| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
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. Many of us either love it or hate it. Personally, I wasn't too fond of it in the past. Although I'm a outgoing person, I just hated starting conversations with people I had no idea what to say to. Oh yes, my friends reading this will laugh out loud. "Yeah right, Simone, shy? She can talk anyone under the table!" Ha ha, very funny, but that is beside the point. Many folks, even extroverts, avoid networking for the simple fact that they don't want to talk to strangers. Some feel that they don't have anything to offer, or don't feel like going to a pick up joint disguised as a networking event. Yeah, you know the ones. I actually went to one last week and I was asking where the 'networking' was as I looked at the dance floor full of executives doing the electric slide (I kid you not! The electric slide!) I thought, "Darn! Foiled again!" Hey, we all love to have fun, but if it's a party, just say it's a party! Come on! So, you see why I got fed up and started my own event, "Give 'N Take Network": http://www.giventakenetwork.org? There's still hope for us all...we can make networking work if we really think about the benefits and plan for a successful outcome. The things that can arise from networking are amazing. Most of my best contacts are people I met at business conferences and networking events. I actually make it a point to tell my clients to schedule in at least two networking events a month that target their audiences. Being seen and heard will increase your chances of success! Not only is networking good for business, but also for your personal life! Business Benefits: ? Expand your customer base Personal Benefits: ? Meet new friends Four Easy Steps to Working a Room: 1. Be prepared Be Prepared ? Have a positive attitude ? Go with a purpose! What would you like to accomplish at this event? ? Bring plenty of business cards. Have a cardholder for easy access and also have a place to put cards of people that you meet. ? If you come with your buddies...make sure they know you aren't joined at the hip. The worst thing you can be that night is a clique. When you get to the event, make it your goal to split up. That will encourage you to network even more. I know it's hard, but you gotta cut the cord sometimes. Introductions..Don't be shy ? Walk up to someone and introduce yourself. Make eye contact and give them a firm handshake. Okay, let me be clear: please, no Incredible Hulk grips! I can't tell you how many times I've had my ring imprint make me want to cry from one of those shakes. What are you people trying to prove with those grips? LOL. However, you must by all means avoid the wimpy damp-palm handshake that just collapses within the other person's hand. If you do that, you come across just like that -wimpy or even worse, like you're royalty and you want them to kiss your hand. ? Say your first and last name while introducing yourself. Once they tell you their name, here are some tricks to remember it! 1. Listen for the name and repeat it, "Nice to meet you, Nadine." 2. Use the name in your conversation. 3. Play name association games to remind yourself, such as Nadine from New Jersey or Navy Nadine (because she had on a navy blue suit.) This is my personal favorite since I have the memory of a 90-year-old sometimes! ? With a little dash of confidence and charm, share with your new acquaintance who you are. Make sure you smile and maintain eye contact with them. Plan your 30-second introduction beforehand. Your intro is just your tagline. Basically, it's a couple of sentences of who you are, what you do to get them interested, and start the conversation. Make sure you ask them about themselves as well. ? Small Talk: A little small talk makes folks feel comfortable and at ease. Try not to brag, or impress, but just act natural. You will already have something in common since you are at the same event, so why not start by talking about that. Common interests can be excellent conversation starters. Understanding your similarities takes the edge off. eg : So, you're an enterprenuar too? How long have you been in business for yourself?" or something like"Nice to meet you too! First time at a National Squirrel Lovers Convention?" (just making sure you are awake...I crack myself up, excuse me.) As suggested by Networking Guru, Susan Roane, try using the OAR TACTIC. 1. Observe It's a great way to break the ice and begin an engaging conversation. Remember?being a good listener is key! Seal the Deal: So, you've had your small talk, found out how you can help each other and have exchanged cards. Make sure you LOOK at the card when they hand it to you. Don't just shove it in your pocket. That's just rude! Looking at the card will help you remember their name as well. After you walk away, you can write on the back of their card what you are going to do for each other, or some tips to remind you who they are, I.e.: Guy in the black hat who was friends with Bill. Has a client that needs my service. Follow up: You might want to end the conversation like, "I'll send you an email tomorrow regarding blah blah blah." Or "I'll call you on Tuesday". Oh yeah, following up is not only the best part, but the MOST important part of networking. I get on my members of Give 'N Take Network about this, because like I always say: Talk is Cheap! If you don't follow up, you just wasted precious time shooting the breeze. Hope these tips will help you work that room at your next event. Happy networking! Simone Kelly is CEO and founder of Gots To Have It, Marketing, a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events. Please view her company web sites here: http://www.gotstohaveit.com and http://www.giventakenetwork.org
MORE RESOURCES:
LinkedIn delivers 4th-quarter performance that tops Street as networking sites ... - Washington Post
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Are You Building Relationships Online? How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so no need to worry. it'sjust that lately I've noticed something about most network marketerswhich got me thinking. 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 relationshipsd) 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 businessb) To help other peoplec) To share informationd) All of the above3) What are the most effective ways to network?a) Regularly attending meetings, events and activitiesb) Talking to random people in the streets, stores, busses and bathroomsc) Offering referrals, resources and recommendationsd) 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. 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. 9 Ways to Spice Up Your Nametags for More Engaging Conversation Nametags are worn for a variety of jobs and functions, but people don't like to wear them because they're annoying, damage your clothing, clash with your outfit, and eliminate anonymity.Picture this: you see someone's nametag and decide to strike up a conversation with them:"Nice to meet you Jimmy, my name is Gary. 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. Remember not every one in the world is as smart as you are or sees as much dealing with all these different types of customers in so many different professions each day. A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers For those of you interested in international business transactions or the business networking organization, LinkedIn, a new Yahoo groups discussion forum has been created. Several Yahoo discussion groups already exist on the uses and preferences concerning LinkedIn, such as the Yahoo Group forum called MyLinkedin Power Forum (MLPF), but the messages on that forum were biased. Value-Added Network A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to develop, expand, and promote trusted relationships. One successful example is Thomas Powers, the founder and chairman of ecademy, one of the largest UK-based business networks. 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. Why Bother With Social Networking Sites Like LinkedIn? Q: I think I understand the value of networking as well as the next businessman, but for the life of me, I don't really see what sites like LinkedIn, Ryze and Ecademy can do for me. What's the point of these sites other than just as some sort of digital popularity contest?A: My good friend and colleague Liz Ryan, head of the women's power networking group WorldWIT, Women in Technology, has a great answer to this sort of question, an answer that I'm quoting here with permission:I ask people to join LinkedIn, and often they say "I don't want the spam. 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. 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. Networking Put join a networking group on your to do list with a big underline, star and happy face. You'll be glad you did for more reasons than you can count. Give People Something to Talk About! My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We were invited to a dinner party with three other couples we didn't know. 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. People Know People I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0. 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 constant rounds of mass layoffs, having a dead or outdated business network can mean business suicide to even the most skilled expert. Have We Met Before? What to Do When You Cant Remember Who Yourre Talking To You see him from across the room. You know him, but you can't remember how you know him. 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. 34 Power Affirmations for Networking with the Affluent Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the book "Networking with the Affluent" by Dr. Thomas Stanley. Your Front End While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you are sure to have noticed the very large number of networkers promoting similar, if not identical, programs. Empowerism and Profit Rally are everywhere, as are health related and telecom based MLM opportunities.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
