Networking for Business
Networking for Business
There are probably a number of business ‘newbie’s’ in many industry categories with the same question, and so my answers here may well suit a number of readers, irrespective of what they do. And hopefully at least one item here will assist every single reader – although that one item might be different for each person.
There are many ways that people can seek out new prospective clients and one of the most common ways it is done is via networking events. But for the virtual operator the thought is that this should be done virtually – and that is not the case. Many have would-be clients living next door, across the road, over the back fence and down the street. Why ignore these potentials? And yet it seems to be an overlooked obvious answer. For anyone who operates a business online, they should not ignore the local clientele – because that is often where business comes from first. Nothing can beat face-to-face and personal contact, and whilst working relationships can be and are, built online, many people still prefer the personal connection to see who it is they are working with.
That’s not to say you can’t work virtually for someone who is local – I do, most of the time, but I want to encourage all not to overlook the obvious, and to make contact with locals, as well as those who are not so local. And to always carry your business cards around with you – ready for that connection.
There are a number of options for business networking, and these can include groups that are developed specifically for networking, to industry associations designed to aid their peers through education and social activities, to groups that service the community through works of charity whilst networking. If you service a particular industry group, then it would be worth joining their industry association (if appropriate and allowed) so that you have, at your fingertips, a ready audience of prospective clientele. But there is another source too – which probably hasn’t been considered by many at all. And that is the product launch. For those who use computer software to service their clients, then attending a product launch is a worthwhile event to attend – because there will be many prospective clients attending also, and often people who do not have as much working knowledge of the product being promoted. And attending a product launch puts you ‘in the know’ to existing clients who might also use that product, as you can advise them about the changes and what would work for them. And here another opportunity arises – writing about it in a newsletter article, thereby providing worthwhile information to those who are your readers.
I’m sure many of you may have other business networking ideas and I encourage you to send them to me, so they can be shared with everyone else on this newsletter list in a future issue. I will happily include your name and a link to your website, email or a phone number. It is good to share ideas and knowledge – what might seem obvious to one person often isn’t to another.
For those of you in Australia, visit What’s On In Town.com (http://www.whats-on-in-town.com) for possible networking opportunities – and if you have events you’d like to add to the list, please do let me know. This list is updated regularly each month.
Networking for Business - To learn more about this author, visit Kathie Thomas's Website.
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I belong to a number of online forums, most of which relate to the Virtual Assistant industry, and one of the most asked questions is: How do I get work? The mindset seems to be that ‘now I am in business, have a website, and belong to a network, the work should be coming in’ – and it isn’t. Why?
There are probably a number of business ‘newbie’s’ in many industry categories with the same question, and so my answers here may well suit a number of readers, irrespective of what they do. And hopefully at least one item here will assist every single reader – although that one item might be different for each person.
There are many ways that people can seek out new prospective clients and one of the most common ways it is done is via networking events. But for the virtual operator the thought is that this should be done virtually – and that is not the case. Many have would-be clients living next door, across the road, over the back fence and down the street. Why ignore these potentials? And yet it seems to be an overlooked obvious answer. For anyone who operates a business online, they should not ignore the local clientele – because that is often where business comes from first. Nothing can beat face-to-face and personal contact, and whilst working relationships can be and are, built online, many people still prefer the personal connection to see who it is they are working with.
That’s not to say you can’t work virtually for someone who is local – I do, most of the time, but I want to encourage all not to overlook the obvious, and to make contact with locals, as well as those who are not so local. And to always carry your business cards around with you – ready for that connection.
There are a number of options for business networking, and these can include groups that are developed specifically for networking, to industry associations designed to aid their peers through education and social activities, to groups that service the community through works of charity whilst networking. If you service a particular industry group, then it would be worth joining their industry association (if appropriate and allowed) so that you have, at your fingertips, a ready audience of prospective clientele. But there is another source too – which probably hasn’t been considered by many at all. And that is the product launch. For those who use computer software to service their clients, then attending a product launch is a worthwhile event to attend – because there will be many prospective clients attending also, and often people who do not have as much working knowledge of the product being promoted. And attending a product launch puts you ‘in the know’ to existing clients who might also use that product, as you can advise them about the changes and what would work for them. And here another opportunity arises – writing about it in a newsletter article, thereby providing worthwhile information to those who are your readers.
I’m sure many of you may have other business networking ideas and I encourage you to send them to me, so they can be shared with everyone else on this newsletter list in a future issue. I will happily include your name and a link to your website, email or a phone number. It is good to share ideas and knowledge – what might seem obvious to one person often isn’t to another.
For those of you in Australia, visit What’s On In Town.com (http://www.whats-on-in-town.com) for possible networking opportunities – and if you have events you’d like to add to the list, please do let me know. This list is updated regularly each month.
Networking for Business - To learn more about this author, visit Kathie Thomas's Website.
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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David BarrDavid Barr is the President of Venture Opportunities, Inc. David has been a professional business broker/intermediary since 1980 focusing on General Business Brokerage and Mergers and Acquisitions representing client transaction value from $400,000 to $20,000,000. Mr. Barr has handled the sale of over four hundred and fifty companies. David earned a university degree from the State University of New York majoring in economics and business. David holds the Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary and the Certified Business Intermediary designations from the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a Senior Business Analyst and a Texas licensed Real Estate Agent. For more information about David and Venture Opportunities, visit www.bizdealmaker.com. - Visit David Barr's Website |
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Jeff FosterWebBizIdeas.com is a Minneapolis website design company founded to help people start an internet business by providing them with website, business, and internet resources that help foster the growth of successful online businesses and develop innovative Internet business ideas. We specialize in internet consulting & internet marketing. - Visit Jeff Foster's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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