Are you interested in building your business? Use one of the oldest, easiest and most effective tools for any business that costs you literally nothing?
Networking is one of the easiest and most efficient methods of creating opportunities and growing your business. Unfortunately very few business people network effectively.
Successful networking is the process of building relationships that involve give and take from each party. Willingness to help everyone in your network when you have the opportunity is essential to your success. You never know who will have the contacts or resources you might need to improve your business or solve a problem.
Let’s first look at some ways you can use networking to make an immediate connection to the business community.
At least once a month participate in the meetings and events of organizations you are involved in. If you are not involved in any organizations, join one. Business organizations provide invaluable contacts and resources.
Start your own networking group. Invite ten to twelve local contacts to meet weekly to share information, ideas and leads with each other. Or you could develop a network group from around the world to participate in a weekly tele-meeting. Rent a bridge line for an hour a week (members could take turns covering the cost) and become a resource for each other.
Participate in Internet business forums, chats and bulletin boards. Through the sharing of your knowledge and expertise within the Internet business community, you can build trust and recognition among your peers. Being involved will increase your creativity and growth potential.
How can you begin to put into practice and benefit from networking to today?
1. This may seem too simple, but create a verbal business card. Then, when you meet a new prospect, you can introduce yourself in a manner that leaves an impression and tells them what you do.
Example: “My name is Andrew Thompson. I assist individuals in creating passion in their business and personal lives through coaching.”
But be sure to also have a pocket full of business cards, and always ask for a card in return. And don’t forget to request an email address if it is not on their business card.
2. Add everyone you meet to your networking database. Then immediately send them a notecard encouraging them to stay in touch and letting them know you enjoyed meeting them. This note should be handwritten. Two new contacts per day will turn into 500 new potential clients or sources of referrals that you currently don’t enjoy.
3. When you read an article that you know will be of interest to someone in your network, take the time to send a copy. The same applies to web sites you discover or online publications that may support their business pursuits or personal interests.
4. Although email is a great way to stay in touch, everyone enjoys receiving a personal note. Place at least three notecards in your briefcase or planner every week and make sure that they have all been written before you replenish your supply for the next week. Let those in your network know you value the relationship.
Here are some ways to begin your notes:
- “Thank you for…”
- “I appreciate…”
- “It was great to…”
- “Your support yesterday…”
- “I enjoyed reading about you (your company) in…”
- “Congratulations on your recent…”
- “I could use your help…”
5. Each week, call four people whom you have not talked to in at least 90 days. This implements an ongoing process of reactivating your network.
Become an enthusiastic networker, and you could turn an average business into an extraordinary success.
