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Networking Practices That Work
| Guest post by: Dave Ferguson |
Article Overview: Tips for effective networking
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Networking Practices That Work
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. In addition to this, the current economic conditions require some serious networking techniques and practices. If you are not attending activities where you can network and market, the chances are higher that your business could possibly fail. If you are a survivor, the chances are very high that your business is not going to grow if you're not networking. We work with our clients on the art of networking and beyond. We like to call it, "cold-calling for the savvy business person." Today I 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. Yes the right side!
6. Move through the venue and shake hands with as many people as possible. Don't get stuck in a corner talking to people you already know.
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. SMILE!
16. 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 with you so that you can make the most of your networking opportunities. Go out and prosper.
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Article Tags: attendance, business standpoint, critical knowledge, economic conditions, efficiency, foursome, job, local chamber, marketing, networking events, networking techniques, playing golf, savvy business person, sneak peak, strategic alliances, survivor, term networking
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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   Networking 101 Are You Networking Smart Get In The Effectiveness Groove Teach your Sales Team to Qualify and Sales will Increase The Business Coaching Perspective A Compass for Your Vision |
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Great question Don! I'll create a video reply!
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