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How to network effectively
| Guest post by: Rene Truter |
Article Overview: Don't underestimate the value of face to face networking to make yourself and your company visible, but no matter how outgoing your personality, you have to have a clear strategy when attending these networking events.
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Free Download - Some pointers when choosing a business partner By Rene Truter |
How to network effectively
Networking is the new buzzword for doing business and there are many formal and informal ways of creating this type of occasion to get your business out there. From regular lunch dates with clients or the odd round of golf, to events arranged by local business chambers, constant interaction with your customers is essential.
The key word here is "regular". While time is often an issue for the average entrepreneur, put networking high on your list of priorities. Not every event will produce a business deal, but the intention is to develop relationships, build your list of contacts and to come to mind when the need for your services does arise.
One on one
Networking is all about the one-on-one interaction with potential customers, service providers and business partners. When attending a formal event, make sure you get the most out of the time spent by being an effective networker:
- Confidence is key! Even if meeting new people is not your forte, don't be afraid to approach people. Often, many of the attendees are just as nervous as you are, so they will appreciate you breaking the ice. This will get easier as you attend more events
- Be strategic about who you speak to. Make a point of talking to a few people you have never met before. It's pointless speaking to only people you know, or those who will never bring you business or need your service
- Do as much listening as talking. By being genuinely interested in what the other person has to say, you'll be able to ask thoughtful questions. In this way, you build relationships that could bear fruit over time. Exchanging e-mail addresses and keeping each other updated on what you're doing could result in working opportunities or viable business leads
- You don't have to speak to everyone in the room. A few meaningful interactions are better than having many forgettable conversations. Having said that, don't monopolise one person's time, so be able to give a brief description of what you do
- Don't forget to follow up. If you've made some good contacts, follow up quickly. Even just dropping an e-mail to say you enjoyed meeting them will put you on their radar for doing business in the future
Copyright © 2010 Business Partners Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Article Tags: marketing, networking, networking events, promote, promoting
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About the Author: Rene Truter RSS for Rene's articles - Visit Rene's website The SME Toolkit is a project of the Small and Medium Enterprise Department of the World Bank Group and is available in multiple languages through local partners, such as South Africa, around the world. Business Partners Ltd, leading risk financing company for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has made the online Toolkit available for all entrepreneurs in South Africa. The Toolkit is a joint initiative between Business Partners, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and IBM, offers easy access to information, resources and online training relevant to SMEs in a large number of industries and business sectors. The SA SME toolkit provides how-to articles, business forms, financial tools, online training and information resources developed by leading experts, and free software tailor-made for SMEs. All aspects of business set-up and management are covered, from business planning to accounting, financial management, human resources, import /export, legal and insurance matters, marketing, sales, operations and information technology. The site also offers a range of self-assessment exercises and tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to take control of problem-solving in their companies, and even to proactively implement strategies to avoid potential problems. Users have lauded the SME Toolkit as a one-stop shop for almost any piece of information needed to run their business. Register on the Toolkit today to start receiving the monthly newsletter and grow your business knowledge and skills. Click here to visit Rene's website   Who is your customer Successfully selling your product or service Do you need a mentor Breathe new life into your business Collecting debt from your clients |
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Re: Why do people hate Network Marketing / MLM?
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