Follow-Up with Your Contacts
August 25, 2008
What happens when you meet a potential client at an event and you do not follow up?
So now the event is over and you have collected a number of business cards, taken notes on the best prospects, divided the cards into Y(es), N(o), and M(aybe), now what? It is time to follow up. The best follow-up is immediate - they will remember you best if you go home that night and enter their information into your database and send a personal email or hand-written note. E-mail is much faster and you will be surprised at the fast response you get. This gives you instant contact and you can then ask how they felt about a certain event. You are sure to get a response. This gives you an immediate relationship with the individual.
Which Networking Events Should You Attend?
July 6, 2008
How does one determine which are the best events to attend based on one’s best customer?
Customers are not a dime a dozen, especially in today’s economy. So it is best to follow the rules mentioned before on how to define your best customer before attending an event. The customer definition will lead you to choosing events where they will attend. Customers have their preferences for events just as you do. They are also looking for ways to meet others. If you find out where they go, then you should also make a point of attending. I have often attended events that I would not normally attend, just to get close to a potential customer, and of course a potential sale. And it may be someone completely unexpected that is met at such an event. If your best customer profile attends this event, you can bet that others just like them will also be in attendance. In the long run, your opportunity to capitalize on the event will be enhanced by being very discerning about who will be there. It is akin to choosing the parties you attend.
Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)
May 16, 2008
Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats’ in a name?"
What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven’t seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.
It’s not nice to keep someone guessing about your name. Don’t assume they will remember your name and don’t make it a guessing game. It’s a challenge that most people would rather not experience.
Okay, I’ll confess my experience, reluctantly I might add. There is a lady by the name of Barbara Fouch and I simply adore her. I know that she knows that I adore her and I thought I was extending a compliment when I asked Barbara, “Do you remember who I am?” My thinking was, Barbara, I am the young lady who simply adores you would ring in her mind as the answer to my question.
What I Do Is Not Who I Am… The Networking Factor
March 28, 2008
Ah, the personal touch that continues to make a big difference for the better in our lives and the lives of those who have an opportunity to experience a personal touch from us.
If networking and effective communication are centered on other people, can we effectively network or communicate without the help of other people?
For the sake of argument, let us define networking as: finding out what another individual wants or needs and then fulfilling the want or need of that other person.
People want to know that their existence makes a difference.
The term often used ‘dissed’ meaning an individual feels disrespected by another might seem petty to us but it is usually very real to the individual complaining.
An example, my friend Bill a Plummer who is financially set for many years to come doesn’t always get properly acknowledged. We all realize that there is nothing we can do without the help of other people. Yet, in Bill’s profession he is not always highly respected. This is because society has taught us to value the title of the individual and not the individual.
You Can?t Spell Networking Without Serendipity
February 9, 2008
"Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware."
This quotation is from the book of Hebrews, which means it probably has nothing to do with networking.
Or does it?
Networking is the process of sharing knowledge, helping others, and developing mutually beneficial relationships. Serendipity is the lucky tendency to find interesting or valuable things by chance. Mix the two forces, and you’ve got a sure-fire formula to boost your business.
Now, I understand the Catch-22: if it’s serendipity, how can you plan it? Well, you’re right - you can’t. But you can do a few things to be more aware of it and prepare yourself to leverage it.
What is Serendipity Networking? First and foremost, serendipity networking is unexpected. You never know whom you’re going to meet! So don’t discount the power of each person to affect your business or even your life. For example, the birth of my career was a direct result of the "Start Conversations with Random People on the Bus Who Happen to Know the Editor of a Major Newspaper Theory." Works every time!
8 Ways To Develop Confidence In New Situations
December 19, 2007
Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking into room full of people you don’t know horrifies you? You’re not alone. Yes, even a social butterfly, President of the Social Committee in High School and avid networker knows how you feel. Here are some of my tricks. And they have all worked!
~A great way to network at a conference is to volunteer at the registration desk. Why? You get to say hello to everyone who registers in your line and everyone who registers gets to see you behind the registration table. At the event, you’ll feel more comfortable talking with people because you’ve “met” them already. And if those aren’t enough benefits, people will “recognize you” from the registration desk, and be more likely to come talk with you.
~If you teach a class or speak, go into the room early. Get a feel for it, change it around if need be, and greet everyone who walks in with a big “hello my name is …”. Bring name tags or recycle the tops of old manila folders, have each person put their name on it, and put it on the table in front of them.
Networking - How To Do It
October 31, 2007
Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least expensive way to get more business. It doesn’t necessarily involve selling your product or service but it does mean selling yourself. However, that doesn’t involve a lot of talking - it does involve a lot of listening.
Networking is about making connections with people and building a network of meaningful relationships.
Having good relationships means - these people will either do business with you and/or recommend you to others. These people are your unpaid sales-force and you’ve got to ensure that they do a good job.
Here are 9 steps to successful networking:
#1 Be prepared - Particularly if you’re attending a formal networking event like the Chamber of Commerce.
#2 Think about whom you’ll be meeting - Consider what your opening remarks or questions will be. And think about what you’re going to say when they question you.
#3 Make sure you have lots of business cards, a small notebook, and a pen - These should be easily accessible and not involve a rummage through pockets or a bag to find them.
Reminder - NEVER go anywhere without business cards
Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)
September 12, 2007
The Personal Touch 1
There is a simple art to networking and the good news is, should you choose to put forth a conscience effort to improve the way you communicate, networking can and will become second nature to you, it is really just that simple. A personal touch big or small makes a big difference in how others perceive you professionally and personally as well.
I have a friend, Sharon and she seems to think that effective communication and networking is meeting people at a business mixer or dinner, giving them her business card, bragging on her title and then cornering the individuals she has met for the next 30 minutes with suggestions as to how they can assist her in growing and promoting her business.
Perhaps, you’ve run across a person like Sharon while networking at different events. I am sure you waited with much anticipation to be rescued from her. This feeling of discomfort in this situation actually keeps the individual from giving Sharon their full attention.
The problem here lies in Sharon thinking her business is the greatest thing in the world. Sharon should feel this way but she should also be considerate of others’ time. However, she usually neglects taking an interest in other peoples’ business and personal endeavors.
Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales
July 24, 2007
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.
Matt Soltis, in his book Strategic Networking, says, “Although an early supporter of business networking, I became quickly disillusioned with it as a mainstay of my marketing plan. I found that something was missing from those long sessions of glad-handing and exchanging business cards. I had collected a pocketful of business cards but little else.
“While I was analyzing my needs and talents it was pointed out by my personal coach that I had a behavioral style that lent itself to chatting, while listening took a back seat. How could I learn if I would not listen?
7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking
June 5, 2007
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of gab or just don’t know how to make small talk, networking know-how is very important for your business success. There is a notion in business that I believe most of us subscribe to that says "all things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust." And the key to this is obviously being able to develop relationships.
Think of networking as the cultivation of mutually beneficial, win-win relationships. In order to be win-win, there must be GIVE and take (notice the emphasis on give). Networking shouldn’t be viewed as "events" where you go to sell your business. When effective networking is taking place, the parties involved actively share ideas, information, resources, etc.
Ok, so you know that you should be networking because it is one of the most cost-effective lead generation activities when used wisely, appropriately and professionally. But, maybe that seems easier said than done. Here’s a seven step plan to really get going with networking for your business.
