3 Networking Tools to Help You Connect at EMSDC Events
Networking opportunities abound for our certified MBEs and Corporate Members across Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, including upcoming EMSDC events like The Youth & Entrepreneur Scholarship Golf Invitational, ROAR (Return On All Relationships) Conference and Choice Awards! The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council fosters the development of minority business enterprises to better align them with corporations, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. In 3 Tips for Success When Networking, we reported that the connections forged at signature EMSDC events help to build a strong business network and solid foundation for growth. Of course, registering to attend is only the first step. To be actively engaged and successful in your networking endeavors, you also need to plan ahead and have the right tools in your resource arsenal. Here are a few to consider.
Digital Business Cards
Digital business cards, such as HiHello and Blinq, are customizable, interactive, and an environmentally-friendly way to connect anywhere, any time. These handy apps allow you to instantly share and collect information in a variety of secure ways (email, text, QR code, Apple Watch/Wallet, etc.), and best of all, they can automatically log when and where you first met! You can even add notes with important details about your new contacts for future reference. Be sure to follow EMSDC News for more information on Digital Business Cards, and how to use their features to stay connected, coming soon!
If using digital business cards isn’t right for you, LinkedIn is a tried and true way to build a network of professional contacts, whether it’s sending out invitations to join your network, taking advantage of InMail Messages, or sharing new information about your business on the platform to stay in touch. This efficient, effective tool also lets you connect digitally while in person at EMSDC events. Simply utilize the LinkedIn mobile app to scan the unique QR code provided to each LinkedIn member, which takes you directly to their profile, or share your own QR code with the people you meet.
Traditional Business Cards
While digital business cards and LinkedIn are relatively new and popular ways to network, traditional, printed business cards still hold a lot of value in today’s high-tech world. This old-school method of connecting has been around for decades because it works! After all, the physical act of a handshake and handing over a well-designed business card can be a uniquely personal gesture that helps you stand out in a crowd. It also leaves behind a tangible reminder of your first meeting (and hopefully the start of a rewarding, mutually beneficial business relationship).
Being prepared and utilizing these tools for our upcoming events will not only help you to connect and stay connected to anyone you meet but also make a great first impression! We invite you to stay connected with EMSDC on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and donate to The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council to help us in our mission.
The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.