I’m delighted to share this guest blog post by Susan Mann of N-Compass TV Colorado, whom I recently met through a business networking group. She’s a very successful networker in the business world and offered to share these tips with the readers of my blog post. Thanks, Susan!

In these crazy days of COVID-19, everything you thought you knew about networking has changed. Overnight, sometime in March, a new way of having meaningful connections emerged – the Zoom Virtual Networking Meeting.

While some networking groups are beginning to meet in person again (distanced or not) and some hybrid meetings are happening (in person with a Zoom option), I, for one, have no intention of meeting anyone in person until this pandemic is no longer taking lives.

 

Susan’s Tips and Tricks to be a Ninja Virtual Networker

 

THE SET UP

You must be properly lit and look somewhat professional. The height of your web cam or computer should show your face – not up your nose. The background should be something beautiful or business scene. We have all seen people Zooming from dark rooms, a bed behind them (the laundry room was my favorite), and web cam way too low or high.

I highly recommend 3 things:

  • Ring light

A ring light has several settings to illuminate your face with multiple ways to adjust. They are also height adjustable, so you could even have it on your desk. Much better than a lamp. You may have seen these in hair salons to take great hair photos after your appointment.

  • Stand or box for your computer

Your computer should be at the appropriate height to see your face straight on. There are adjustable stands you can get for your computer or you can MacGyver it on a box or books.

  • Green screen

While some are lucky to have a monotone background to use a Virtual Background with Zoom (an image that you upload to your Zoom account that appears to be behind you), I find it’s best to have a green screen.

Literally it is a green fabric on a frame that handily fits on an adjustable tripod stand that comes with it. Mine looks like I am sitting in some swanky loft office with my logo at the top, but I am just at my dining room table.

A note about your appearance…Dress for Success from the waist up. Ladies – light make-up and an accessory. Gents – a polo-style or dress shirt. I would not recommend ball caps for anyone. It suggests that “just rolled out of bed” look. Pretend this is a face to face with the bottoms not counting.

 

BE PREPARED TO CONNECT

When a virtual meeting opens, the first thing I do is go to the chat and save it. One must be on a computer vs. mobile device to do this.

If there’s anyone I want to connect with, I have their info if they include it in the chat. The second thing I do is place my contact info with a short blurb about what I do, and calendar link in the chat box.

I want to make it easy and instantaneous to for someone to book an appointment that integrates with my Zoom Account. Some Calendar systems are: Calendly, Acuity, Google Meet Up.

My next tip has to do with representing yourself and your message. Figure out your 30 second commercial or intro. If there are others at the meeting in the same industry, be specific and different and do so with energy.

You are projecting yourself from a screen. You will want to stand out. Saying something like “I do websites and SEO” is very generic and may not pique interest. A better approach would be to say: “I help non-profits be found online by designing websites and making sure they are ranking on Google for what they want to be known for. A good lead for me is any non-profit. I have special rates and love helping causes.”

While introductions are happening, identify potential power partners and prospects. I actually start setting one on one appointments during the session via private chat.

Even though I already have the chat saved, I copy/paste hot prospects into my notes during the session. After the meeting, if my prospect has not booked with me, I will email a request for a one on one appointment.

It doesn’t have to be complicated… Here’s an example: “I enjoyed meeting you at x event and your cool mountain bike story. I would like to get to know you better. Here’s my scheduling link.”

 

THE ONE ON ONE

I typically book 2 to 4 One on One appointments from every event. During the one on one, share your personal history and interests, and then what you do and who are good referrals for you. Ask the other person who they are looking for and good referrals for them.

It’s very important to let that person know you care about them and give them a reason to care about you. If people know you don’t care about them, they won’t do business with you or refer business to you.

I have networked 100% of the time virtually since COVID. When meeting virtually, there are no worries about social distancing or trying to talk through a mask.

During this time, I have closed 8 deals and met some really cool people to refer business to. I find this a great use of time vs. traveling and spending money on lunch or coffee like I used to do in the past.

 

I wish you success on your business journey and hope at least some of my suggestions and experience can help you.

 

Susan Mann

N-Compass TV Colorado

Indoor Billboards + Digital Marketing Services

Learn how Google My Business is the most powerful yet under-utilized driver for your business

susan@nctvco.com

303-900-0377

I would love to do a One on One!

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=12814771&appointmentType=15922941