Reviving My Business Connections Through Ai Newsletters

Growing a network of business connections can be both exciting and overwhelming. I’m sure many of you can relate! After navigating a long corporate career, I found myself with over 5,400 connections on LinkedIn. The thrill of seeing that number is undeniable, but it also made me wonder—when did I last reach out to most of them? After all, every business connection, has an opportunity presented or hidden.

This realization hit me hard. Even with such a vast network, I hadn’t engaged with many connections meaningfully. So, I decided it was time to reconnect and foster these relationships!

Initial Attempts to Engage

To breathe life into these connections, I implemented several strategies. First, I started publishing regular posts on LinkedIn. These posts garnered a few likes and shares, which felt good but didn’t lead to deeper conversations.

Next, I experimented with writing longer articles and blogs. Although I received some comments, it seemed barely scratching the surface. For example, when I celebrated my job anniversary, I only received few 100 congratulatory messages from my network. How do I engage the balance 5300+ connections?

Analyzing the responses revealed that less than 5% of my connections were truly engaging with my content. This was far from the engagement I envisioned when I built my network!

The Idea of a Newsletter

That's when it clicked—why not start a newsletter? I brainstormed catchy names and finally settled on "Ben's Journey". My goal was to share updates and create conversations. I devised my newsletter with the following sections:

• What’s exciting in my business career?

• Upcoming travels – am I visiting your city next?

• The article I scribbled last week

• Anniversary wishes to a few friends in the network

• Thank you for being in touch.

To my surprise, about 9% of my connections read the first newsletter. It was a good start, but I felt there was still room for growth.

Growth and Engagement

Over time, I committed to sending out my newsletters consistently. I observed a steady increase in readership and was thrilled when, after eight months, the rate soared to 37%.

Not just sending out regularly, tracking which business connection or friend is reading and engaging, is fascinating. I discovered a valuable tool known as AidaJet, an AI-driven newsletter platform that simplified the logistics. With AidaJet managing the backend, I could fully focus on creating engaging newsletters to my connections, with less efforts. In fact, it saved over 72% of my time, compared to creating newsletters using email tools - that I resorted to initially.

One standout feature was the heatmap, which showed that the second section in my newsletter - "Upcoming travels—Am I visiting your city next?" consistently attracted the most views & clicks. It turns out people love the idea of in-person interactions!

Adding a Personal Touch

With these insights, I decided to step things up. I moved the "Upcoming Travels" section to the top of my newsletter, so that my friends need not scroll or search for this info. I also included my Calendly link in this section, allowing connections to easily schedule a meeting whenever I was visiting their city. The value of face-to-face meetings can’t be understated; they enhance relationships far beyond what digital communication can offer.

Additionally, I began inviting feedback in my newsletters. I encouraged my network to share ideas on what topics they wanted to see in future editions. This not only sparked interest but helped create a sense of community.

As small business owners, trainers, and coaches, we thrive on connections. It’s what makes our professional journeys vibrant!

The Impact on My Network

As my newsletter evolved, the transformation among my connections was remarkable. From coffee catch-ups to discussions on professional challenges, I witnessed genuine conversations flourish.

People seemed eager to connect, with many expressing excitement about meeting up whenever I was in town. The power of a simple newsletter has revitalized my business connections and reignited a sense of camaraderie.

Reflecting on this journey, I understand that true networking goes beyond merely increasing numbers. It relies on building genuine connections, having meaningful conversations, and maintaining engagement. Thanks to my newsletter strategy and the Ai Newsletter platform - AidaJet, I’ve transitioned from being just another name on a list to becoming a friend and ally in my connections’ careers.

Takeaway Insights for Effective Networking

If you find yourself questioning the engagement levels of your business connections, know that you are not alone. Establishing consistent communication through thoughtful newsletters has profoundly impacted my networking efforts.

With the help of user-friendly tools like AidaJet, I’ve opened up dialogue, rekindled friendships, and built valuable relationships benefiting everyone. So, fellow small business owners, trainers, yoga instructors, and coaches: consider leveraging the potential of newsletters to bring your connections back to life. It might just change the way you interact with your network!

While technology plays a significant role in our lives, remember that the strongest connections arise from authenticity and community. Let's keep those conversations flowing!