Most of us think of networking as belonging to networking groups, chambers of commerce or going to mixers, association meetings or other events. This is networking in the traditional sense. It works but what it does not do is show you a way to stand out from everyone else who does what you do. How can you be visible in the sea of others who do what you do? The solution starts with answering the question: what are you best known for and in what areas can you offer your expertise? In an ideal world, you are known for your professional accomplishments but many people are also known for their hobbies or interests. This is not a bad thing as long as your interests reflect your integrity and are congruent with your professional work.
Here are several ways you can get your name recognized and grow your networking simply by creating visibility:
1. Use media exposure as a way to get known for your expertise. Take initiative and contact your local, regional or even national newspapers and magazines as well as online editors to let them know you are willing to be quoted on your area of expertise. For example, if you are long term care expert, you can talk about what baby boomers potentially face without having a plan in place in case of serious illness. You can share stories, statistics, and information that will help those who might be looking into long term care make an educated decision. Since articles will give your contact information, it stands to reason that someone interested in your area of expertise will contact you. Bingo! your expertise showcased in the media brings you to the forefront.
Here are several ways you can get your name recognized and grow your networking simply by creating visibility:
1. Use media exposure as a way to get known for your expertise. Take initiative and contact your local, regional or even national newspapers and magazines as well as online editors to let them know you are willing to be quoted on your area of expertise. For example, if you are long term care expert, you can talk about what baby boomers potentially face without having a plan in place in case of serious illness. You can share stories, statistics, and information that will help those who might be looking into long term care make an educated decision. Since articles will give your contact information, it stands to reason that someone interested in your area of expertise will contact you. Bingo! your expertise showcased in the media brings you to the forefront.
2. Take initiative and write reviews of books in your area of expertise and submit them to Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and other sites. For example, if you are an expert in real estate investments, write a review of the latest book on real estate investing.
3. Become a public speaker. This is not as hard as it sounds. There are always organizations looking for speakers and even if you are not paid, the exposure is priceless. The thing to remember is to provide information, not a commercial. If you are not secure in your public speaking skills, you can join www.toastmasters.com or take one of the many public speaking courses that are offered. Put a talk together that is interesting, informative and engages your audience. You will be the expert that all eyes are on.
4. Write a book. With print on demand publishing, it is not difficult to have a book published. It establishes you as an expert in your field and makes getting speaking engagements and having your articles published much easier. You can even write your book as an “E-book” and put it on your website as well as other websites for free or purchase. To learn how to put a book together quickly and easily on your area of expertise, there are many resources and classes that can show you how to do this. Just get started.
5. Take positions of leadership in professional, volunteer, civic organizations as well as associations in your area of expertise. When you serve on an advisory board, you have the opportunity to meet some of the most powerful members of your community. Take the initiative.
There are many ways to stand out from everyone else but it takes going out of your comfort zone. Once you step out there, you will find that you are not alone and with many others who will be your strategic partners, affiliates and power resources. Take action and become visible. It is amazing what you will see when others see you in a different way. After all, it only takes two minutes to go from invisible to visible. Take down the curtain and unveil your talents and expertise to the world and have fun.