Cold Calling for Business Owners

Connect with Prospects Using Some Simple Networking Practices

The world we live in has become increasingly wired and because of that people and companies are better connected technologically.  While these advancements have added a tremendous amount of efficiency to our lives and businesses, they have also played a role in disconnecting many of us from each other, and therefore from opportunity.  From a business standpoint, many owners, managers, and executives have been weaned in the high-tech age and lack the critical knowledge and skills to network.   If you are not attending activities where you can network and market, the chances are very high that your business is not going to grow.  We work with our clients on the art of networking and beyond.  We like to call it, "cold-calling for business owners."  Today we give you a sneak peak at our unique module on this topic. 

When you hear the term "networking", most business people automatically assume it's an event sponsored by the local Chamber.   While this is usually the case, we coach our clients to "always be networking", just as we coach them to "always be marketing.  Whether you are at a function with 1000 business people in attendance or playing golf as one in a foursome, most of what we teach applies.   In many cases, we actually go with our clients to larger networking events and coach them behind the scenes, so that they can learn "on-the-job" rather than in a workshop or one-on-one situation. 

 Today, we share with you, free of charge, some of what we teach in our COLD CALLING FOR OWNERS Module.  These are absolute networking MUSTS for anyone serious about meeting the right people: 

1. Plan your networking experiences.  Go where there is potential to interact with new customers and/or strategic alliances.   There are many events to choose from, do your homework before you schedule yourself for the event.
2. Dress appropriately.  We like to call this, "dressing for success".   Wear something that makes you look and feel positive.  Limit the amount of skin you show.
3. Don't be the first person to the event, but don't be the last one to arrive either. 
4. Make sure you have a large supply of business cards on hand. 
5. Use a name tag and wear it on the right side.
6. Move through the venue and shake hands with as many people as possible.  Smile!
7. Introduce yourself with your name and business name. 
8. Ask for their business card, and it should cause them to ask for yours.
9. Ask them what they do and show genuine interest in their business.
10. Be prepared to answer the question, "so what do you do?"    (We work with all of our clients on this).
11.  Use "we" or "our"; not "I", "me", or "mine". 
12. Concentrate on talking to one person at a time but don't get caught up talking to any one person too long.  Your goal is to meet as many potential prospects as possible.
13. Make notes on the back of business cards you collect, so that you remember your conversations.
14. Don't eat finger food and limit the alcohol intake.  We actually recommend you don't drink alcohol at networking events.   Would you trust your million dollar portfolio to a financial advisor that was smashed at the last networking event you attended? 
15. Once the party is over, your follow-up is critical.  We have a great system for this that we share with all our clients.

Deliberate, organized networking can be one of the strongest lead generators for your business.  Our clients are coached to ensure they aren't put in an uncomfortable situation that could damage their reputation. We share these Cold Calling MUSTS for Business Owners with you so that you can make the most of your networking opportunities.   Go out and prosper!