Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don't know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust.
You can find numerous references in the business literature about the importance of a company's mission. These sources emphasize that the mission is not to make a profit; that a profit is the outcome of and reward for fulfilling the mission.
The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking and the good news is, should you choose to put forth a conscience effort to improve the way you communicate, networking can and will become second nature to you, it is really just that simple. A personal touch big or small makes a big difference in how others perceive you professionally and personally as well.
Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective
and least expensive way to get more business. It
doesn't necessarily involve selling your product or service
but it does mean selling yourself.
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking into room full of people you don't know horrifies you? You're not alone. Yes, even a social butterfly, President of the Social Committee in High School and avid networker knows how you feel.
"Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware."This quotation is from the book of Hebrews, which means it probably has nothing to do with networking.
Ah, the personal touch that continues to make a big difference for the better in our lives and the lives of those who have an opportunity to experience a personal touch from us.If networking and effective communication are centered on other people, can we effectively network or communicate without the help of other people?For the sake of argument, let us define networking as: finding out what another individual wants or needs and then fulfilling the want or need of that other person.
Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.It's not nice to keep someone guessing about your name.
How does one determine which are the best
events to attend based on one's best customer?Customers are not a dime a dozen, especially in today's economy. So it is best to follow the rules mentioned before on how to define your best customer before attending an event.
What happens when you meet
a potential client at an event and you do not follow up?So now the event is over and you have collected a number of business cards, taken notes on the best prospects, divided the cards into Y(es), N(o), and M(aybe), now what? It is time to follow up. The best follow-up is immediate - they will remember you best if you go home that night and enter their information into your database and send a personal email or hand-written note.
When it comes to quality, how do you choose
the group that matches your expectations?Defining a quality group is not as easy as it looks. You first need to conduct the research into meetings, type of attendance etc.
Why ask others for help and what do you gain from it?What does asking for help have to do with creating business relationships and making announcements? It has everything to do with it. You have made announcements, donated items, created an awareness of who you are and what you do.
What is the problem when people try to describe what they do and they stumble over their words
and never consistently repeat the same message?Have you ever gone to a networking event and the person next to you is trying to describe what they do and they keep miscuing the words? This happens so often at these events. The major problem, besides focus, is the fact that they have not practiced their spiel.
Rather than being there to eat the food and drink the drinks, planning before attending an event will change your view.Have you ever attended an event and seen all the people gravitating towards the food and the drinks? That is the first thing people seem to go for.
Why the business card grab is not why you are there?
So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence?One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers
Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost 40 years ago. It's a word uttered in and around the business world every day, yet is unclear to most as to how it actually works.
The Secrets of Effective Networking
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to address
a critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked.
Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop to
consider whether or not we are investing our energy in the
right places.
Build Your Business through Strategic Networking
Networking - it's the latest business trend. Or is it?Actually, business owners have always engaged in the art and science of networking.
The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare
Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking event. He's friendly, has great ideas and could use a valuable person like you to help grow his business.
How NOT to Waste Your Time Networking
Ever wonder if networking, referral groups, and conferences are a waste of your time? Think about it?how many hours do you invest in deciding where to network, registering, getting there, "working the room," and then following up? How much real business do you generate from your networking efforts? How do you know where to invest and where to cut your losses?If you're not thinking critically about how (or if!) to network, I guarantee that you're wasting a lot of time and money. Bonnie Lowe recently interviewed me for her upcoming e-book: Networkaholics Revealed! True Confessions of People Who Networked Their Way To Success (And How You Can Do the Same).
Business Networking - Extroverted Web Weaving for the Introvert
If you have been in business for any amount of time, you go to networking
events. Did your body just seize up? Was there a swelling of nervousness in your gut? Are you about ready to stop reading? I encourage you to stay with me about networking.
What a Leads Exchange Group can do for You
What is the definition of a leads exchange and how does it differ from other groups?So what is a leads exchange? A leads exchange comes in several flavors; first the exchange usually has exclusivity restrictions so that you remain loyal to only one group. This way the printer and the chiropractor that belong to this group will only think of you for a particular service or product.
Ask for What YOU Want and Gain More Business
Why ask others for help and what do you gain from it?What does asking for help have to do with creating business relationships and making announcements? It has everything to do with it. You have made announcements, donated items, created an awareness of who you are and what you do.
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 3: Time is (Not) On Your Side
You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide if they like you within the first ninety seconds?Make the sale in the first five seconds?You get the job within four minutes?Always make a friend in less than 30 seconds?Ahhhhhhhhhh!! Which one is right!?I've read almost every book on first impressions, and the primary issue addressed tends to be time. (Or lack thereof.
Joining Industry Specific Organizations Has Many Benefits
Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small business owner with some start-up information, she asked me a very interesting question, "Why do you and other VA's join organizations?"I guess I take for granted the reasons why I belong to several industry specific organizations. But, to those that are new to any industry, joining an organization made up of your competitors is a valid concern.
How Speakers, Exhibitors, Consultants, and Meeting Planners Partner-Generate More Money and Value
? "Make Every Moment Count" is the title of a CD that a pharmaceutical company gave away at their exhibit booth at two major conferences.Half of the CD covered the company's new product news and "how-to's"; the other
half featured tips from a speaker at those conferences.
Test Your Networking Know-How
Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking is:
a) Schmoozing at meetings and events
b) The solicitation of funds
c) Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships
d) Marketing and selling your products and services to everyone in the room so you can meet your sales quota before your boss fires you2) Why do you network?
a) To develop your business
b) To help other people
c) To share information
d) All of the above3) What are the most effective ways to network?
a) Regularly attending meetings, events and activities
b) Talking to random people in the streets, stores, busses and bathrooms
c) Offering referrals, resources and recommendations
d) It doesn't matter as long as you help others first and remember that it ain't about you4) True or False: Networking is not a skill, but rather a hereditary trait passed down from your father not unlike height or Male Pattern Baldness.5) True or False: Networking isn't always strategic, but frequently occurs by an accident and/or stroke of luck which falls in your lap like a gift from God.
Networking - How To Do It
Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective
and least expensive way to get more business. It
doesn't necessarily involve selling your product or service
but it does mean selling yourself.
Who Are You and What The Heck Do You Do?
A few years ago, I was attending a family function when I ran into a cousin of mine. Having not seen her in more than three years, she told me that her son had graduated from law school and had passed the bar examination and was now a lawyer at a very prestigious law firm in New York City.
Flying High, Flying Far
"What me? Sell myself? You have to be joking!"This was the response I received from one of my clients when I suggested that she needed to get out there and promote herself. She had to "network".
Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal?
Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for solo entrepreneurs. You can open an account with one of the major online business networks such as Ryze, and get to know industrious and inspiring minds from all corners of the world.
