|
Author: Stephanie Ward Article source: http://www.businessknowhow.com/. Used with author's permission.
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.
Listen, you can go to all of the networking meetings under the
sun and collect hundreds of business cards while you're at it
but if you're not hanging out with people you can do business
with, you might make some new friends, you won't necessarily
grow your business.
If you want to grow your business by networking it is
imperative that you network with: people who are your ideal
clients, people who know your ideal clients, and/or people who
do business with your ideal clients. It's that simple. So
before you sign up for your next networking event, ask yourself
if 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 in
knowing more about your business. Stop, not so quick - the
story of you and your business comes later. First, let's walk
through what happens at a networking event and I will give you
a 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't
see an opportunity to meet someone right away don't panic. A
sure fire way to strike up a conversation is to get in a line
(to sign in, for food, for drinks, for the restrooms). You can
also approach the person hosting the event and ask for an
introduction. In addition, if the list of attendees is
available prior to the meeting you can identify someone you
would like to meet and approach someone to ask if the person
you 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') be
interestED (focus on the 'ed') in the person you are talking
with. You don't have to worry about what you will say (except
for your brief pitch which comes later). In fact, you can make
it a goal to talk as little as possible, I promise you will be
remembered as a marvelous conversationalist. Memorize this
phrase: 'Tell me more about...' and use it! Just relax, be
yourself and listen.
Step 3: Giving First
Yes I know, the reason you are networking in the first place is
because you want to get something. You want to meet more of
your ideal clients and meet people who can refer to your ideal
clients. But don't forget, networking is a two way street. It
is about building relationships. I know you have something
interesting to share, so why not give first? Perhaps you can
recommend a great book or website, share an article, or maybe
you can make a valuable introduction.
Step 4: Your Perfect Pitch
Eventually the person you are talking with may ask you what you
do, so be ready! Don't ramble on about how long you have been
in business or how your business process works. Do prepare a
fabulous, short, and memorable pitch (10-30 seconds long) that
clearly 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 be
afraid to politely excuse yourself and thank the person for her
time. Reasons to wrap up can include going to get another
drink, something to eat, going to the restroom, or needing to
talk with someone before they leave. Whatever the reason, be
honest and be genuine.
Step 6: Follow Up and Follow Through
This one is so simple and important yet somehow it frequently
gets ignored. If you promise to do something (call, send an
article, make an introduction) do it!
Think about making use of these networking tips the next time
you plan to do some networking. The truth is people do
business with people they know, like, and trust. This occurs
over time and is all about building relationships, not about
collecting 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 owners
set their profits on fire! Get your free monthly profit
tips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com
You Dont Have TIME to Sit and Wonder When The Traffic Will Come!
Quick tools to get you out of your website promotion slump. 30 days until your efforts pay off. Just read and implement and you will see a difference in your ...
The Quickest Way To Have A Product To Sell On The Internet
Creating a product from scratch that you can sell on the Internet will take some time to do. Therefore, the quickest way to have a product that you can sell on ...
Your Website Could be Letting You Down
One of the biggest flaws with website copy is inconsistency.
How to Use Fear to Your Advantage
Learn how to use positive thinking to fuel your way to success...
No Matr How Goud The Infomation...
Why wood you tak content like this seriusly? No mater how good the
infomation, if is riddiled with typos its asta lavista baby. You lose.
Credit Counseling – Get in Line Now to Avoid the Upcoming Rush
A combination of factors will soon result in a stampede by consumers to obtain credit counseling. If you need it, you should seek it out now.
Ephedra - 101
Ephedra is back: Boosts energy levels; Burns calories and fat; Suppresses your appetite, so you eat less naturally - without feeling deprived; Gives you increa...
Healing Food Addiction
Hannah was distressed that, with all the inner work she had done on herself, she still found herself binge eating. "There are times when I just can't stop eati...
Everything is Rhythm
As a Tabla player for more than eight years and as of a few years now, a player of several other drums stemming from Africa to Asia, South America to Australia,...
Promoting Your Website Through a Press Release
Press releases can be a powerful weapon for driving traffic to your website or front door. But most press releases are ignored or thrown in the trash. Former TV...
Yoga Position – What Does Each Type Do?
Not every yoga position has the same benefits. Find out what each type of pose offers your mind and body.
MLM Training - The MLM Success Secret of Results Vs. Method People
Are you a results person or a method person? Your Success will depend on it! Read on!
Personal Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning isn't just for corporations. Apply this process to your work and your life and get amazing results!
Writing Political Radio Scripts
The challenge for the 2006 election season is to write radio scripts that touch the heart and not deflect off the shield that surrounds the soul of most voters....
Is My Child Lazy?
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do some children move as if in slow motion? Is this normal or are they just trying to irritate you? Y...
Biz Op Marketing and the Federal Trade Commission
Many had made mention of the problems of business opportunities in letters to the Federal Trade Commission in the public hearings in 1995, 1997 and 1999. They c...
Do It! A Guide to Starting an Internet Business
The first thing I did was start searching the internet for a work at home business that would fit me. You it and there are tons information on the internet.
Why is Search Engine Optimisation Expensive?
Typically, a call for SEO comes after the website is already up and running. The quoted price depends on the client's needs, industry, positioning, etc. The pri...
Healthy Thinking: Freeze Negative Thoughts and Let Our Sun Shine!
This article discusses a mental method to freeze thoughts with Liquid Helium, projected into the sun's core to enlighten our lives. We all know negative thought...
15 Link Exchange Tips
Establishing inbound links through reciprocal link exchanges is a very effective promotional and advertising tool. If done correctly, building inbound links ca...
Top 3 Reasons Why RSS Is Better Than Email
Everyone is talking about RSS. Blogs, newsites and the like are putting those little orange RSS link thingies all over their sites. What's all the hype about?...
Sellers, Are You Having A Hard Time Selling Your Home?
Solution for homeowners who are having a difficult time selling their home.
Top 10 Blog Writing Tips
10 tips for publishing great blog content that attracts prospects and clients in your niche market.
Job Search On The Web
Online job search is growing in popularity. Career searching has never been easier. With job sites like Monster, CareerBuilder, Dice.com and others the selectio...
|
Print this page