Networking --it's who you know (or meet)

How often have heard the expression, "It's not what you know, it's who you know"? As unfair as it may seem, this expression has great deal of truth to it.

Networking is one of the skills that should be practiced on a continuous basis if you want your business to grow. During business development it's very important to make sure as many people as possible to know about what you do and what business your in. What your skills and abilities are and how you can contribute to their situation.

People will do business with you and refer your business to people they know, like and trust. It is very important that you develop a rapport with people you meet by finding about them and what they do. Listening attentively is a key skill of good networking.

Things to remember in doing networking (things I do) to help grow your business;

• Look for all sources including friends, family, neighbors, church, clubs/organizations, past colleagues, etc anyone with whom you come into contact.

• Ask each person you speak to if they can suggest someone else to contact "Grow" your network.

• Let people know what you want (if you don't tell they won't know).

• Keep a supply of business cards on you for distribution to ensure that people know how to reach you.

• Ask for business cards of people you meet so you can follow up if appropriate (One thing most people do is to give their business card first before even asked, this is not the right way to do. Why? Because most people will just throw it away, give only when they ask and for sure they'll keep if for future use.)

• Always try to greet people with warm a warm, friendly smile and a firm handshake.

• Always keep in touch with people you think might be of help to you or you can be help to them. Call or send them a note.

• Make sure you can state in a sentence or two what you can do or would like to do. Be creative with your slogan ( If your hair is not becoming to you, you should be coming to Nenita:) make sure that is perfect for the service and job you offer.

We tend to judge people according to their looks, make sure to erase this mentality because you never know what this person can offer and do for you.

Cheers!!!

Nenita