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7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking
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." And the key to this is obviously being able to develop relationships.Think of networking as the cultivation of mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. In order to be win-win, there must be GIVE and... Read More
Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales
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. In the same sense, the mission of networking is not to gain business and close sales. The mission of your networking activities is to make connections, develop relationships, and help others. The outcome of these activities will ultimately be increased business. It's the reward, not the purpose.Matt Soltis, in his book Strategic Networking, says, "Although an early supporter of... Read More
Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)
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.I have a friend, Sharon and she seems to think that effective communication and networking is meeting people at a business mixer or dinner, giving them her business card, bragging on her title and then cornering... Read More
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. However, that doesn't involve a lot of talking - it does involve a lot of listening.Networking is about making connections with people and building a network of meaningful relationships.Having good relationships means - these people will either do business with you and/or recommend you to others. These people are your unpaid sales-force and you've got to ensure that they do a good job.Here are 9 steps to successful networking:#1... Read More
8 Ways To Develop Confidence In New Situations
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. Here are some of my tricks. And they have all worked!~A great way to network at a conference is to volunteer at the registration desk. Why? You get to say hello to everyone who registers in your line and everyone who registers gets to see you behind the registration table. At the event, you'll feel more comfortable... Read More
You Can?t Spell Networking Without Serendipity
"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.Or does it?Networking is the process of sharing knowledge, helping others, and developing mutually beneficial relationships. Serendipity is the lucky tendency to find interesting or valuable things by chance. Mix the two forces, and you've got a sure-fire formula to boost your business.Now, I understand the Catch-22: if it's serendipity, how can you plan it? Well, you're right - you can't. But you can do a few things to be... Read More
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.People want to know that their existence makes a difference.The term often used 'dissed' meaning an individual feels disrespected... Read More
Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)
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. Don't assume they will remember your name and don't make it a guessing game. It's a challenge that most people would rather not... Read More
Which Networking Events Should You Attend?
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. The customer definition will lead you to choosing events where they will attend. Customers have their preferences for events just as you do. They are also looking for ways to meet others. If you find out where they go, then you should also make a point of attending. I have often attended events... Read More
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. E-mail is much faster and you will be surprised at the fast response you get.... Read More
Defining a Quality Networking Group
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. The next thing you want to know is the size of the group. Size does count as a smaller group will not often have enough leads for each individual. You should also make sure that the level of the person belonging to the group is at the appropriate place. By level we mean: is the person belonging to the group an influencer... Read More
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. You are now in the position of getting more business than you can handle, or worse, not getting enough business in the community. You should then be able to call on prospective customers and ask for their time to help you solve a particular problem. The problem must be one... Read More
Practice Makes Pefect
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. Why is it that they do not practice? Quite often you feel self-conscious when trying to practice in front of a mirror and others are around to... Read More
Plan for the Event or Flounder
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. Well, it is natural, especially if you are there alone and do not know anyone. It seems that food and drink are there for comfort. It is really difficult to talk to anyone with a mouthful, so if you can, stay away from the food, but certainly go and get a drink.... Read More
How to Collect Business Cards
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. It is probably better to pick... Read More
Write It Down!
Why would you want to write information on paper when you have a business card in hand?Putting it on paper can mean a number of things. It can simply mean putting notes on the back of someone's business card, or it can mean to take extensive notes in a notebook. Which ever method you choose, be certain that the notes can identify who it was that you were conversing with. Nothing is more embarrassing than talking to a person sometime in the future and finding out you are talking about something they know nothing about.If you remember some of the... Read More
Examination of Discovery - Finding the Right Networking Group
Why would I pick this group over another group?How many business leads groups have you heard about? I have heard of dozens and each has a group of 20 or more people. The problem is that they often have restrictions on the number of people in a particular category. Fortunately or unfortunately, this limits the number of groups that you can choose from. Sometimes a group will have several Chapters, especially when one group gets too large and people in the same category want to join. These splinter groups are often small to start with and then find themselves on... Read More
Social Network Software
My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have had social contact with for years ? is the COO of one of the world's largest companies. He's read my books, is familiar with my concepts, and is a fan. But we've not talked shop due to our social connection.One day he called me and told me he wanted me to speak with his new national VP of sales ? that he wanted my ideas and methods to be used in his company. Wonderful. Especially since it all came from him.The VP called me days later at my friend's request,... Read More
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. They will essentially promote your business as part of the membership requirement: to generate leads for others as well as get leads in exchange. These types of groups are plentiful and can work... Read More
Networking Group Loyalty Requirements
How can you find out the group loyalty requirements before you venture forth?Many groups have loyalty requirements in order to make sure that the leads you generate are exclusively for the members of the group. It is important that you make sure you know everything about the group before you join, and loyalty requirements can put a damper on other activities you have planned. If you find a group that does not have any requirements for loyalty, then you will have to interview members to see what other groups they belong to. If there is no focus on your group,... Read More
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Unforgettable First Impressions Part 1: Discover the CPI
People like others whom they are like. So if you want to make a flawless first impression, it is your... Read More
Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No?s in Business
Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy and customer confidence by discussing politics in your small business.... Read More
Write It Down!
Why would you want to write information on paper when you have a business card in hand?Putting it on paper... Read More
8 Ways To Develop Confidence In New Situations
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking into room full of people you don't know horrifies you?... Read More
Sharpen Your Business Networking Skill To Grow Your Small Business
Most people become lax at maintaining their professional business network when they've worked with a company a while. With the... Read More
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