Do you remember the last time you experienced a moment when your social media and in-person networks came together? It could have been at a trade show or just a chance meeting in a coffee shop. Either way, it’s pretty cool when these two worlds collide. We’ll bet you were even able to compliment one of their recent posts, too. This sort of synergy isn’t just good for your personal network, but for your professional one, as well.
In fact, bridging the gap between social media and in-person relationships can be both fun and informative. Meeting with those online connections in person present strategic opportunities to take the relationship to the next level.
That’s why it’s important to participate in regular social-media interchanges before you attend upcoming trade shows. Think about it: your contacts can then help you promote the event! When you arrive at the trade-show event, dive right in to glad-hand the visitors that stop by your exhibit. You should have tables, furnishings and plenty of handouts available.
When you link-up in person at trade-show events with someone who has already connected with you through LinkedIn, that relational exchange brings a synergistic element to the table. Face-to-face conversation strengthens those relationships through the act of bridging the online and in-person aspects of social interchanges. And let’s face it, it also makes you feel better about yourself when you have a digital Rolodex to refer to when meeting an online acquaintance in person. Gone are the days of forgetting about the little personal details that can make or break a business relationship.
That’s why you’ll want to be sure to have all your social-media channels printed on your marketing collateral. Consider including a digital QR Code on every piece of literature, too. Make those connections and remember to smile. That’s the most powerful strategy of all!
