Regardless of whether you own a B2C or B2B business, but more importantly for the latter, networking is a key aspect of ensuring that your business can grow and thrive. So, if you’re in need of methods to help expand your list of business contacts, you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we will explore the various digital tools that can help you do exactly this! The advancement of technology has never benefited businesses more than it does today, so if you haven’t utilised the following digital tools yet, now is the time to do so.
Table of Contents
Customer Relationship Management (Crm) System
A CRM system is a great way to effectively manage your relationships with other businesses and entrepreneurs. Not only can it help you track their contact information, but it can also empower you to foster long-lasting relationships with them by monitoring whether you need to follow-up or book subsequent meetings.
You can easily make notes and highlight action items that need to be done or followed through. As a result, a CRM system is an excellent digital tool to have when it comes to expanding your business contacts list.
Social Media
It goes without saying that social media has become a prominent player in our daily lives, but its usefulness is truly proven when it comes to networking with other businesses or individuals. In particular, social media is a great way to boost brand exposure and brand awareness to help others recognise your business and form partnerships.
For example, LinkedIn is a platform that is design specifically for helping businesses and professionals network and connect with each other. Although many people also use it for job hunting, LinkedIn is an exceptional tool for career management as well.
Post your own content, build a community surrounding your business page, and more. Don’t forget that other platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are also great platforms to use when it comes to expanding your business and networking with other businesses.
Discussion-Based Apps/Platforms
Sharing a space with like-minded people evokes feelings of belonging and community, which is why discussion-based platforms are ideal for networking with other businesses. This doesn’t have to be purely text communication – platforms that offer event-based opportunities like forums and webinars are also great for networking.
You can show off your expertise and knowledge, establishing yourself and your brand as a well-informed and authoritative leader in the industry, making yourself and your brand stand out from the crowd.
Attending virtual trade shows or exhibitions can also be a good idea, enabling you to not only network with other businesses and professionals, but also promote and market your products and services.
Email Signature
Many people overlook the importance of an email signature on personal emails as well. Although this is a common practice for work emails, adding a unique email signature to personal emails can help others find your brand and website easily.
Don’t forget to add hyperlinks so that people are instant direct to your brand should they click on your signature! You can incorporate signatures using the email platform like Gmail or Outlook itself.