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Networking 101: Are You Networking Smart?
| Guest post by: Dave Ferguson |
Article Overview: I’ve always enjoyed and borrowed the phrase, “If you’re not planning, you’re planning to fail.” In regards to business, I like to say, “If you’re not networking smart, your networking is a waste.” Today, I’m sharing with you, free of charge, some of what we teach in our SMART NETWORKING Module. These are absolute networking MUSTS for anyone serious about meeting the right people...
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Free Download - Seven Steps To An Attitude Transplant By Dave Ferguson |
Networking 101: Are You Networking Smart?
I’ve always enjoyed and borrowed the phrase, “If you’re not
planning, you’re planning to fail.” In
regards to business, I like to say, “If you’re not networking smart, your
networking is a waste.”
You see, 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, “Smart Networking“. Today, I’d like to 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, I’m sharing
with you, free of charge, some of what we teach in our SMART NETWORKING Module. These are absolute networking MUSTS for
anyone serious about meeting the right people:
- Plan your networking experiences. Go where there is potential to interact with new customers and/or strategic alliances. Go to events that decision-makers are in attendance. There are many events to choose from, do your homework before you schedule yourself for the event.
- 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.
- Don’t be the first person to the event, but don’t be the last one to arrive either.
- Make sure you have a large supply of business cards on hand.
- Use a name tag and wear it on the right side.
- Move through the venue and shake hands with as many people as possible. Smile!
- Introduce yourself with your name and business name.
- Ask for their business card, and it should cause them to ask for yours.
- Ask them what they do and show genuine interest in their business.
- Be prepared to answer the question, “so what do you do?” (We work with all of our clients on this).
- Use “we” or “our”; not “I”, “me”, or “mine”.
- 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.
- Make notes on the back of business cards you collect, so that you remember your conversations.
- Don’t eat finger foods 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?
- Once the party is over, your follow-up is critical. We have a great system for this that we share with all our clients.
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Article Tags: business, economy, lead generation, leadership, networking, networking 101, networking module, smart networking, success
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About the Author: Dave Ferguson RSS for Dave's articles - Visit Dave's website Dave Ferguson, has over 20 years of corporate experience at the senior level. He has held positions of Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager at companies such as Wells Fargo, HSBC and other financial institutions. Dave's broad range of experience at these prestigious companies where he coached, mentored, trained and developed leaders makes him uniquely qualified to coach you and those in your organization. Dave's clients value his diverse and solid background as they put their trust in him to guide them and their companies through whatever challenge or situation develops. Dave's coaching process provides personal and business management strategies - a balanced solution to help his clients work less, earn more and enjoy richer lives. Dave additionally is a sought after public speaker and also has developed several workshops and bootcamps designed to help people improve. He is also a certified member of the John Maxwell Team, and is proud to be able to offer the internationally recognized leadership expert's programs to his clients. He can be reached at Dave@AskCoachDave.com. Click here to visit Dave's website   Uniqueness Can Add Tremendous Value to You and Your Business Reap Rewards with the Right Reputation Add Uniquness to your Business Time For Your CheckUp Networking Practices That Work |
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- I agree!
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What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there?
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what are some others?
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From my experience, social networking traffic (Twitter included) also converts at a far lower rate than search engine traffic. Evan
Is this still true, or do you use something that gives us better returns and conversions
Re: How can a social networking site make serious money?
- Hi There,
It is quite interesting, that some Social Networking do produce an income. I think testimonials are always a benefit to share. See one below:
This Social Network has changed my life! Every night is a Friday night and everyday is a Saturday!! Because of it, I have been able to leave the workforce 10 years early.It has given me back my life.
Many of us would like to retire early. I am sure there are many more. The point is of focusing with great determination. The ongoing challenge is to stay focussed and not be sidetracked into a newer scheme or so. Also I have read, during this financial turmoil, more people turn to Social Networking for various reasons.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them!
- [quote="burnsrunner":1zobscwk]I agree!
Networking is definitely the key word here.
What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there?
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Facebook
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what are some others?[/quote:1zobscwk]
I am on Twitter and Linkedin, have not joined Facebook yet as my time is fairly limited and one needs a lot of time to devote to all these various networking platforms. Unless you do this full time (the networking I mean).
MichelleJ
Re: Marketing 2012
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Great question Don! I'll create a video reply!
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