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Networking Tips
Unless you happen to live in the middle of town, getting new
business coming to your home office is more complex than
"hanging out a shingle". You can't put up a sign and wait; a
marketing plan is needed. And for most of us, there's no better
marketing tool than networking.
You've heard the saying, "it's not what you know, it's who you
know." That saying has never been truer than it is in today's
business environment.
Sandra Yancey, founder of eWomen Network, points out many
different examples of successful women and believes "we're all
in the same business - the relationship business." It doesn't
matter if you make jewelry, design websites, or sell real
estate; the relationships you make and maintain will determine
your level of success. And it's not just relationships with
potential clients or customers that matter. Relationships with
everyone matter, from your next-door neighbor on up to your
competition in the market. Your next sale may come from a
completely unexpected place - are you ready to find it?
Two Networking Secrets
Here's the secret about successful networking - it's not about
sales. Many people think that networking means meeting people
that might buy your product or contract your service, and that's
not true. Sure, if you're lucky, you might bump into someone who
needs what you offer. More likely, though, you'll meet people
who are intrigued by your business, can't use it, but may
remember you if they chat with someone else who does need your
service.
"I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine," as the saying goes.
Want to accelerate your networking? Find someone a referral.
It's amazing how quickly a mild interest turns to red hot
referrals when you've handed over a good lead. Even if the lead
doesn't pan out to an actual sale for your networking partner,
he'll remember that you tried and will appreciate the effort -
and will reciprocate.
Here's the second secret - it's about quantity, too. Getting
your "brand" out there to as many people as possible invokes the
law of critical mass, or as my former boss used to call it, the
"hundredth monkey theory."
According to my boss's story, scientists studied a remote island
where a colony of monkeys lived. They taught one monkey a new
behavior. The monkey, in turn, taught it to the other monkeys.
And suddenly, once the 100th monkey had learned the new
behavior, suddenly every single monkey did the same.
Networking Sources Networking opportunities are
everywhere. Your daily domestic life likely includes more
opportunities than you realize - the grocery checkout clerk,
your hairdresser, your neighbor's aunt. Even if your product or
service is tailored to a fairly isolated niche, word travels.
Chambers of Commerce are excellent places to network. If you
can't afford to join, you can probably attend events for a fee.
Also research conferences and trade shows related to your
business.
Online networking is possible thanks to various bulletin board
forums and mailing lists. Find hosts that serve topics that are
related to your business, and begin posting to establish your
expertise and good will.
Networking attitude
"Approach it
from a place of giving," said an e-mail I received
prior to attending a networking event. I call it "karma" - you
get what you give, you reap what you sow. Positive gestures come
back to you in unexpected ways. I firmly believe that if you are
generous and kind in the way you treat others, a reward will
come your way. Your reward may not be what you expect, or even
hope to receive. But nine times out of ten, you'll have an
epiphany and see that it was just perfect! Keep an open mind.
Networking Etiquette
When I was preparing for my first networking session, I searched
for a networking etiquette guide, and couldn't find one.
Therefore, I'm providing one of my own.
Arrive on time. Presentations are often in order according to
when you came in and sat down, and people do get restless and
impatient toward the end, so it's definitely better to be early.
Bring stuff to hand out. If you plan to hand out materials,
bring enough - and by all means, if nothing else, do bring
business cards. Call the host ahead of time if you need to know
how many will attend.
Be prepared. At an organized event you'll be given, probably, a
30 to 60-second slot in which to speak to the crowd. Know what
you're going to say ahead of time.
Don't exceed your time allotment. Just because the rules aren't
enforced - hosts and guests are too polite to say "time's up!" -
that doesn't mean nobody notices you went over your allotted
time. If your lengthy presentation doesn't garner outright
resentment, at the least your audience may grow bored. It's true
that most businesses can be explained and leads requested in 30
seconds, if planned correctly. Do it.
Turn off your cell phone. Or at least turn off the ringer. And
if it should ring during the meeting, don't answer it. This is
considered the absolute epitome of rudeness during a networking
meeting, and so much harm is done by doing it that you might as
well not have attended the meeting.
Be attentive during others' presentations, even if they bore
you. Keep questions about others' presentations to a minimum
during the group address - save private queries for after the
meeting. Do stay after the meeting to chat. Social "rules" are
different - it's not considered rude during a networking event
to crash another conversation, especially if there are more than
two involved already. They're there to meet you, too.
Ask questions, give advice, but do not directly sell. Focus your
efforts on forging relationships, not selling products or
services. Save that for later.
Get as much info as possible during the meeting, and follow it
up with a letter or phone call within the next few days.
Networking is a vital part of any business's marketing plan, and
especially for the home office professional. Remember that
networking isn't about selling directly, but about establishing
a network of relationships. Focus on giving and the rewards will
come, usually when you least expect them, and always when you
need them the most.
About the author:
Find out how to get THOUSANDS of sizzling-hot leads that turn
into BUYERS for your business...without spending a dime!
http://networkingbuzz.daisygate.com
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