Plant those seeds and expand your contacts through Clubhouse, Zoom and LinkedIn.
On my list of the top ten ways to attract high-paying clients, networking ranks number five. But the pandemic has left many wondering how networking makes sense these days.
The only four ways that I believe rank higher on the list to attract high-paying clients are: hosting small-scale seminars, giving a speech at a client industry event, getting published with how-to articles in client industry publications, and doing volunteer work for client industry organizations (which is, in truth, a form of networking).
Before the pandemic when we could easily do business development at face-to-face meetings, client industry events and tradeshows were the best places to gather business cards and ask for permission to be in touch.
But how do the best rainmakers keep making it rain during the pandemic when face-to-face networking is problematic? The answer is they have pivoted and adapted.
Think of networking as a seed-planting activity. And as the scripture says: as you sew, so shall you reap. If someone is worth one seed, they are worth three seeds.
Here is an example of how one medical and pharma executive coach and consultant, Marieke Jonkman of New York, uses Clubhouse, Zoom and LinkedIn to plant her three seeds with prospects.
Sample Of How Jonkman Plants First Seed On LinkedIn
Dear first name,
I first looked at your LinkedIn profile in 2017.That's when we connected on LinkedIn and yet we've never ‘met.’
Shame on us, right? To make things right, are you up for a virtual coffee over zoom to share our mutual expertise and discuss current (& future?) topics in Medical Affairs/Pharma? Shape the direction we are both going?
The purpose of the meeting would be:
- How can we amplify each other?
- Potential guest-speaker on either Clubhouse/“Ask the MSL”
Let me know if you're up to that! Send me some dates that work for you, or if it is easier for you, my calendar is available here:
[calendar link]
Please, no sales, dating, or informational interview calls, just networking!
Talk soon!
Warm regards,
Marieke Jonkman, PharmD., ACC, CEC, MHL
Medical Affairs Executive Coach
Sample Of How Jonkman Plants Second Seed On LinkedIn
Hi first name,
I was wondering if you had given some more thought about shaping the direction we both are going and see how we can inspire others to do the same?
So far I've met with some great leaders around the globe and learned some epic things that I would have never guessed from just reading their LinkedIn page. And it has made our Clubhouse Club so much better and interesting.
The purpose of the meeting would be:
- How can we amplify each other?
- Potential guest-speaker on either Clubhouse/“Ask the MSL”
I hope I can persuade you as well and if you do, please send me some dates/times that work for you, or if it's easier to just use my calendar that's fine too! I hope you're in!
PS No need for “swimming with sharks” stories.
PPS No sales, no dating, no informational interviews please.
Warm regards,
Marieke Jonkman, PharmD., ACC, CEC, MHL
Medical Affairs Executive Coach
Sample Of How Jonkman Plants Third Seed On LinkedIn
Hi first name,
Hey, it seems that networking is not the right thing for you now, but I still hope that you will join us sometime on Clubhouse!
Every Friday at noon EST we have a (lively) room to discuss current topics in Medical Affairs. You can find us @MedicalAffairs! I currently don’t have any invites left for Clubhouse, but I can let you into the Medical Affairs Club, just send me a message!
I hope to see you there!
Warm regards,
Marieke Jonkman, PharmD., ACC, CEC, MHL
Medical Affairs Executive Coach
The Bottom Line
As one professional says, your net worth is determined by your network. Plant those seeds and expand your contacts through Clubhouse, Zoom and LinkedIn.
