Networking strategies in the marketing industry can be a complex endeavor, so we’ve gathered insights from six seasoned professionals, including heads of marketing, directors, and CEOs. Below they share six strategies ranging from engaging in niche online communities to embracing authenticity in branding. Discover these effective tactics to expand your professional network within the marketing realm.
- Engage in Niche Online Communities
- Attend Industry Events and Conferences
- Host Virtual Meet-Ups or Webinars
- Participate In-Person
- Expand LinkedIn Connections and Followers
- Embrace Authenticity in Branding
Engage in Niche Online Communities
Matt Goren, a head of digital marketing at his agency, states that he finds his networking prowess in niche online communities like LinkedIn groups and SEO-focused Slack channels. Goren prioritizes meaningful contributions, sharing insights and resources to establish credibility. Further, he tailors his outreach based on community interactions, fosters genuine connections, and leverages virtual events and speaking opportunities to further solidify his industry presence.
Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Senior digital marketing expert Zain Zameer reveals, “One effective strategy for networking in the marketing industry is to attend industry events and conferences regularly. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections.
By engaging with fellow marketers, you can establish rapport, gain insights, and potentially uncover new business opportunities. Leveraging these events strategically can significantly enhance your network and open doors to collaborations and partnerships.“
Host Virtual Meet-Ups or Webinars
Jason Vaught, a long-time professional, shares that he hosts niche virtual meet-ups or webinar series tailored to specific marketing interests. For instance, Vaught organizes monthly roundtable discussions on content marketing trends featuring expert speakers. This approach not only provides valuable content but also solidifies him as a thought leader in the field, fostering connections and collaborations with fellow professionals.
Participate In-Person
Business owner Andrew Jenkins highlights, “Attending conferences, workshops, and meetups allows for authentic connections not achievable online. Actively engaging through speaking, questioning, or volunteering fosters meaningful interactions with peers and potential clients. By prioritizing genuine curiosity and assistance, these connections evolve into valuable collaborations and opportunities, enriching your presence in the marketing community.”
Expand LinkedIn Connections and Followers
Aaron Winston, a Strategy Director, discloses one of his networking strategies, “One effective strategy is to consistently increase connections and followers on LinkedIn. It provides me with increased social proof and context online, which has helped me gain prominence among my marketing and SEO peers. Since the early days of utilizing this method, my company and I have been featured in multiple marketing case studies. I am confident that it’s not a mere coincidence.“
Embrace Authenticity in Branding
CEO Tammy Sons explains, “We have found that authenticity in branding is the key to our successful marketing strategies. It not only creates a sense of stability with our potential clients, but it also helps our brand become an authority in the niche.”
———-
Special thanks to Featured for their assistance in the creation of this blog post. See more digital marketing content from Nativa.
