Networking Tips For Bloggers

Ever since deciding to quit my job, I have put in a lot more effort when it comes to networking. It is something that I really struggle with doing in person – sending an email or a tweet to someone is so much easier than meeting people and forcing myself to speak to people I don’t know, especially as an introvert.

I have attended four events in the past six weeks that have really shown me the importance of networking, and I have picked up some great tips along the way. These tips are for networking face to face as a blogger.

Tips for bloggers networking

• Make a good first impression – look presentable, smile and be approachable.

• Speak to everyone you can – you don’t know who is who (trust me, a room full of bloggers sometimes looks a lot different to scrolling through Instagram) and you could be meeting some very important people or other bloggers that you adore. Trying to speak to people you don’t know can be tough but you are only there for a short space of time so make the most of it.

• Remember to ask them them others about what they do. Everyone loves to talk about themselves but you may find yourself talking exclusively about what you do and leave a conversation not knowing who the other person is or what they do. I recently met a blogger who spoke solidly for 15 minutes about their blog without pausing to take a breath or ask what I did. They were later shocked to discover on Twitter that I was the person behind From Aldi To Harrods because they hadn’t paused to ask me about what I do. It was extremely rude and that blogger has gone down in my estimation.

• Have business cards to hand out and take business cards. When meeting so many people it can be difficult to remember who you spoke to and what you discussed. You can jot a note on their business card about what you discussed so that you can easily follow it up later.

• Follow it up – be sure to send an email or follow them on Twitter after the event.

• Offer something unique.

Personalised USB sticks

USB Makers asked me if I would be interested in trying out their personalised USB sticks and I loved the idea of offering something unique when networking. There is a large selection of USB sticks to choose from but I eventually decided on the Hermes design. These are a great way to make a lasting impression on someone when you are networking and I loved handing them out! USB sticks are so useful that if you use them as advertising then you will be reinforcing your brand over and over, each time they are used. Handing them out at networking events has been great for me and you can also load them with something that you would like to share, such as an e-book, a bookmark to your blog or even a video.

I loved the design I chose and my website logo fit onto them perfectly. I had an 8GB capacity on the memory sticks which was perfect for my needs, but USB makers have them available in a variety of sizes to suit any need.

USB Makers offer the following benefits:

• Free quote within 30 minutes (if requested between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday)
• Free delivery
• Free engraving and printing
• 24 hours turnaround on some USB sticks

And of course, let’s not forget to mention the free chocolate that came with the USB sticks! Thanks USB Makers.

***I received the items free of charge in exchange for an honest review***