subject: A Case Study of A Case Study: Networking Advice From a Specialized Event Planner [print this page] A Case Study of A Case Study: Networking Advice From a Specialized Event Planner
His latest contains a great big nugget of terrific networking advice and information.
The interviewee is Cassie Phillipps, owner of Web Wallflower. She plans, produces, and attends entrepreneur, tech and web conferences and events. Through trial and error and then increasing her focus on what was working, she carved out a specialized niche using her skills and went from $17 an hour to $75. Wouldn't you love to know how she did it?
One thing she did was apply great networking techniques. The interview is a 35 minute audio on Ramit's blog. From minute 18 to minute 22 (and 15 seconds) Cassie describes her powerful networking strategy. She hosts events. Yes, it is her job, but look at the power of having people see her as the key figure of the event.
I don't need to be networking with people, but I want to be sure that they see me and understand what I'm doing there.
It's a bit funny because she doesn't think of it as networking, but by being at the event, doing what she's best at (making it run smoothly) and letting people see her do it, she is communicating. Networking is building relationships through the exchange of information. It doesn't always have to be done verbally ("Look what I'm doing") but it can be done by showing.
On her website, Cassie describes herself as "oddly enough, an introvert" but it makes perfect sense. She has found a way to connect with people's needs, showcase her talents and make them want to approach her. The perfect way to network for an introvert. In the interview, she recognizes this and tells Ramit: "If I still need clients, I can't be hiding in the background."
She is also willing to speak in front of the group, even though she's an introvert, because "standing up in front of a crowd is free advertising." That's an advanced networking technique which allows a larger number of people at once to get familiar with you and your ideas.
It's worth listening to the entire interview for the business-building ideas. Be alert for the great section on networking. Find a way to apply Cassie's ideas and techniques to your own specialized niche.
Beth Bridges has attended over 2,000 networking events in the last 7 years as the Membership Director and Chief Networking Officer of a large west coast chamber of commerce.
You can enjoy Beth's enthusiasm and use her experience to help you increase and improve your networking and grow your business. Try the Networking Motivator Newsletter for free at www.TheNetworkingMotivator.com.
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