Networking Rocks

Guest post by: Warren Coughlin
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Bridging the Victory Gap The 6 Steps to Success Conclusion - By Warren Coughlin

Networking Rocks!! If done well, it can be an incredibly powerful and economical arrow in your marketing quiver. If done poorly, it can amount to an unrewarding evening of frighteningly unidentifiable finger food. From the perspective of a business coach, here are a few gratuitous hints and tips for networking. Please note that they are based on the axiom that, all other things equal, people like to deal with people they like. So,:
• Know your event. Choose events where there will be people you can do business with (please note that this does not mean only those to whom you can sell.), or those who share an interest or passion you have. The latter group can be enthusiastic advocates for you.
• Know your objectives. If you go with the goal of selling at the event, you may as well stay home. At a minimum, you should consider the following objectives: to meet people with whom I can follow up for the purpose of introducing my products/services; to meet people who can refer me to prospects; to meet people to whom I can refer to others; to meet people with whom I can create a strategic relationship; to meet nice people whose company I enjoy.
• Know your focus - When attending an event, don't try to meet as many people as possible. Trust isn't built from a stack of business cards.
• Have an adequate supply of business cards and make sure you get a business card from every person you meet - This will allow you to follow up and to help build your database.
• Listen and ask questions - You have two ears and one mouth so remember to use them proportionately! It’s like dating: no one is interested in those who only talk about themselves.
• Be positive and enthusiastic. Those who complain about the event, about the frighteningly unidentifiable finger food, about the weather… well, they tend not to be the most highly sought-after company.
• Give referrals whenever possible - A good networker gains by giving. So, because most successful businesses grow from referrals, be the person that does the referring.
• Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect - This will help jog your memory when you make contact with them and will help in building rapport.
• Follow Up - If you've discussed following up, contact that person within 3 days.
• Keep promises - If you've made a promise, keep it! No one likes to do business with an unreliable person.
• Think differently - Focus on just meeting people and not finding new customers because that's what everyone else is probably doing.
• Have Fun!! While networking is work, it can also be a very enjoyable way to learn, to share and to profitably grow your business.

Personal Boundaries: The Key to Creating Work and Life Your Way

Big Rocks are Essential for Business

Time Management and Your Big Rocks

Metamorphosis

Diversify or Focus: The Sand Pail Approach to Stable Income

Coyote

Pinpointing My Leadership Position

3 Marketing Mistakes That Sink Business in a Recession

Networking Mistake Myopia

Find Meaningful Work to Feel Fulfilled

Endless Referrals

Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through

NETWORKING ISNT SELLING OR IS IT

Should you join a networking group?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking

How to be More Effective

Profit Boosting Tip - Network with a purpose

Business Finance & Networking in the UK

Sales Reluctance Is Not a Two-Letter Word Named No!

Recession Proof Networking

Home > Business-Coach > Warren Coughlin > Networking Rocks > Google +

Free PDF Download
Bridging the Victory Gap The 6 Steps to Success Conclusion - By Warren Coughlin

About the Author: Warren Coughlin

RSS for Warren's articles - Visit Warren's website
Warren Coughlin is the Canadian Coach of the Year with Action International and selected from the over 900 coaches internationally for a Global Action Man Award and a North American Action Man Award. His experience and his passion have allowed his clients to experience 300 and 400% growth, create stronger teams, reach for bigger dreams and gain skills they can use for as long as they run businesses. He is now challenging all Toronto area Entrepreneurs to double or triple your revenue (or more)! You get to enjoy that growth, receive a free vacation and here's the kicker - he's going to show you exactly how to do it! It’s only $50 to participate in the Bennett Gold Action Challenge, to learn techniques of growth, to participate in an ongoing teleseminar series, to receive tools for success and to have access to great additional learning and networking opportunities. If you really want to take your business to the next level, visit www.bennettgold.ca/challenge.
Click here to visit Warren's website.

More from Warren Coughlin
Bridging the Victory Gap The 6 Steps to Success Part 3
Team Building Team Challenges
Bridging the Victory Gap The 6 Steps to Success Part 1
Think Link
Making Business Work Simply

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Featured

Expert

Dr Don Yates Sr PhD
@drdony
Visit website

Networking Rocks

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: