I've been meaning to 'phone you...

A few times recently, I've attended a networking event and someone has said to me "I'm really pleased you're here, I've been meaning to call you...." before telling me how they're really interested in working with me or attending The Networking Retreat.

On each occasion, it turns out they've been "meaning to 'phone" me for weeks, if not months. It's just that it wasn't at the top of their list of priorities and they hadn't got round to it. Me being at the event reminded them that they wanted to speak to me, and so they did.

One of the huge benefits of business networking and social media is that it gives you the opportunity to be there, to remind people that you exist, and to prompt people who've been "meaning to 'phone" you and simply haven't got round to it.

Everyone has their own stuff going on. They might really want to buy from us, but it isn't urgent and, just as with our own lives, the urgent stuff gets in the way. Stuff like making a living, helping the kids with their homework, being #dadtaxi, or whatever it is takes up your time.

Being there consistently, both in real life and in people's timelines online, reminds them that we are there and gives them the opportunity to speak to us easily, without making yet another 'phone call, which they might not have time to do.

I'm thinking this is a really short blog, to make a really important point.

How many people, have been "meaning to call" you, and haven't got round to it. And how easy have you made it for them.

Remember, it's your job to remind people that you exist, and to make it easy for them to buy from you.

Be there, at networking events and online and give people easy opportunities to follow up with you, and to buy from you if they're intending to.

Stefan Thomas is the author of Business Networking for Dummies and Instant Networking. He runs The Networking Retreat in Oxfordshire, England – helping business owners increase their ROI from business networking.