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
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Recent Comments
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Thanks for that Nenita. Must get business card designed and printed ASAP. Cheers back and Happy Holidays.
Hi Nenita - all very good advice - thank you.
The last part - the way it's been put across to me in the "corporate" world is - you get in an elevator/lift, and the person in there with you knows nothing about you - how would you sell yourself or what you can do for them in the time it takes to get to your floor.
At the time, it was an awkward session - talking to a pretend person - but it was a useful exercise, as it helped concentrate you on the sentence or two you would use from then on, to engage with people.
I always try and have a smile, and walk looking forward - if I'm not smiling and am looking towards the ground as I walk, I don't feel confident - and I really think that gives other people the wrong impression of you - before they even speak with you, or make eye contact - and that can be sad, as it cuts off before you start, any networking opportunity you may have had.
Thanks for the post - another reminder focussing you on becoming the business owner we all want to be. It's not all about WP.
All the best, Mark
Wow. I never tried practicing my elevator speech in an empty elevator. Such a novel idea I have to try it soon.
Hi Mark, I used to be very shy and intimidated by those people wearing Tuxedo (The Men in Black) in my head they're better than me. Few year ago I was a part of this networking group and we had to meet once a week at 7:00 a.m in the morning. One of my biggest fear was public speaking and you know what... the first part of the meeting was to tell the members who you are and short details of your business in 60 seconds, believe me that was though.
I was standing in front of these people mostly wearing "black" and the only thing I could say was "Hi my name is Nenita" and followed by "sorry I don't know what to say" and I sat down. It took me awhile to get the idea of standing and telling people about me and my business.
Joining that networking group gave me the confident I need. For sure that elevator speech was tough but it comes naturally once you get used to it:)
Thank you for the advice! It is a good reminder of the importance of Relationship Marketing.
Great advice Nenita, especially about judging others. It is amazing how you can be contradicted by a person you have misjudged.
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I enjoyed your suggestions. Thank you :) Patti
Your welcome Patti and I'm glad your enjoyed it:)