| |
| |
|
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
10 Steps to Successful Networking
"It's not what you know, it's who you know." This old saying rings true in everything we do, especially in business. Finding contacts is key to the success of your business, and a great place to meet these contacts is at networking meetings or events. It is not enough just to attend networking gatherings, you need to know how to network. There are many sources of networking tips and information, but the following are ten tips that I find most useful. 1. Set a goal prior to the event Figure out who will be in attendance. Decide who you would like to target and what you would like to take away from the event. Having a specific goal will ensure that you remain focused and will have success. 2. Pre-plan personal greeting You need to get a person's interest right away or you've lost your chance. Planning a personal greeting before hand will be very helpful. The greeting should be not more than thirty seconds long, interesting, informative and about you. You need to sell yourself before you can sell a product or service. 3. Be first to arrive and last to leave The longer you stay, the more contacts you will meet. 4. Be aware of how you smell Sounds funny? It's really a very important part of how people react to you. Do not smell like a cigarette. Many people find it very disgusting, and it can create a negative first impression. Also, your favorite perfume or cologne may not be another person's favorite. Be sure that when applying these scents that you do so lightly. A strong scent can be overbearing and force people to go as far from you as they can. 5. Be positive and enthusiastic Nobody like to be rejected, but if you don't at least try to talk to someone you may lose out on an opportunity. Keeping a positive attitude will increase the positive results. Additionally, nobody wants to be around an unhappy person. Be sure that you are in an upbeat mood before you enter the event and keep smiling the entire time. 6. Spend time with people you don't know Although it is okay to spend some time with acquaintances you've already made, the majority of your time should be spent meeting new people. People with whom you are already friendly know what you offer. Networking meetings should enable you to expand your contact list. 7. Say the other person's name three times A person's name is a pleasing sound for them. In addition, repeating the name will help you to remember it. People are really impressed when you remember their name the next time that you see them after you had only met briefly before. 8. Collect business cards with a purpose When you leave you have a stack of business cards, great? It is only good to have a lot of business cards if each one allows you to an action. They should have notes on the back giving you a follow up opportunity with the person. 9. Learn what the other person does You don't want to spend all of your time explaining what you do. First, find out what the other person does. Not only do people love to talk about themselves, but it will give you time to understand their needs and how you may be of service to them. 10. Dress for success Attractive people receive attention. This doesn't mean you have to the be the star of a beauty pageant to meet contact. Anyone can be attractive with the right attire. Dress for a networking meeting as you would if you were going to visit your biggest client. A sharp, neat, and coordinated attire is sure to focus all eyes on you! Martin Cohn is president of The Cohn Group, Inc., a full service public relations firm in Needham, Massachusetts. You can read more articles at http://www.cohngroup.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Networking - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Lesson 61 - When Does Aggressiveness Turn Into Annoyance? The StoryWhen attending conferences, conventions, or private events, it's guaranteed that you will talk with many people, especially those sitting at your table. Perhaps you may talk with someone you haven't met before. Sell For Yourself Or Sell For Your Boss? First of all I would like to start this article by saying no matter what job you are in now, no matter what product you are selling, you will NEVER NEVER get the just reward that you are were entitled too when you made all those sales for your boss. Fact of Life. 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, will breed referrals and positive word of mouth about you and your company. Are You in the Relationship Business? Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are. Everyone who has to work with, deal with, sell to, convince, is! Unless you're on a deserted island, you must connect with, interact, and influence people every single day. Are You Leveraging Your Business Network? Just yesterday I received an email from a colleague telling me her husband had been laid off from yet another corporate job. Will the downsizing ever stop? I doubt it. Networking - Facts to Ponder Right here in Europe, the very last continent to enter into its growth cycle, there is only around 0.5% involved and we are right at the very beginning of our growth cycle in network marketing. 62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for the advice. 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 networking success: use keywords and a targeted linking strategy. Two-Step Your Communication Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians. Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business. Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships. The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the power of approachability through your organizational front porches.AWESOME ACTION #1: Go Beyond the Door My friend, Pastor Bob Farr of the St. 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". 5 Ways to Wow People Who Wear Nametags People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority of retail establishments, stores and other social gatherings require nametags for several purposes. The Answer to Your Worst Networking Nightmare Imagine you just met your ideal client at a networking event. He's friendly, has great ideas and could use a valuable person like you to help grow his business. How Well Do Your Customers Know You? Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three very important rules of business. Build Your Business through Strategic Networking Networking - it's the latest business trend. Or is it?Actually, business owners have always engaged in the art and science of networking. What a Leads Exchange Group can do for You What is the definition of a leads exchange and how does it differ from other groups?So what is a leads exchange? A leads exchange comes in several flavors; first the exchange usually has exclusivity restrictions so that you remain loyal to only one group. This way the printer and the chiropractor that belong to this group will only think of you for a particular service or product. 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 met; and because initiating the conversation is half the battle - your nametag is your best friend.However, improper creation and wearing of nametags can work against you (and your business) if you're not careful. 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 I've never met, who is a member of an organization I'm part of. Talk Isnt Cheap The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after survey bears this out.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
