9 Tips For Networking Success

It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who Knows You – How to Network

Every major city has a wide array of business networking opportunities Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Kiwanis, professional associations and more. These represent a wonderful source for meeting people in business.Those seeking employment or new clients attend these meetings, pass out their business cards to as many people as possible and collect equally as many as if there was a prize at the end of the lunch for the most cards in hand. I encourage you to build relationships, not a Rolodex.

Spiritual venues may also serve as good sources to meet people who may have traveled a similar journey to yours. Church choirs, bible study groups, and church event groups are comprised of people with a calling to a spiritual purpose.

You may have special interests that are not as well known as those listed above but are important to you none-the-less. You may be interested in reading and seek a book club. You may be interested in gardening or politics and seek a club for those interests. All of these serve as good sources to build relationships.

Small talk is important at any event where you want to meet new people.Aim to spend a maximum of five minutes with each person.

Rule Break: Don’t just network connect. Traditional clubs and organizations are good sources for meeting people with similar interests.But I say that everything you do everyday presents an opportunity to meet people who may be part of your new road. When you are standing in line at the coffee shop, the person in front of you or behind you may have a
background similar to your own and has built a successful empire. A person in your workplace cafeteria may have dealt with challenges similar to yours but you never knew it. How do you get to know these things about people? Genuinely show an interest in them. When they hear your name you don’t want them to say,I’ve met her. You want them to say,I know her. Orshe’s my friend.

How to Make the Most of a Networking Event:

1. Look for events where you can meet people from whom you can learn.Look for topics of interest to you where there will be a breadth of talent.Local newspapers generally have lists of various types of meetings throughout th week or month.

2. Be there when the event begins. Most of the socializing occurs at the beginning of these events. Introduce yourself with a solid handshake. Repeat their names for your own memory purposes.Hello, Jack Monagal. It is nice to meet you. The sweetest sound to someone’s ear is the sound of their own name.

3. Where your name tag on the right side of your chest. This way when you shake hands people can see it prominently.

4. Drop theWhat’s in it for me. perspective. You are there to offer assistance to others and build relationships. It’s all about them.

5. Have plenty of business cards and treat other people’s cards as gold. When you take someone else’s business card, be sure to have a special place to put it.

6. Don’t dismiss someone because you think they may not be able to help you. Chances are they know someone who can.

7. Help them first. Make sure that you are first to offer something to someone else before you ask for advice, a referral, their time or anything back.

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Contact Mary Lee at info@startingovernow.com. 9 Tips For Networking Success186939 Tips For Networking SuccessI love to network and make new business connections. But for some, networking conjures up all sorts of negative thoughts and anxieties. Will I know anyone there? What if no one talks to me? I’m no good at these events; I never know what to say. And the list goes on and on.

So what’s a gal to do who hates to network? Follow these 9 simple tips to gain more confidence and you too can be a networking diva in no time flat!

Networking is about meeting, building and sustaining quality relationships. Be genuine and authentic. Don’t immediately try to pitch your product or service; which by the way is a real turn-off. Instead, listen for how you might be able to help the other person. Extending yourself goes a long way in building long lasting business relationships.

Know your goal. Not all networking opportunities are the same. Some focus on service like Rotary Club, while others focus primarily on making business connectionsthink BNI and Chamber of Commerce. Identify your target market and then focus your efforts on attending those events where your potential clients would be.

Visit as many events as possible in order to get a feel for what group will best support your efforts. Look to see that members are friendly, supportive and interested in helping each other grow their businesses. Get a feel for the members and trust your intuition! If a group doesn’t feel right, find one that does.

Be prepared to answer the question,How can I help you? Although it is important to be mindful of how YOU can help others, it is just as necessary to know how OTHERS may be of service to you.

Always ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Using this form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

Develop and practice your elevator speech. Use simple language that talks specifically about what someone receives as a result of using your services.

Be the go to gal. Be the person that others turn to for referrals, suggestions, and ideas. When you are known as a strong resource, you remain visible and on people’s radar screen.

Follow up quickly with all referrals that are given to you. Nothing is more damaging to your reputation than when you neglect or forget to contact a referral source that a business colleague has gone out of their way to give you. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

Follow up with the people that you meet. Send a simple note expressing how much you enjoyed meeting them. Schedule a time where you can meet for coffee and learn more about each other. You will be hard to forget if you take the time to follow up and continue to build those solid business relationships that will help your business flourish.

For more information on how to build your business the right way contact maureen@daretobephenomenal.com or visit us at www.daretobephenomenal.com