Technology that makes Networking Easier
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Technology that makes Networking Easier
We live in a world full of technology. Technology helps us be more efficient, so we work smarter, not harder. But did you know that it’s also an incredible tool for networking? I’ve done some research, and found the tech that’s going to be the most helpful and reliable for you and your business.
Here are all my favorite networking tech resources that will make it so much easier for you to connect with others:
Business Cards
Business cards are phenomenal–– they give contact info and the basics of who you are and what you do in a neat little package. But paper cards don’t always hold all the information we need them to, they’re easy to forget, and they’re bad for the environment. That’s a bunch of bummers!
Luckily, the magic of technology has swooped in and offered us three tidy solutions:
1. QR Codes
They are fantastic for loading information onto someone else’s phone quickly, and on the go. Here’s a link to a website that will generate a QR code that, once scanned, will automatically load your contact info onto someone’s phone.
2. Digital Business Cards
If you’re looking for an option that’s a bit more customizable or a bit more aesthetically pleasing, I recommend digital business cards. There are two businesses - Popl and Dot - that have great options for digital business cards.
Popl has tons of fantastic options for the carrier item for the digital card: you can get it in a card shape (about the size and shape of a credit card), a wrist band, a key chain, or a dot (a small, flat circle that fits inside your phone case). They come in a bunch of colors, and you can get your business’s logo printed on it as well! All you have to do is tap the Popl to any smartphone, and it will automatically share your customizable profile to that phone.
Dot works in much the same way, but they do have less options for the carrier items (only card or dot) for about the same cost. Dot works the same way as Popl does: once you tap a smartphone against the card or dot, it will receive your customizable profile.
And, best of all, neither Popl nor Dot have monthly fees unless you upgrade to a higher package! I love it when there aren’t any hidden fees.
Online Networking
Online networking is HUGE right now, and for good reason! Networking online can help you and your business connect to a much larger pool of clients and peers.
Let me point you to some websites and apps that can help your business and your network grow:
1. LinkedIn
It is a major hub for business networking. There are 750+ million users, all there to grow their network and promote their businesses. It’s the business networking website, and I highly recommend it. It also includes job listings and training courses that can help you level up in business!
2. Facebook
If you aren’t on Facebook, click the link above and create an account. Because this social networking platform is absolutely essential for any business or professional. Facebook is fun for personal use, but it’s an incredible tool for networking and advertising your business. You can create a Facebook Business Page, which sometimes turns up on Google searches before your business’s own website. Yes! Your Facebook Business Page can rank higher on search engines than even your website! And customers can easily find your contact info or leave reviews on your Page that could help attract new customers.
I could only find two downsides to it. One is that it can be difficult to get your business seen or heard because there is so much that you can do on the platform. Business Pages can sometimes get lost in someone’s feed or forgotten by the algorithm. And the other is that there have been privacy issues with this platform in the past.
3. Invitly and Shapr
They are great, smaller networking apps. Invitly is a business networking app that features local events, mentoring and coaching, and video calling. Shapr, marketed as “Tinder for business relationships,” is an app that connects people in the same industry based on common interests. Both are great ways to network online, and because the platforms are smaller, you’re more likely to find people who are just as passionate as you are! Be sure to do your own research for smaller apps though–– they tend to require more maintenance or fees than larger apps and sites, so make sure that if you join, you’re sure you’ll have a great experience.
The Takeaway
Networking using technology is a fundamental aspect of successfully networking in this day and age. Hopefully, this handy-dandy list helps you choose the networking tech that best supports your growing business!
Happy connecting!