Strategic Networking For Generating Agency Leads

Written By Owen Wood

How to Connect with Agency Owners: Your Guide to Strategic Networking

Networking is more than just swapping business cards; it's about building meaningful relationships that can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights. If you're looking to connect with agency owners, whether for a job, a partnership, or just to expand your professional circle, strategic networking is key.

Here’s your guide to making those vital connections, both online and in person.

The Power of Networking: In-Person vs. Online

Both in-person and online networking offer unique advantages. A smart strategy often involves using a mix of both to maximize your reach and build strong, lasting relationships.

In-Person Networking: Nothing Beats Face-to-Face

Searching for local business events is a great starting point. Agencies, especially those in SEO, PPC, and business development, frequently attend these events.

  • Pros: Face-to-face interaction is unmatched for building rapport and trust. A genuine conversation over coffee or at a local meetup can form the foundation of a strong professional relationship.

  • Cons: In-person events are limited by time and location, often taking place in the evenings. You can only be in one place at a time.

Online Networking: Expanding Your Geographic Reach

The digital world provides a massive landscape for connecting with people no matter where they are.

  • Pros: Online networking is almost 24/7. You can attend events and engage with people across the globe, dramatically expanding your potential network.

  • Cons: It can be easy to get lost in a sea of events. Be selective about which ones you attend to ensure you're spending your time wisely and engaging with the right people.

You can find out more about our services here https://notabli.io/pricing

Finding the Right Networking Events

Now that you know where to look, here are some of the best platforms for finding and participating in networking opportunities.

  • General Networking & Event Platforms

    • Eventbrite: A fantastic resource for discovering a wide range of virtual and in-person events. You can use search filters to find professional networking sessions, webinars, and conferences by category, date, and price.

    • Meetup: While known for in-person groups, Meetup also has a robust selection of online events. You can join groups focused on specific industries or professional interests and participate in their virtual meetings and workshops.

    • LinkedIn: The premier professional networking platform. LinkedIn is an excellent place to find events hosted by companies, industry groups, and individual professionals. Joining relevant LinkedIn Groups can also help you find more niche events and engage in discussions with agency owners and other professionals.

  • Niche & Industry-Specific Platforms

    • The Dots: Marketed as "the professional network for no-collar workers," The Dots is a great option for creatives and freelancers. It hosts online workshops, talks, and meetups and allows you to showcase your projects and connect with companies and agencies.

    • Industry-Specific Forums and Communities: Look for forums, Slack groups, or online communities tailored to the agency world. These are often "gold mines" for connecting with other owners, sharing insights, and finding collaborative opportunities.

    • Reddit: Don't overlook subreddits like r/agency or r/marketing. While not a formal networking platform, they can be great for engaging in discussions, offering value, and connecting with agency owners who are active in the community.

Making a Lasting Impression

Once you've found an event, it's about more than just showing up. To make a genuine connection, remember these tips:

  • Be a Giver, Not a Taker: Approach networking with a mindset of generosity. Offer value first—whether it's an insightful comment, a relevant resource, or a helpful introduction.

  • Do Your Homework: If an attendee list is available, research key individuals or agencies you'd like to meet beforehand.

  • Have an "Elevator Pitch" Ready: Be able to clearly and concisely describe who you are and what you do. Check out our quick pitch here https://notabli.io/useful-videos

  • Follow Up: The real work starts after the event. Send a personalised follow-up message on LinkedIn within 48 hours to continue the conversation.

By being strategic and genuine in your approach, you can turn networking into a powerful tool for building valuable, long-term relationships with agency owners. You can find out more about our services here https://notabli.io/useful-videos

Owen Wood
Next

How We Support Your Agency