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. And the advice is coming from this confirmed non-networker who, in 20 years of business, considered networking a colossal waste of time. The old dog is here with a new trick. Business networking groups bring together people who, most times, are self- employed, successful entrepreneurs or corporate folk paid truly paid for their efforts. (see commissioned salesperson) The types of businesses these networkers represent vary, but the commonality is they meet to share, learn and become better at their craft. The networking meetings are held at times that are fairly convenient even for the most type A business owner. Early morning, mid-day or evening are the popular meeting times and all involve food of some type, contests, and sometimes cocktails. There is a networking etiquette that is a mix of business sense and remembering what your mother taught you. Be nice. Smile. Be genuine. Don't show up looking to dazzle everyone you meet with your slick sales pitch. To be sure, meet a lot of people, hand out a lot of cards, but give before taking. Listen more than you talk. Question more than you answer. Care about someone else and their plight. What's in it for me? That's the common question in many business conversations. Here's what you get by joining a networking group: New contacts--what business can't use more contacts? The fellow businesspersons you meet might be able to use your service. They also know lots of people and aren't shy about recommending you. You look like an expert to your customers. As you meet new professionals, you won't hesitate to recommend them to your customers to handle tasks you don't. Your stock will rise appreciably with your customer for being such a willing problem solver. Education. The meetings always revolve around a guest speaker who will bring to you valuable information about topics ranging from accounting to law, sales to hiring an employee and much more. Friendship. Everyone can use more friends. Imagine playing golf with those that share your passion. Advice. Ask around and fellow networkers will be glad to dispense it for free and many have already faced the same situation you now have. Find a local networking group and get involved. It will be one of the best decisions you ever made. Go ahead. Write it down. Your to do list is waiting. Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann and Tate Advertising an advertising agency that works with small business owners to help them stand out in a marketplace where so much of the advertising and products look the same.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Talk Isnt Cheap
The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after survey bears this out. Poor communication skills are often cited in employee surveys as a reason for poor morale and performance.
The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science
Commandment 1
The Secrets to Networking Success
Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My first response was, "Hey, I don't network. I hate that stuff."
Unforgettable First Impressions Part 3: Time is (Not) On Your Side
You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide if they like you within the first ninety seconds?Make the sale in the first five seconds?You get the job within four minutes?Always make a friend in less than 30 seconds?
Are You Building Relationships Online?
How's your relationship?
Two-Step Your Communication
Ever use someone else to get your message out?
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.
Youve Got Personality, Use It!
For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than the image you project to your clients and potential clients. Napoleon Hill put it best when he said, "People buy your personality and ideas long before they buy your products and services."
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 duty to discover what you have in common with every person you talk to.
Increase Your Sales by 30% Using Internet Collaboration Networks
Small businesses are really excluded from the global economy
Examination of Discovery - Finding the Right Networking Group
Why would I pick this group over another group?
Acknowledging Referrals! What?s in It For You?
I grew up in a household where saying thank you was a code of behavior that was absolutely essential. There were simply no exceptions. A thank you note was sent immediately for any gift received or for any kind or decent action.
How to Generate More Business by Telling People What You Do
What do you tell people when asked what you do? Many small business owners and independent professionals repeatedly miss great opportunities to generate new business or develop leads by answering the "what do you do?" question with a poorly crafted or completely unplanned answer. If your answer does not regularly start a conversation about your business you need to change your answer.
You Can?t Spell Networking Without Serendipity
"Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware."
Networking: Is Your Approach Too Self-Centered?
It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused on their own needs rather than on the needs of their contacts.
10 Effective Ways to Remember Names
Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten." Feelings of embarrassment and social ineptitude are conveyed through this forgetfulness, and unfortunately, the problem persists daily. The ability to remember names is an important skill that gives you an advantage in social and business settings. However, the way you associate and remember names is based on your learning style and personality type.
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. As a member, you can attend conferences where you advance your skills and meet people who can help you.
Make Money on the Internet - The Lifestyle Advantages of Professional Marketers
Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a box room, bedroom or garage. It isn't how you start out to make money at home that is important. What really matters is that you had the courage to begin.
Effective Business Networking: 5 Tips For Mastering The Art of Networking
The heart of any business is the connection it has with other businesses and individuals that it can call upon to help meet its needs. Networking - any activity designed to create, maintain and utilize interpersonal connections - is an essential business skill. But not all business people take the time to truly master. However, without a solid understanding of how to network effectively and efficiently, no business can make the vital connections that it needs to survive and prosper in today's super-connected economy. Here are some tips you can use to increase your networking - and business - success
Building Business Relationships in a Roomful of Strangers
You approach a stranger at an association meeting or industry conference with you arm outstretched and say: "Hi. My name is?.." And you're off and running.
|
