| |
| |
|
Go Back | About | Contact | Web Design News | |
|
|
|
The Secrets of Effective Networking
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to addressa critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop toconsider whether or not we are investing our energy in theright places. Listen, you can go to all of the networking meetings under thesun and collect hundreds of business cards while you're at itbut if you're not hanging out with people you can do businesswith, you might make some new friends, you won't necessarilygrow your business. If you want to grow your business by networking it isimperative that you network with: people who are your idealclients, people who know your ideal clients, and/or people whodo business with your ideal clients. It's that simple. Sobefore you sign up for your next networking event, ask yourselfif it is a good fit for your business. When you network with people who need your products/services(or know others who do) there will be a natural interest inknowing more about your business. Stop, not so quick - thestory of you and your business comes later. First, let's walkthrough what happens at a networking event and I will give youa tip for each step. Step 1: Meeting People Enter the room with confidence, stand up straight and smile. Look for a friendly face and introduce yourself. If you don'tsee an opportunity to meet someone right away don't panic. Asure fire way to strike up a conversation is to get in a line(to sign in, for food, for drinks, for the restrooms). You canalso approach the person hosting the event and ask for anintroduction. In addition, if the list of attendees isavailable prior to the meeting you can identify someone youwould like to meet and approach someone to ask if the personyou are looking for is at the meeting. Step 2: Getting to Know People - The Ed Principle Instead of trying to be interestING (focusing on the 'ing') beinterestED (focus on the 'ed') in the person you are talkingwith. You don't have to worry about what you will say (exceptfor your brief pitch which comes later). In fact, you can makeit a goal to talk as little as possible, I promise you will beremembered as a marvelous conversationalist. Memorize thisphrase: 'Tell me more about...' and use it! Just relax, beyourself and listen. Step 3: Giving First Yes I know, the reason you are networking in the first place isbecause you want to get something. You want to meet more ofyour ideal clients and meet people who can refer to your idealclients. But don't forget, networking is a two way street. Itis about building relationships. I know you have somethinginteresting to share, so why not give first? Perhaps you canrecommend a great book or website, share an article, or maybeyou can make a valuable introduction. Step 4: Your Perfect Pitch Eventually the person you are talking with may ask you what youdo, so be ready! Don't ramble on about how long you have beenin business or how your business process works. Do prepare afabulous, short, and memorable pitch (10-30 seconds long) thatclearly communicates what you do and for whom you do it. Step 5: Ending a Conversation Remember, all conversations must end at some point so don't beafraid to politely excuse yourself and thank the person for hertime. Reasons to wrap up can include going to get anotherdrink, something to eat, going to the restroom, or needing totalk with someone before they leave. Whatever the reason, behonest and be genuine. Step 6: Follow Up and Follow Through This one is so simple and important yet somehow it frequentlygets ignored. If you promise to do something (call, send anarticle, make an introduction) do it! Think about making use of these networking tips the next timeyou plan to do some networking. The truth is people dobusiness with people they know, like, and trust. This occursover time and is all about building relationships, not aboutcollecting business cards. Be yourself, be real and have fun! (c) 2005 Stephanie Ward WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE?You can, as long as you include this information with it:Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business ownersset their profits on fire! Get your free monthly profittips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com
MORE RESOURCES:
SEO - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Networking: Breaking into the Buzz Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people ask me about when I'm conducting networking sessions. There's a buzz that hovers over a crowded room that comes from all those people conversing. 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. 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. Increase Your Sales by 30% Using Internet Collaboration Networks Small businesses are really excluded from the global economySmall businesses from many different industries, both traditional and hi-tech, have discovered a new way for them to succeed in the "global economy".It involves collaboration on large proposals, R&D and fulfilment of orders assisted by relatively low cost, virtual collaboration technology. The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the power of approachability through your organizational front porches.AWESOME ACTION #1: Go Beyond the Door My friend, Pastor Bob Farr of the St. Measuring Value for a Networking Group How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?It is sometimes necessary to measure the value of a group. You may be asking yourself why you would want to measure the value of a group whose purpose is business. Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerilla marketing, you can come close. By partnering with companies that provide different, yet complimentary, services to your business, you can create a network of reliable resources for your customers. 10 Top Tips for Successful Networking 1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want! Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is it the fear of rejection, or do they think that it will annoy their client. If you have been giving 100% to your client and have given them truly excellent service then you shouldn't be ashamed to ask for the opportunity to give that same superior service to other people your clents know. Networking - How To Do It Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effectiveand least expensive way to get more business. Itdoesn't necessarily involve selling your product or servicebut it does mean selling yourself. What I Do Is Not Who I Am... The Networking Factor 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. Follow-Up with Your Contacts 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. Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success Who needs a network of people to talk to about the struggles you're encountering in your profession? You do! The more people you have in your personal network, the more people that can help you Make it Great! Don't be afraid to ask for help, as you can't do everything alone, contrary to popular belief. By developing your network, you can actually become more dependant on others, and they will become dependant on you. The Power of Word of Mouth Most of us remember the commercial that said, "I told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on, and?", well you get the picture. This commercial, which represented Breck Hair Shampoo, ran so many times that even I remember who the commercial represented. Acknowledging Referrals! What's in It For You? I grew up in a household where saying thank you was a code of behavior that was absolutely essential. There were simply no exceptions. How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success There are people who are natural born networkers - those people that can make conversation in any situation and have no problem walking up to complete strangers. This article is for the rest of us - networking tips that help reduce the stress of attending a networking event and will have you walking away from the event with prospects. 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. The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and receiving becomes unconditional. We can listen and not be caught up in the vicious cycle of judgment. Two-Step Your Communication Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians. Work that Room, Baby! Networking, schmoozing, making connections. Call it what you want, it's something that is a necessity if you want to do business today.
|
ChicagoAnimation's Acquisitions: Market Polls - 1pennyStock.com
Sponsors: Paving | VTL's | Religious Statues
