Can't network? Try creating content - Crain's Cleveland Business

When was the last time you met a client at your office? When was the last time you took a prospect out to dinner? How about the last time you went to a conference?

If you're like most people in Cleveland, it's probably been over five months. Most people I know are still working from home. Many asking, how do I get connected to my next client? The simple answer: content.

I began to focus on the idea of content about 15 months ago. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made. Let me tell you why.

I originally started creating content out of a combination of frustration and the desire to give back. I realized there were a ton of great job listings and tech events in Cleveland, but absolutely no method of distributing that information to the general public. From that, I created the Cleveland Tech Newsletter with the intention of filling the knowledge gap (check it out if you don't subscribe).

Now, my newsletter has over 1,200 subscribers.

It has evolved from a calendar covering events to a detailed newsletter. The key to each newsletter is the interview. Every newsletter features an interview with someone in the Cleveland technology scene. Not only has it been a great way to bolster content, but it's been an excellent vehicle for me to associate with people.

Instead of cold emailing someone, I ask to interview them. It is a win-win. I am offering the interviewee an opportunity to tell their story to thousands of people. For me, it is an opportunity to connect with someone I might not have been able to connect with in the past.

I've interviewed everyone from U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez to C-level executives of publicly traded companies and startup founders.

I tell this story to help you realize that you don't need to golf or grab drinks to meet someone new.

What's more important is adding value to someone's life.

For me, that is through my Cleveland Tech Newsletter. Each week, I'm in thousands of inboxes. I give the person and their company access to my subscribers and increase their visibility. It's a great way for me to constantly stay top of mind and connect with people.

So how can you apply this to your role? How do you differentiate yourself from the thousands of service providers out there? First, start with a strategy. Ask yourself what content would people want to consume? Maybe you just started a new role as a financial adviser. The industry norm is that you meet people through attending networking events or "cold-calling". During the pandemic, this isn't possible. Yes, you can cold invite people through LinkedIn. But let's be honest: No one replies. How do you break through the noise?

Try something new. Start an Instagram or Twitter account. Give one piece of financial wisdom a day. All that matters is providing your audience tailored, relevant content that helps you stay top of mind. Maybe social media isn't your game. Start an email list. Curate three to five links a day and send it to customers and potential customers. You don't need to be writing a 10,000-word treatise. Start small and expand.

We don't know when the pandemic is going to end. What we do know is that the business world is forever changed. Our lives are more connected than ever by the internet. It might be a while before you meet a client at the office again. Instead, figure out how to connect with them digitally. The best way to do is that is by creating content. What will you be creating?

Lewis is a co-founder and partner at Green Block Group and a partner at Grasshopper Capital.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"try" - Google News
July 25, 2020 at 12:29AM
https://ift.tt/2ZXqhFx

Can't network? Try creating content - Crain's Cleveland Business
"try" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3b52l6K
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update

Bagikan Berita Ini