Networking is a great way to meet influencers and spread the word about your business. This method is by no means new, but networking has taken on a slightly different look in the advent of digital media and social networking sites.

Over the last few posts, I’ve been challenged to network for speaking opportunities, network to find influencers to interview, and today, network to develop relationships with journalists and bloggers.

Taken together, these three networking streams form a robust marketing plan.

Today’s Reading and Listening:

Blogger Outreach: How to Build Relationships With Bloggers, Social Media Marketing Podcast from 6/20/14. Host Michael Stelzner and guest Scott Monty.

“Missionary Weapons” – September 11th entry, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. The main point: We can’t wait for big opportunities as moments to exhibit stellar character and ministry chops. It’s in the using of a towel to wash feet. “The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.” In other words, our character in the mundane will be even more on display when the chips are down.

Today’s Challenge: Reach Out to Print Influencers, i.e. Bloggers and Journalists

This challenge cannot be done in 15 minutes. I need to peel back my challenges and set aside one full Pomodoro to engage the challenge. This weekend will require some catch-up, I believe.

Here’s my plan (most of this comes directly from the Scott Monty podcast referenced above):

1. Mindmap potential sources for influencers: Local papers, individual bloggers, online/print trade publications.
2. Identify their preferred contact method
3. Develop a pitch or value proposition for each online source: Why in the world do I need to contact them or why would they care for me to talk to them? Do I have a message that is important to them?
4. Reach out to 5 influencers with a no-strings-attached offer either to feature them or be available as a source if ever needed.
5. Become a fan: Read their blogs, follow their Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. Discover what is important to them and use their information to benefit my current and future clients.
6. Seek opportunities to connect these influencers with their target audience.

I realize that the whole purpose of this challenge is to put ideas to action, not just to create plans.

In my next post, I owe you a reprieve on a new action. Instead, I’m going back to each of these three networking streams and reach out. 

Until tomorrow….