What are the best networking practices for public relations professionals?

2 Research your contacts

Once you have a list of potential contacts, you need to do some research to learn more about them and their interests, needs, and challenges. You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry blogs to find out their background, expertise, projects, opinions, and recommendations. You can also use tools such as Google Alerts, Mention, or BuzzSumo to monitor their online presence and activity. By doing this, you will be able to tailor your communication and offer something of value to them.

3 Reach out and follow up

After you have done your research, you need to reach out to your contacts and initiate a conversation. You can use various channels such as email, phone, social media, or events to introduce yourself and explain why you want to connect with them. You should always be polite, professional, and personalized in your messages, and avoid being too pushy, salesy, or generic. You should also follow up with your contacts after the initial contact, and keep them updated on your progress, feedback, or opportunities. You can use tools such as HubSpot, Mailchimp, or Boomerang to automate and track your follow-up emails.

5 Maintain and nurture your relationships

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires regular and consistent communication and engagement. You need to maintain and nurture your relationships with your contacts by staying in touch, following up, and providing value. You can use tools such as CRM systems, calendars, or reminders to organize and schedule your communication and follow-up activities. You can also use platforms such as podcasts, webinars, or newsletters to showcase your expertise and value proposition. You can also join or create online or offline communities, groups, or events that align with your interests and goals.

6 Evaluate and improve your networking

Finally, you need to evaluate and improve your networking efforts and results. You can do this by tracking and measuring your networking activities, such as the number of contacts, interactions, referrals, or opportunities you generate. You can also use tools such as surveys, feedback forms, or testimonials to collect and analyze the feedback and satisfaction of your contacts. You can also use tools such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, or PDCA cycle to identify and address your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and to plan and implement your improvement actions.