| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
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.Only years ago it didn't have a name. Business owners would get together, shake hands, and smile and chat about themselves and their businesses. Same thing with "coaching." I've been a sales trainer for 40 years, but it wasn't until five or six years ago that someone said, "Milt, you're not a sales trainer, you're a coach." I always thought coaching was leading your kid's soccer or baseball team. Turns out I've been a "coach" for 40 years. The buzzwords, however, aren't important. What counts is what you do. And if you're a business owner looking to grow your business, then networking should be a way of life for you. It's how you climb the ladder of success. But if you don't actually climb that ladder, you won't go anywhere. That's why it's called networking! While you can network anywhere - I've met some really great clients while eating at the local diner - a good place to begin is by joining a networking group. It's an excellent way to meet a lot of potential "suspects" who have the potential to become "prospects." Here you will have a brief opportunity to stand up and talk about yourself and your business to a group of people who share the same goals you do. In essence, you become a 60-second commercial. When given the opportunity to "sell" yourself, be sharp and to the point. Look directly at your audience, not at the ground or up at the ceiling. Make eye contact. It lets your peers know that you're confident. Once your commercial is over, get out in the crowd and talk to people. Work them like a politician works a crowd. But don't be pushy; don't use fancy words - not everyone is a Princeton graduate, and make sure you have a firm handshake. Trust me, you can tell if a person is positive or negative by their handshake. And be a good listener. Listen 80% of the time, talk 20%. But most importantly, don't make this an "it's all about me" affair. Remember, you're not the only person there networking. You're all in the same boat. When you introduce yourself, don't hand someone your business card and immediately tell them what you do. Show an interest in others - talk about what they do. Ask them questions about themselves and their families; develop a rapport. In other words, don't kiss on the first date! You'll know if there's any "chemistry" between you. If there is, make arrangements to meet at another time and place to discuss your mutual interests. Why eat lunch by yourself? And always ask for a referral. While there's no harm in speaking to everyone, do target your audience - seek out people who you know would benefit your business. But even if you determine there's nothing worth pursuing, a particular business owner may have other clients that can help you. You may speak to a business owner with whom you have no mutual interest, but you're also talking to his/her 30 "suspects" who may become "prospects." As for that business card - make sure it describes what service you are offering. Your card is your billboard. I suggest putting your photo on it. If I don't remember what you do, chances are I will toss the card. When you receive someone's card, don't wait a week or three weeks to make contact. Follow-up in a day or two. The key to successful networking is practicing your presentation. Write down your message and key points and practice it over and over. Repetition leads to confidence. Practice in front of your spouse or friends and neighbors. Practice is especially important for people who are terrified to speak in public, which is about 99% of the total population. You may even want to consider hiring a coach. There's also the "likeability factor" to consider. In order to sell your product or service, you have to sell yourself. And if people like and trust you, they'll sign that contract. Conversely, if they don't like you, you can be selling gold in your pockets, but they won't buy. Networking is the best way to build your business. You can read a million books about it, but unless you get out there and do it, you'll never even reach the first rung of that ladder. Milton J. Paris is Sales and Business Coach and Marketing Consultant for Paradigm Associates, LLC. The host and producer of the radio show "Getting Ahead in Business" on WCTC 1450 AM every Saturday, Paris believes the way to increase sales is through setting goals and executing them. An author and speaker, he served as President and Vice President of Sales for three diverse companies with a national customer base. He has 40 years of sales and business growth experience. Visit http://www.ParadigmAssociates.US or call (908) 276-4547.
MORE RESOURCES:
Networking - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Business Networking - Common Myths and Realities Can we agree about the meaning of networking? I don't mean computer networking. For our conversation, business networking is about getting to know people whom you can help and who can help you. 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. 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. Effective Networking The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for employment starts with networking. By networking I don't mean sending out hundreds of copies of your résumé unsolicited to H. The Secrets of Effective Networking Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to addressa critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop toconsider whether or not we are investing our energy in theright places. 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. Successfully Meeting And Greeting - Ten Strategies For Getting Off To A Good Start A day in the life of every businessperson is made up of a series of meetings and greetings. Whether you are making the initial contact with a client or a colleague, you want to get off on the right foot. Why Arent You Talking to Me? Your nonverbal communication talks before you do. Only seven percent of interpersonal communication is transmitted verbally-the remaining ninety-three percent speaks for itself. 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. The Promotion Factor: Seven Strategies to Promote Yourself and Your Business by Playing Golf Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf is one the best ways to increase your business and personal success. Discover Your Own Source Of Business Leads Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no matter what business you're in. Being aware of certain principals can help you increase your business leads list and generate an explosion of sales. 3 Reasons to Join a Group Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the decision to join a group, you should make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to gain from the group. 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. The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the power of approachability through your organizational front porches.AWESOME ACTION #1: Go Beyond the Door My friend, Pastor Bob Farr of the St. Small File Box With Resumes to Help Customers I bet you have not thought about it much, but there are many ways you can help your customers in their daily lives. If you have a customer who just got laid off from their job, tell them you will be glad to take a few of their resumes and put them in a file box and when Corporate Executives come into the store you will be sure to put a good word in for them. 10 Top Tips for Successful Networking 1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Social Networking: A Link To Like Minds Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble burst.Amazon. Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid Many workers think that their hard work will speak for itself. They quietly do their job and stay late at the office hoping that their boss will notice their efforts. 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. 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.
|
  |
| © 2007 |
