7 ways to get the most from online networking directories

• Janice Ross (Janice Ross Marketing Ltd)
• Friday 16 March 2012

Recently, I've had two polar opposite examples of how online directories can work for businesses.

Firstly, there are folk who are losing out on new business because they're not taking advantage of the online directories available to them. Secondly, there are folk who embrace the online community and are finding new business online.

So where do you lie between the two? And where do you want to be?

Many networking organisations have an online directory for their members, and that is what I'll focus on for today.

So if you're offered an entry in an online directory with your networking organisation, then be sure to ask them how to access and use it. Once you have access, it's time to start using it to build up relationships with other members. (Of course, directory entries help with Search Engine Optimisation outside of the organisation too).

I would like to share my list of 7 ways to get the most from online networking directories:

- Include all contact information - seems obvious but it makes sure other members can get you quickly and easily when they need you. Only listing a landline number may mean you miss an opportunity if the line is engaged. Add in your Social Media contact details too.

- Brand your entry - if you can, add in your logo to maintain consistency of your brand and write it in your chosen style eg personal, professional, technical (if your customers will understand it)

- Personalise it - this is the online portal to YOU. Other members will choose to work with you if you offer what they are seeking and if you appear open to their contact. A professional photograph can really help here.

- YOU! YOU! YOU! not 'we, we, we' - to be blunt, nobody wants to hear 'we, we, we'. They're not bothered when you were established, they want to know what's in it for them. So for every 'we' you are tempted to write, spin it round to incorporate 'you' eg instead of 'we were established in 1991? how about 'your widgets will be exactly what you expect because of our 20 years of expertise in widget making'

- Special Offer - by offering your peers something special, you can deepen the trust and natural goodwill between you. Make it a genuine offer just for them. It doesn't have to be money off your standard pricing - it can be something free that doesn't need to cost you a fortune but which is valuable and useful to them.

- Include a testimonial from another member - this shows that you are actively working with members and allows your clients to blow your trumpet for you.

- Simply ask them to get in touch!

Finally, you can use the directory to find out who you need to be chatting with at networking events. Then you can network more effectively when you get there!

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