Todd Earwood » Networking

How to Be a LinkedIn Whore and Win

Todd Earwood — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:06:24 +0000

I interviewed Marc Freedman who has over 15,000 LinkedIn connections! We discuss how he’s benefited from being a LinkedIn Whore (his words). Marc runs dallasblue.com and several other ventures along with his super networking efforts.

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Networking at work

Todd Earwood — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:21:49 +0000

Finding your next customer is possible at a networking event, but the best type of networking is through establishing a relationship. A story from my friend’s wife, Felisha drove this point home.

Felisha works for an ad agency (we’ll call them Growing Ads) and one of Growing Ads’ owners has been courting a large financial firm (we’ll call them Big Bank) for several years. Sounds common, but the owner was courting a prospect that’s been with another agency for sixteen years! The owner’s direct solicitation efforts have been consistent (smart move) but landing Big Bank as an account isn’t a story of persistence.

For various reasons Big Bank has decided to bid out the account and Nancy, a new employee in Big Bank’s marketing department used to work with Felisha. When Big Bank discussed which firms should get the request for proposal (RFP), Nancy mentioned Felisha’s expertise with the financial industry. Suddenly, Growing Ads is receiving the RFP and although Felisha isn’t an account executive, she’s gotten her firm in a door the owner couldn’t budge.

I am an advocate of persistent networking, but the definition of networking is NOT attending events. It’s your daily routine and interaction with co-workers, strangers and acquaintances. Attend the worthwhile events and network with a purpose, but the easy networking is done inside your own organization and circle of friends. You’ll be surprised what goes around in networking comes back to you.

Photo credit on Flickr: tom_vac

Networking with a purpose

Todd Earwood — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:20:27 +0000

Rick’s post about “super networkers” reminded me many don’t attend networking events because it’s just going to be the usual cast of characters. Networking events have become more NOTworking than developing connections and contacts.

When attending a networking or any event outside the office, you need a game plan. I set a goal of having at least “X” number of conversations with new contacts. Previously, I would try to gather a certain number of cards, but these days cards are traded too easily. A conversation in this instance is one that extends past beyond the “what do you do?” and “who do you know?” point. Each event has opportunities for your business, either directly or indirectly, but just as Rick did… you must come in with a plan to work not just socialize.