What is a networking one-pager? It’s an idea I stole. It was at a brainstorming event. A dozen of us attended the session including my friend Robby Slaughter . The way it worked was we went around the table, and each participant shared a need (or not) to which the group offered advice, connections, or shared tools. When it was Robby’s turn, he handed us all a one-pager titled Business Improvement Plan. It was brilliant. The print piece listed on one page the areas where his business could use the most help. Driving home I thought about how others might use Robby’s idea. How creating a networking one-pager might help others.
Creating a Networking One-Pager
I wondered why anyone couldn’t use this same format for networking events and more. Here are a few ideas.
Job Search
Create a one-pager for your job search. Unlike a full-blown resume, keep it to the point. List what you’re looking for, previous experience, skills, and accreditations. And limit each of those to one or two lines. When you hand it out ask for introductions to people who might be able to help get your foot in the door.
Marketing
Once again think short and sweet. Explain your product in 200 characters or less. Describe your target audience, and share the problems you solve. When you distribute the sheet, ask those who receive it if they know of anyone you could help with your offering.
Vendor Supplier Search
If you’re looking for a new provider make note of what you need, and if it’s to replace a vendor explain why you want to replace them (there’s no need to call out the vendor by name it only makes you look small). Be specific yet follow the KISS method keep it short. Ask for vendor recommendations.
Investors
Are you searching for backers? If so what do you need, sponsors, in-kind partnerships, or? Are you a nonprofit and need donors? If so, make a list of what you need and then bring your list to the event. When someone reads the one-pager ask if there’s an area where they could help.
Job Candidates
Create a one-page job description describing the employee you’re looking for. List the top responsibility, experience, and skill required, and share a brief insight into the company culture. Ask folks who read it who they know that fits the description.
Volunteers
What roles to do you need filled? Who are you looking for and when do you need them? You could start by asking people if they’re looking for volunteer opportunities before you hand them the one-pager.
Creating a Networking One-Pager for Your Needs
The ideas listed above are incomplete, and they might not fit your needs. I didn’t expect them to. What I hope is that the list spurs your creativity and helps you begin the process of creating a networking one-pager for your needs. So, let me ask you if we met at a networking event what would you tell me was your most urgent need? Would creating a networking one-pager be the smart way to share your needs?
Are You a Good Networker?
I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. If I wanted to be the most effective networker I could be, I needed a plan. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.
If you liked this post you might also like 6 Networking Hacks for Your Next Event.
Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash
