Using Dubsado for Networking

Using Dubsado for Networking: A Unique Approach to Streamlining Your Connections

When you think of Dubsado, you probably imagine booking clients, automating invoices, or managing workflows for services. But here’s the thing: Dubsado is just as effective for managing your networking.

Yes, you read that right. Networking (those coffee chats, connection calls, and follow-ups) can be simplified and organized within Dubsado. Instead of relying on scattered notes or calendar reminders, you can create a simple system to track every conversation, follow up intentionally, and make the most of your connections.

Let’s dive into how you can set up Dubsado for networking and use its tools to make relationship-building a whole lot easier.

Step 1: Create a Networking-Focused Scheduler

Schedulers in Dubsado allow you to manage coffee chats easily. By customizing a scheduler specifically for networking, you’ll make it simple for people to book time with you, while keeping your calendar under control.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Create a New Scheduler
   In Dubsado’s “Schedulers” section, click “+ New Scheduler” and name it something like “Networking Coffee Chat” to keep it distinct from client-facing appointments.
2. Set the Appointment Duration
   Coffee chats often require a bit more time to build rapport. Set your duration to 30 to 60 minutes, giving you enough flexibility to have a meaningful conversation without feeling rushed.
3. Use Dubsado’s Video Conferencing Integration
   Under the “Location” field, connect your video conferencing platform using Dubsado’s built-in integration (like Zoom or Google Meet). This automatically generates a unique meeting link for each appointment, which you can include in confirmation and reminder emails using the smart field {{appointment | appointmentConferencingLink}}.
4. Customize Confirmation and Reminder Emails
   • Generic or Custom: If you plan to use the scheduler for various types of networking, keep the email generic: “Thanks for scheduling a coffee chat! Here’s the link to join: {{appointment | appointmentConferencingLink}}. Can’t wait to connect!”
   • Networking-Specific Emails: For personalized touches, reference the purpose of the meeting. Example: “Looking forward to discussing your ideas for collaboration! Don’t forget to use this link to join: {{appointment | appointmentConferencingLink}}.”
   • Best Practices: Always proof your emails to ensure they don’t sound like they’re meant for clients. Avoid language like “I’m excited to serve you” or “Your project details are below.”

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Step 2: Attach a Customized Lead Capture Form

To gather information before the coffee chat, you’ll attach a lead capture form to your scheduler. This step helps you collect important details about your networking partner, so you’re prepared for the meeting.

How to set it up:

1. Design a Short, Networking-Specific Form
   Include fields like:
   • Name
   • Email
   • Business/Company Name
   • Topics or goals for the conversation
2. Attach the Form to Your Scheduler
   In your scheduler’s “Advanced Settings,” look for the “Attached Form” section. Select your lead capture form here. This ensures the form is filled out during booking, giving you all the info you need in one place.

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Step 3: Build Your Networking Workflow

Workflows are the backbone of organizing your Dubsado networking process. Here’s how to create a simple but effective one:

Workflow Steps

1. Change Project Status
   Automatically set the project status to “Networking ☕ – Active” when the workflow begins. This status keeps your dashboard organized and gives you a quick snapshot of upcoming coffee chats.
2. Add Tag
   Create a tag like “Networking Connection” to make it easy to filter these projects in the future.
3. Create To-Do for Follow-Up
   Add a manual task to assess and plan your follow-up after the meeting. Since the workflow won’t know when the meeting is scheduled, this step is critical for keeping you on track. Example To-Do:
   • “Write follow-up email for {{client.name}} after coffee chat.”
     Use this step to determine the next action, such as sending a resource or scheduling another meeting.
4. Archive Project
   Add a final step to archive the project once the follow-up is complete, or 1 year after the workflow starts, or whatever timing makes sense to you. It doesn’t really matter WHEN you set up the archive for, but I recommend doing it to save yourself admin work later. This keeps your active projects clean and focused.
5. Set the Workflow as Default
   Attach the workflow as the Default Workflow in the settings of your lead capture form. This ensures it triggers automatically whenever someone books a coffee chat.
6. Start sharing your Scheduler Link
   Now that everything is all set up, you can start sharing the link to your scheduler directly with contacts. They will be able to choose their time, input their info, and automatically get all the info they need leading up to your call with them!

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Step 4: Take Notes and Store Meeting Outcomes

Notes are essential for making meaningful follow-ups. Dubsado and a tool like Fathom make it easy to track what you discussed and what’s next.

1. Use Fathom to Record the Call
   With permission, use Fathom (affiliate link) or another AI tool to record the call and summarize key takeaways.
2. Save Notes in Dubsado
   Add a custom field to your Dubsado project to store a link to the recording or keep a meeting summary directly on the Notes tab of the project. This keeps all your networking data centralized.

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Step 5: Follow Up Intentionally

The key to effective networking is follow-up. Dubsado can help you do this while keeping everything organized.

1. Write and Schedule Your Follow-Up Email Immediately
   After the coffee chat, while the conversation is still fresh, write your follow-up email. If you discussed reconnecting in a month, two months, or even a year, schedule the email in your workflow now. Example: “Hi {{client.firstName}}, I loved chatting with you last month! I wanted to follow up on [specific topic discussed] and see if we can reconnect soon.”
2. Plan the Next Step
   If the coffee chat results in actionable next steps, schedule those tasks or reminders in your workflow. For example, if you decide you should connect with this person next quarter, go ahead and write & schedule that email to send AS SOON AS YOU GET OFF THE CALL! Don’t wait until later when everything is fuzzy and you don’t remember why you were supposed to follow up and so it ends up not happening at all. Set up later you for success!
3. Archive When Ready
   Once the follow-up is complete, use your workflow to archive the project, keeping your dashboard clean and efficient.

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Pro Tips for Networking with Dubsado

• Be Consistent but Flexible: Create a system that works for you but allows for custom touches, like personalized follow-ups.
• Keep Networking Separate from Clients: Use distinct workflows, tags, and statuses to avoid confusion between networking and client management.
• Embrace Emojis for Clarity: Add emojis to statuses like “Networking ☕ – Active” or “Networking 🔔 – Follow-Up” to make your dashboard easier to navigate.
• Maximize Smart Fields: Dubsado smart fields, like {{appointment | appointmentConferencingLink}}, make your emails look professional and personalized.

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Why Networking with Dubsado Works

Dubsado simplifies networking by combining scheduling, tracking, and follow-ups into one streamlined system. By automating what you can and staying intentional with your actions, you’ll not only build better relationships but also save time and stay organized.

Ready to set up your networking system in Dubsado? Let’s work together to create a process that makes managing your connections easy. Click here to get started!

If you’d rather have your whole client process built for you, that’s exactly what my Dubsado setup services are for.