

What about in person, face to face, REAL networking? While new technologies certainly are helping those in marketing reach larger audiences on a global scale, traditional networking is still an essential part of this industry. Traditional networking is the idea of meeting in person to form meaningful connections, acquaintances, friendships, etc. oftentimes with those in a similar work industry to your own. At the end of the day, these personable conversations are going to be much more powerful and influential than just simply tweeting at a potential business partner.
With the rise of the Internet, conversations can start to feel impersonal. Some artists, DJs, and other musicians seem to be constantly spamming their friends news feeds with their latest content and media releases. So how can you stand out from the crowd when we live in a world dominated by these short online conversations? By bringing the genuine face to face aspect back into marketing! People are still human and we crave personal connections with meaningful insights. Some bonds, even in the business world, truly flourish when discussions are more than just a quick text. Not sure how to get back out there and off your laptop? Don’t worry we’re here to help.

When it comes to traditional networking, we came up with these quick tips to help you nurture these connections:

Pay attention to the details

This is an obvious one… but when it comes to in person meetings, you can get a lot more out of someone’s response if you pay attention to their tone, body language, etc. People can’t disguise their true selves as well in person as they do over the internet, making it a great time to get to truly know them. Don’t forget your paper and pen!

Be outgoing and confident without coming off as cocky or pushy

A key part of this idea is to make sure you are listening more than you are talking! Speak clearly and with enthusiasm but do not boast in another’s face about your success. Remember, you are there to network. In the end, the reason we network is to learn from others.

Make eye contact and avoid negative body language

This concept goes along with paying attention to details because as you watch them, they are also watching you! Eye contact shows confidence and shows you are genuinely interested in holding a conversation with that person. A easy trick to see if someone is paying attention to you is to cross your arms and see if they do the same! Scientists says if they are listening they will imitate your body language.

Quality over Quantity!

This means that you shouldn’t be focused on meeting the most people, collecting the most business cards, or making the most impressions. Simply focus on creating a genuine connection with a couple people who you feel will strongly influence your career or be a potential client, partner, customer, etc. in the future!
When it comes down to it, online networking is nothing without the connections formed through traditional networking. This process is something that comes natural the more you practice but must be sincere and honest! People can read each other’s true intentions. In conversation it is very easy to decipher between true passion and and those who are simply just trying too hard to make connections. As an independent artist, spending time with and talking one on one with friends or colleagues should be apart of your daily routine. Not only that, but these conversations should be meaningful and help you reach your goals. Let this simple yet easily forgotten technique become a part of your day to day tasks and watch as your career launches into success faster than ever before!