| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
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. However, that doesn'tinvolve a lot of talking - it does involve a lot oflistening. Networking is about making connections with people andbuilding a network of meaningful relationships. Having good relationships means - these people will eitherdo business with you and/or recommend you to others.These people are your unpaid sales-force and you've got toensure that they do a good job. Here are 9 steps to successful networking: #1 Be prepared - Particularly if you're attending a formalnetworking event like the Chamber of Commerce. #2 Think about whom you'll be meeting - Consider what youropening remarks or questions will be. And think about whatyou're going to say when they question you. #3 Make sure you have lots of business cards, a smallnotebook, and a pen - These should be easily accessible andnot involve a rummage through pockets or a bag to find them. Reminder - NEVER go anywhere without business cards #4 You don't necessarily need brochures - These can be sentwhen you follow up later. A networking event is not a placeto sell your product or service. (This is not understood bythe people who have bored the pants off me over the years) #5 Think about what you're going to wear - I've seen peoplerush into a networking event in clothes that look likethey've been slept in. If it means having a change of clothes in the office orgoing home to freshen up - then do it. Remember, the imageyou present to other people is the image they'll have ofyour business. Men should wear a bright tie (not cheap) and women shouldwear something bright. Remember, however - business dress,not sexy. #6 Personal hygiene - Brush your teeth or use a breathfreshener. I've met people at networking events whose breathwould bring down a rhino at fifty feet. Avoid drinking wineor coffee; they can make your breath sour. Stick to mineralwater or a soft drink. #7 Watch out for the perfume - Both men and women, strongscents can be overpowering. #8 Name badges - They'll probably hand these out at theevent, however consider having your own produced. They'renot expensive to produce and it means you can ensure thatwhat's on the badge is what you want. (Conference organisersoften get the details wrong on name badges) Pin the badgeonyour right lapel - it's easier for people to read. The majority of people shake hands with their right hand. Asyou lean forward to shake hands, it means that the otherperson can read your badge easier. #9 Go with a partner - Take a friend or one of your team toa networking event. While you're there, alternately separateand come together. When you see your partner with someoneora group, walk up and let your partner introduce you. Yourpartner will introduce you using a pre-agreed benefitstatement. Something like - "This is my friend Mary Smith -she helps business people find more customers by improvingtheir networking skills." It's then easier for you to makemore contacts. Discover how you can generate more business without havingto cold call!Alan Fairweather is the author of "How to get More Saleswithout Selling". This book is packed with practical thingsthat you can do to get customers to come to you! http://www.howtogetmoresales.com
MORE RESOURCES:
LinkedIn delivers 4th-quarter performance that tops Street as networking sites ... - Washington Post
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How to Get Ahead in Your Career Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come along. Network Your Way to Success, and Remember: Its Not About You! Quote of the week"The answer is always no.. How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better strategy to generate more referrals from local businesses. While that particular client owns an orthodontic practice, the ideas I gave him will work equally well in your business. How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have been made and most are already broken. 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. Lesson 61 - When Does Aggressiveness Turn Into Annoyance? The StoryWhen attending conferences, conventions, or private events, it's guaranteed that you will talk with many people, especially those sitting at your table. Perhaps you may talk with someone you haven't met before. 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. How to Announce a New Product How can the introduction of new products affect the way I network at meetings?When I have a new product to launch, I make sure that I have a 20 to 30 second pitch ready for the next networking event I attend. I also make sure that I have a supply of product announcements offering a free sample. Come Home Rich - How to Get the Most out of Your Next Conference Success in your career depends upon how well you manage your professional development. A prime source of this development comes from being a member of a professional association that relates to your career. Where Does That Word Come From? "Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to break the ice; and when we sat down on the front porch and started talking off the cuff, it was as if serendipity brought us together."That sentence contains several words and actions you see and hear every day. 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. The A-B-Cs of Networking In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where friends and family can provide you with a great support system, both as you make decisions about change in your life and as you carry them out. Getting Leads How many leads do you pass on?As a reminder, you must give a lot before you can expect any leads from the group. You must be able to define your best customer, give your pitch and describe what you do best. People Know People I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0. Creating Successful Alliances and Partnerships through Networking Douglas Wilder, former Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first elected Black Governor in the United States gave me advice that I will never forget. He said, "From this point on, when you walk into a room, walk in that room like you own it, when you talk with people remember to stand on your principles, keep your word, and people will want to associate with you. The Secrets to Networking Success Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My first response was, "Hey, I don't network. Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business. Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships. 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. 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. How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party "Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad Sweater Party this weekend?""A what party?!" I said."A Bad Sweater Party.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
