| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
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 business networking, I became quickly disillusioned with it as a mainstay of my marketing plan. I found that something was missing from those long sessions of glad-handing and exchanging business cards. I had collected a pocketful of business cards but little else. "While I was analyzing my needs and talents it was pointed out by my personal coach that I had a behavioral style that lent itself to chatting, while listening took a back seat. How could I learn if I would not listen? "At the next opportunity to network, I intentionally listened, never interrupted, and found myself very interested in the other person's business. When I spoke, I asked questions, just a few, but selective so that they elicited answers about the other person's needs. I had stumbled on to the answer I was looking for. I wasn't there to find clients. I was recruiting others to look for my clients and pledging to reciprocate as I learned more about their business. I was participating in something I later described as strategic referral networking." So how can you approach networking from a prospective that ultimately leads to increased business? First, it is important to understand that developing a network is a process, and it is about building relationships. A key objective of effective networking is to find out about others - their concerns, problems, needs, and wants. Become a problem-solver and a resource. Listen for problems you can help others solve, either directly or by referring them to someone else in your network. Practice the fine art of questioning (and listening). Asking open-ended questions, and really listening to the other person's responses, is one of the most important networking skills. Some key questions or statements you can use to elicit additional information include: · What would be an example of that? · Please expand on that. · Tell me more. · How do you do that? Be curious. Develop a true interest in others, what they do, and what they need. Follow up and stay in touch. Developing a network is not about attending a bunch of meetings, having a meal, and going home. After all, the word "work" is part of "network." Remember, developing a network is a process. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, describes networking as a process of developing visibility and credibility. Only then will your activities lead to profitability. It may take as many as five to 15 contacts with an individual over a period of weeks, months, or even years to develop the kind of visibility and credibility that leads to profitability. Look for ways you can support your network members. It's not always about doing business with or even referring business to them. Some ways for you to support your network members include: · Posting their information on your website or in your newsletter. · Inviting them to speak at an organization in which you are involved. · Doing joint promotional projects with them. · Distributing their information. · Nominating them for recognition and awards. · Inviting them to attend events with you. Arrive early, stay late, and get involved. Take a leadership role in the organizations you are involved in. It's a great way of becoming more visible and developing greater credibility with a larger number of people in a shorter amount of time. Focus on giving, not getting. If you look for ways to assist others, you will be rewarded for your efforts both directly and indirectly in unexpected ways. Don't keep score. "Successful networking is never about simply getting what you want. It's about getting what you want and making sure that people who are important to you get what they want, too," said Keith Ferrazzi during a January 2003 interview for Inc. magazine. Or as Sandra Yancey, founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork quotes her mother as saying, "Give without remembering and take with out forgetting." In addition to the ultimate reward of increased business, effectively developing your network will bring you: · Different prospectives · Information · A support team · Connections · Strategic alliances · Access to resources · Advice and Ideas · More potential solutions In his book, Soltis points out another value of networking: the ability to bring your clients value-added relationships through referring them to the right individuals to help them solve all of their personal and business dilemmas - whether it is a tax question, temporary housing, or a place to board an exotic pet.As you determine the role that networking plays in your business-building strategies, ask yourself these questions: · How can I assist the members of my network? · What are their needs? · What resources can I bring to them? · What connections can I help them make? What can you expect if you put in the time and effort required to develop an effective network? To paraphrase Yancey, from her CD, Increase Your Net Worth by Developing Your Network: A strong network brings the power to make things happen and provides a safety net when things aren't going so well. © 2004 Strategies-by-DESIGN. May be reprinted with credits and contact information. Julie Chance is president of Strategies-by-Design, a Dallas-based marketing consulting firm specializing in marketing programs including marketing coaching for professional service providers. If you are interested in additional information about how to develop more leads, turn those leads into loyal customers, and obtain a greater return from your marketing investment, Julie invites you to sign-up for their free marketing tips newsletter at http://www.strategies-by-design.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for the advice. Network Marketing Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make extraordinary income. Well known author, Robert Kiyosaki, says that most ethical network marketing businesses are like business schools. Create a 10 Second Introduction From Your USP You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether you belong to a networking organization or just get referrals from existing (satisfied) customers. Whenever you meet a new potential client, it's important to create the right impression about you and your business straight away. Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals? As a small business owner you may find yourself in a situation where you want to partner with another business but they are asking for a commission on your services. You will want to be prepared to handle such a request BEFORE you find yourself in this situation. 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. 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. 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. How to Get Ahead in Your Career Bigger Better Deal. That's what everyone always hopes will come along. 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. 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. How to Shmooze Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly wayValue: pricelessGearheads like me have trouble understanding that great ideas and hard work aren't enough.. People Know People I recently entered the keyword "networking" into Google. In 0. 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. Talk Isnt Cheap The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after survey bears this out. When Gifts Say More What's a gift mean? If you're like me, you probably focus on the giving and the getting.But, have you thought of gifts as a medium, a channel, for communication? In a book called The Gift, French anthropologist Marcel Mauss argues that gifts are universally used to create and manage relationships. 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. 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. Community Involvement Networking It is important for you to join at least one service club in your area to help your small business in the community. It might be wise to get with other small businesses which are friends and figure out how each of you can join a different service club to maximize your word of mouth referral base in the community. Lessons from the Wedding Mafia One of my clients shared a story with me from his networking group, a chapter of BNI. Ivan Misner, the creator of BNI talks about what he calls "contact spheres". Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There! Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who are unemployed, underemployed, or who are simply trying to give their own business venture a shot in the arm. At times, the job search can seem daunting, if not impossible, as it takes quite a bit of encouragement - and creativity - to keep pressing forward.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
