Tweet

Marketing 201: Networking Goals

Written by: Jay Hamilton-Roth

Article Overview: Have you dreaded going to a business event? While at the event, found yourself wishing that the event would end soon so you could go home? Once at home, you then wished you were more outgoing and could connect with people at the events?

Marketing 201: Networking Goals

(Prerequisite: Marketing 101 [ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/967/Marketing-101.html ])

Have you dreaded going to a business event? While at the event, found yourself wishing that the event would end soon so you could go home? Once at home, you then wished you were more outgoing and could connect with people at the events?

First, determine your motivation(s) for going to the event:

1. To be "seen"
2. To meet new people
3. To get information from others
4. To share ideas with others
5. To get known
6. To sell others your product / services

Different goals require different approaches:

1. To be "seen" - This is the easiest goal to achieve. Basically walk around, smile at people, and talk to people that you know or who approach you first. You're passively attending the event.

2. To meet new people - Here's a secret: everyone who goes to networking events wants people to talk to them. Go up to people who are by themselves. Ask them about their business and non-business interests. Share something of interest about yourself. You're trying to find people who you "connect" with. Smile. When you've met someone of interest, get their contact information and follow up.

3. To get information from others - Think of the event as a big informational interview. Introduce yourself to the host, and tell them that you're looking to talk to people who might have answers to your questions. The host's introduction will smooth the opening, and the "experts" will be flattered to be sought out. Make sure to thank the experts after the event with an email or (even better) a hand-written note.

4. To share ideas with others - This is basically the other side of the previous goal. When you first arrive, introduce yourself to the host. Tell them of your expertise and give them permission to introduce others to you. You'll be helping the host provide a useful service (other than simply greeting) and also establish yourself.

5. To get known - There's an advertising axiom that says you need to see the same ad 7+ times before it's in your consciousness. It's also true at business events. While you only have one chance to make a first impression, consistent following-up with people will result in being recognized. To get known, you need to repeatedly show up to events. You don't have to talk to the same people each time (simply being "seen" is often enough), but do make it a point to remember something about your last conversation with them. People like to be remembered. Follow up with people you've met (for the first time) with an email or note.

6. To sell others your product / services - Many people go to events to find a new customer. Think back to all the events you've gone to. How many times have you talked with someone and thought "I need to buy that NOW"? Instead of hard-selling yourself, tell stories about people who've used your products or services. Highlight the benefits. Tell how you solve their problem. Offer to send them marketing materials. You might introduce yourself to the host, and ask them for an introduction to someone who might benefit from your product / service. A "warm" introduction is much better than a "cold" one.

Next month, I'll share some networking tips. Until then, I'd suggest reviewing one of my previous articles for tips for talking about your product or services ("So, What Do You Do For a Living?" [ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Small-Business-Consulting/967/Business-Networking-So-What-Do-You-Do-For-a-Living.html ]).

Related Articles
  What targets should I be setting for my marketing?
  Networking Mistake Myopia
  The Difference Between Networking and Selling
  The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
  Networking Tips from the Networkers Networker

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Re: MLM Marketing, youtube, and buzzirk mobile. - I have experience with MLM too. My initial reaction to the business was "snake-oil salesman" but once I got to understand the "overall business model" I am now an advocate to it. MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) is also known as Network Marketing. I realized an MLM business is no different than any other business. One needs to focus on both words "Network" and "Marketing" and give both equal respect. Some people focus heavily on the Networking part but forget "Marketing". I've started to use Building on a Budget and Magnetic Sponsoring concepts in my NM business and have found that people don't get involved so much because of the product but more because of what you bring to the table as far as marketing systems and support. I have both products listed in my signature. you don't have to buy it as the link to the free videos itself provides you a good understanding of what is required to position yourself as my above paragraph. If you do plan on purchasing it I can tell you that the measly $40 will open your eyes BUT your upline will not be too happy (atleast in the short term) beacuse the system is not duplicateable. I wrote this post as a polar post to Bulmer's reply as I have exhausted the friends and family networking and realized i never really focused on marketing. My leads now are more qualified and open to hearing about my opportunity than the other way around. my 2 cents if you plan on growing an MLM or Networking Marketing business.
Re: Make Friends...Literally BUILD them! - I agree! Networking is definitely the key word here. What does everyone feel about the different Networking platforms out there? Twitter Facebook LinkedIn what are some others?
Re: How to Promote Your Business Online - Thanks for the list ZekeLL , I use many of these ways to promote my online business and am looking into using more of them. I also use Article Marketing, Social Networking and Blogging which I find a very good way to get traffic to my site and also gain valuable backlinks. Take care, Carol
Re: What are you doing to grow your business Ladies? - At the moment I'm concentrating on Article Marketing, Blogging and Social Networking to gain backlinks and drive traffic to two of my websites. I'm also in the middle of creating another website, totally unrelated to my other sites where I will be selling jewellery. I only started this one yesterday and am pretty excited about it. Take care, Carol
Re: What is your Business? - We are running a Online Marketing Firm and we have some good clients to which we are offering a complete Digital Marketing strategy like Search, Mobile Marketing, Branding and Design. I think in Online Marketing company online presence can be a wining factor for the success of the company.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Life, Conflict and Work

The Substance Abusing Employee

Selling with Humor (and a Sorry Butt)

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.