Five ways of networking your way into a market

 

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If you’re just entering the hairdressing industry or ready to grow your profile and strengthen your supportive business network, these tips from expert Andy Lopata will prove invaluable Know what you're talking about Learn about the industry, in particular the challenges facing salon owners, franchisees and other people across the hairdressing world. How is your previous experience relevant? What is different? Use your network to speak to people in the industry to find out what they're thinking and join relevant discussion forums to follow the conversation. Be social Ask questions in LinkedIn groups and on other social networks. Post discussions, comment on other people's threads. Blog and comment on other people's blogs. In short, once you’re are in a position to do so, be seen as the expert. You can follow this up by submitting articles to industry magazines and speaking at industry events. As you are seen as an expert both within and across the industry, your value will increase proportionately. Know your who's who Find out who the key influencers are in the industry and how you can get onto their radar. Look for introductions to them. Approach them when they speak at events, comment on their blogs, arrange to meet. Be clear on what you want them to know about you so that they talk about you to the right people at the right times and say the right things. Be Professional Join professional bodies in the sector and be proactive. Attend events, go to conferences, offer to speak or write for them. Once you have established yourself you can volunteer to take a role with the association. Who do you know who...? Once you have identified who you need to meet in the industry, whether potential clients or influencers, photographers or stylists, apprentices or senior staff, look to your existing network to see who can make the connections for you. Use LinkedIn to search for mutual connections and let your network know to whom you would like referrals.   Andy Lopata is an internationally-renowned author and speaker on business networking strategy who recently spoke at Wella's Business Network Live. www.lopata.co.uk / @andylopata