7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking

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... Read More

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.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... Read More

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There 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... Read More

Networking - How To Do It

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... Read More

8 Ways To Develop Confidence In New Situations

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... Read More

You Can?t Spell Networking Without Serendipity

"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... Read More

What I Do Is Not Who I Am... The Networking Factor

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.... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

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... Read More

Which Networking Events Should You Attend?

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... Read More

Follow-Up with Your Contacts

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.Fast response gives you an edge on the competition. You had a reason to follow up (the event) and then a further reason to set that all important appointment with the... Read More

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Give People Something to Talk About!

My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We were invited to a dinner party with three other couples we didn't know. What we did know is that we were all around... Read More

Ask for What YOU Want and Gain More Business

Why ask others for help and what do you gain from it?What does asking for help have to do with creating business relationships and making announcements? It has everything to do with it.... Read More

The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to address a critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop to consider... Read More

Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly,... Read More

Networking: What the Heck is a Ryze?

If you're new to the internet marketing club, you may have heard about "Ryze." What is that, you wonder? Ryze refers to the Ryze Business Network at http://Ryze.com.Ryze is where entrepreneurs, marketing professionals... Read More

Increase Your Sales by 30% Using Internet Collaboration Networks

Small businesses are really excluded from the global economySmall businesses from many different industries, both traditional and hi-tech, have discovered a new way for them to succeed in the "global economy".It involves collaboration... Read More

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed

There's a time and place to network with people in order to generate leads, build rapport and form meaningful relationships. The change room at your gym, spa or country club isn't one of... Read More

Franchisees Should Learn From Each Other

If you own a franchise you should be in contact with your nearest franchisees and share information as if you were the manager of a corporate store. You should set up meetings once... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is it the fear of rejection, or do they think that it will annoy their client. If you have been giving 100% to your... Read More

Land the Ideal Job Using Social Networks

With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking, it's no wonder that people are turning to their colleagues and acquaintances for advice and help in finding employment. The old adage, "It's... Read More

Alliances: More Than A One Way Relationship

What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?Everyone has their own definition of an alliance. I had a potential alliance with a person that was starting his own business. He came to... Read More

Strategic Networking: Take the Shortest Path to Success

Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web based business? If so, you may have noticed that everything is linked to everything else. Here's how to take the shortest path to... Read More

Networking Skills: Arguing in Context

If you're fond of a good debate, you know how to annihilate someone else's position in an argument while still somehow managing to keep a friendly rapport with that person. This tactic is... Read More

Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business?

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into a mirror. Take the sum of characteristics of the five people you spend most of your time with and you will be the... Read More

How to Shmooze

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value: pricelessGearheads like me have trouble understanding that great ideas and hard work aren't enough... you gotta shmooze too. Every day we deal with... Read More

Hows Your Net Working?

In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to pass along no fewer than five referrals to other people in my network. I also recently received a very professional and non-pushy email from someone... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where friends and family can provide you... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

One of my clients shared a story with me from his networking group, a chapter of BNI. Ivan Misner, the creator of BNI talks about what he calls "contact spheres".Here's how it works:... Read More

Network Your Way to Success, and Remember: Its Not About You!

Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask." - UnknownWhether you're in sales or not, this is an incredibly true statement. If you don't ask someone for help, they won't help... Read More

Which Networking Events Should You Attend?

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... Read More

Sticky Situations: Nametag Best Practices

Because a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten; because self-disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just... Read More

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.Fortunately, a popular new book by Bonnie Lowe makes it easy to... Read More

Four Brainless Self-Promotion Techniques To Avoid

Many workers think that their hard work will speak for itself. They quietly do their job and stay late at the office hoping that their boss will notice their efforts. However, when a... Read More

10 Terrific Tips to Talk Your Way to the Top

What is "the top" anyway? According to society, "top" has a significant amount of import as evidenced by the following expressions: top-quality, top-rated, top-dollar, top-grade, top-of-the-line, and of course, top dog. It is... Read More

Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career

Did you know that contacts are the bread of career life? In times of change, information and relationships are a source of power. Savvy networking will help you to tap into this power... Read More

A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers

For those of you interested in international business transactions or the business networking organization, LinkedIn, a new Yahoo groups discussion forum has been created. Several Yahoo discussion groups already exist on the uses... Read More

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking

Networking is a great way to meet people in a "non-selling" setting. So, don't sell. Meet and greet. Ask people about their businesses. Be friendly and relaxed. Enjoy yourself. Get to know people.... Read More

Growing Your Network of People Can be Easy and Fun!

A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC for the first time, I came with high hopes of starting my business for the first time. We picked Charlotte because it was... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those people that can make conversation in any situation and have no problem walking up to complete strangers. This article is for the rest... Read More