The Surprisingly Easy “New Networking” Approach for Fun and Profit
Networking.
The mere mention of that word may send shivers down the spine of even the most confident copywriter.
Instantly, you may envision a room full of strangers, awkward introductions, and stumbling over the answer to, “So, what do you do?”
Most people hate networking because they approach it the “old school” way, with a pocket full of business cards and a “Hey, how’s it going?” opening line.
But, you don’t have to do that.
With the New Networking approach, you can have FUN while setting the stage for NEW PROFITS from awesome, unexpected sources.
FUN, you say? How can networking possibly be fun?
Let’s take a look.
First, what I’m about to tell you can help your copywriting business whether you’re focused on a niche market or not. (By niche market, I mean you’re providing copywriting services to specific niche-industry businesses such as the sports or fitness industry, green/eco products, senior services, education, new Moms, camping and outdoor adventure, travel, etc.)
For purposes of taking the most powerful approach to New Networking, I’m going to use niche marketing for my examples. Because if you’re focusing on a niche market, New Networking can be ultra-easy and effective.
Why is it more powerful when you have a niche market focus? Because suddenly you have a natural alliance with people who share your passion for that market. It’s MUCH easier to strike up a conversation with new contacts, talk about industry trends, and blend your business into the discussion.
Here’s how New Networking can work wonders for your business.
- First, I’m assuming your copywriter website is online and includes these basic pages: What you do, who you serve (what niche industry), what you offer that your prospects need, why you’re a great resource for them, your background, a few samples, etc. It doesn’t need to be a huge fancy website; just clear and client-focused. (If you don’t have a website yet, Rebecca Matter shows you how to plan out the content you need in under an hour. I recommend you read her article after you finish this one.)
- You also have a profile on LinkedIn, the top business-leads website (in my opinion). It’s easy to set up a free LinkedIn account with a friendly and inviting profile that echoes your website information. Here’s a snapshot of my LinkedIn profile as an example:
- Keep building your LinkedIn Connections list. This is SO easy … you can do it at home in your pajamas. Start by searching for people you already know (think back to all your past jobs, colleagues, and community contacts) and invite them to connect with you. Be sure to use a personalized, friendly message that explains a little bit of what you’re doing. Something like, “Hi Jim! Great to find you here on LinkedIn! I’m now a copywriter focusing on the eco-products industry and I’d love to add you to my LinkedIn Connections.” As you build your Connections, LinkedIn will suggest other “people you may know.” You’ll find all kinds of people you know but have forgotten! These contacts can be worth GOLD. In the last five months, I’ve worked on three MAJOR web re-launch projects with people who reconnected with me via LinkedIn.
- Search for people you know in your niche market. Same deal. Super easy. For example, if you’re in the eco-products niche, start with everyone you ever met who’s involved with that industry. Then, move on to businesses you know of … such as a local eco-products store. Search for the store owner in LinkedIn. Invite that person to be a contact using a personal message like this: “Hi Sarah! I love your store and I’ve been there several times recently to update my bathroom accessories with green products. I happen to be a marketing copywriter focusing on successful web content for the eco-products industry. If you’re willing … I’d like to add you to my LinkedIn Connections.” (Many people respond favorably to this type of invitation, especially if you’ve met the person or have a Connection in common.)
- Next, search for Niche-Industry Groups in LinkedIn. For example, if you’re focusing on the eco-friendly market, go to GROUPS and search using “green,” then “eco,” or even “environmentally friendly” phrases to find Groups of professionals talking about that niche market. Join those Groups and participate in discussions (no spamming with sales messages about your services!). Just engage with suggestions, answers to questions, or friendly advice. In addition, post status updates about industry marketing news, trends, questions, and other topics that show you as a helpful authority without overtly promoting your services. (Again, no spam.)
- Find Associations in your niche market. Moving off LinkedIn now, do a Google search for Associations in your niche market. This is also a GOLD MINE for your business. Let’s say you find a national association for eco-friendly product manufacturers. In seconds, you can sign up for the national association newsletter, look into local or regional meetings, and even plan to attend their annual conference. Suddenly, you’ve found people to connect with who share your niche interests.
- Find alliances in your niche industry. Who is already serving your market with services that complement copywriting? Let’s see … there are graphic designers, web development companies, printers, online marketing firms, public relation firms, and ad agencies. They may be down the street from you or across the country. You can find them all by searching in Google for “eco-friendly ad agencies,” etc. (for example). These types of companies may not know of a skilled copywriter who understands their particular niche market. They may be THRILLED to meet you! And again, you can connect with them without leaving your house. Just send a friendly introductory email that says, “I’m a copywriter focusing on helping businesses in the (eco-friendly) market. If you ever need a copywriting specialist in this niche, I’d appreciate the opportunity to show you how I can help. I’ll return the favor by referring your business to my (eco-friendly business) clients looking for your services.” Okay, there’s nothing to lose here. :-) Three of my recent landing page copywriting projects came from alliances with web-development companies that don’t have a copywriter on staff.
- Be a Super Connector and reap the rewards! As I mentioned above, referring your alliances for work is a great way to attract work to you as well. The more you can connect people for their mutual benefit, the more you position yourself as an excellent resource. This is because you’re being a hero on both sides: you’re helping your alliances find new work, and you’re helping clients find great resources for their needs. I do this all the time and it has helped me form profitable partnerships for all kinds of projects.
To recap, the New Networking approach is easy, fun, painless, PJ-friendly, and worth every minute of time you invest … which doesn’t have to be much at all!
No more awkward rooms full of strangers. No more business cards that get lost or tossed. No suits!
Just great ways to connect with people who may be your next referral source or direct client for a big, bodacious copywriting project.
Have fun and good luck with this!
Niche Yourself and Thrive: Attract Your Ideal Clients FASTER With a Focused Copywriting Business Plan
No matter where you are in your copywriting career, you can start attracting your ideal clients faster by using the same marketing system Pam Foster used to land 7 ideal clients in 7 weeks. Learn More »
“That moment when you close your eyes, suck in your breath and say a silent "yes!" happened just recently when I got a royalty check in the mail. That one project has turned out to be quite profitable.”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
Get Nick Usborne’s step-by-step system for creating money-making information websites.
In just 6 hours and 35 minutes, you can be in business earning $60 – $150 an hour writing simple resumes.
Learn the secrets behind succeeding in this in-demand career.
The work is plentiful … the pay scales are generous and the competition is scarce!
Get the answers to the hundreds of questions and concerns commonly asked in specific, step-by-step details.
Use this eight-step plan to make the leap from aspiring copywriter to professional copywriter this year.
Let your fellow AWAI members show you firsthand the easiest, most powerful way to land your first client … BEFORE you finish the program.
Writing for the web is a huge opportunity for copywriters. Let web expert Nick Usborne show you how to write blockbuster web copy in record time … even if you're a complete internet “rookie”!
It’s an opportunity to make $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 a year or more … working just a few hours a day.
A once complicated profession is now something you can do on a standard computer – even if you have little or no “artistic” ability.
It’s one thing to have a website. But if your website can’t be found by the search engines, it may as well not exist.
The Internet creates new income possibilities every day. The biggest among them: online video marketing.
Get the very techniques top-performing copywriters use to rattle off one groundbreaking control after another.
In his new book, Michael Masterson teaches you his very own formula for powerful persuasion and how to apply it to direct mail sales letters as well as online promotions.
Great article Pam... nice to have a reminder of some of the basic social networking tools we have now!
jfarley – June 13, 2011 at 8:10 am
Thanks! Yes it doesn't have to be rocket science, even though it seems that way sometimes. :-)
Cheers, Pam
Pam Foster – June 16, 2011 at 3:07 pm