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Networking: It isn't what you do...

Guest post by: Betty Penny

Article Overview: Remember the old adage, “It isn’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it?” Sage advice, particularly in the networking arena. Having used this tool to build my business I can attest to the power of nurturing and maintaining a working network. So many believe that networking is simply the act of meeting people and selling.

Networking: It isn't what you do...

Is it possible to get through a business day without reading, hearing or uttering the “n” word? Hardly: networking is now widely recognized as an integral part of generating and doing business. Everyone is doing it but, unfortunately, not everyone is doing it correctly.

Remember the old adage, “It isn’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it?” Sage advice, particularly in the networking arena. Having used this tool to build my business I can attest to the power of nurturing and maintaining a working network.

Cold Networking – Avoid it Like the Plague: So many believe that networking is simply the act of meeting people and selling. I call this “cold” because it is a callous, transparent and hazardous as a patch of ice. Getting out of the office and meeting people should be warm and comfortable to both you and the people with whom you are trying to build a network. This requires conversation and people skills – the mastery of simple talents we all possess. Networking is an art not an act.

The Working Network: For those who feel the pressure to sell, understand that the sales will come with time. That sale may not come from the first person you meet, but he/she may recommend your product to a friend. Or, a year later, that same person might give you a call out of the blue to bring more business your way. You have obviously made an impression for a business person to feel safe recommending you to a friend and to think of you a year down the road. All this wouldn’t have happened had you not taken the time to get to know the individual and build a warm business relationship. People don’t want to listen to a strong sales pitch at a networking function. Like you they are there to make their own pitch by subtly spreading the word about their products and services. Remember, the opposite of talking isn’t waiting - waiting for the other person to stop talking so that can start again – it is listening.

Networking for Growth: I grew my accounting business by getting to know people and demonstrating a genuine interest in both the person and his/her business. Some have spread my name around and sent new clients my way and others have become clients. Still others have worked collaboratively with me on large projects.

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Article Tags: meeting people, networking arena, sage advice



Related Forum Posts
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: Businesswomen in the news - Hey hey hey....Calm down. What you are forgetting and the press isnt taking into consideration the rise of entrepreneurship. Women arent leaving the workforce, they are starting their own workforces... A few years ago I was president of the Canadian Association of Women Executives. I got a call from Global National who wanted a comment on the fact that women were leaving corporate Canada in droves....and what did I think about it......was it the glass ceiling etc.. Well, its because women are flocking to entrepreneurship but ladies, that doesnt make the news. the media is looking for information that will prove their 'the economy is in a slump'.... It simply isnt true. There are more women starting and running their own businesses than we've ever seen. Dont forget that the media is out for the media and scare tactics and bad news gets the coverage.... J
Re: Old vs New Facebook - There isnt much difference from the oldand the new facebook except the interface.i think its a marketing strategy.no big deal.
Marketing 2012 - I am interested in what works for you in 2012, Social Networking, Search Engine traffic, Blogs, Articles, Forums, what? This is a quote from a 2009 Topic "Twitter, Social Networking, What is your Method? 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.


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