I love to network – online and in person! It’s where most of my marketing efforts are directed. Some say that “networking” is my middle name….I was born to do it. It works out well for me (I’m just a wee tad social) and my business. Here I am at a very young age networking (negotiating) during a carpooling session:
OK, so that’s not me…and that’s the exact OPPOSITE way you should approach networking (super cute though, huh?).
Will it work for you?
I say YES! Absolutely! If you are a small business with a small budget for marketing/advertising then you had better brush up on your social skills…Networking is fun but it’s also WORK! It means showing up frequently, consistently, with a professional image and with your “active listening” ears on! It means becoming a source of support to your fellow business networkers. It means, more than anything, becoming a valued part of a community that is both local and online.
Here are my ten tips on successful and meaningful networking:
1. Be authentic! Be yourself! Be genuine! In a small business community we do business with people we know and trust. We want to help and support those who share common interests and ideas. We LOVE to do business with people who seem to genuinely want to help us too.
2. When you meet people with like interests and business goals, ask them which groups they find valuable. Some groups are more about professional development and some are the “good ole’ boys” weekly breakfast. Make sure the time you spend is worth it. OR, if you don’t find the right group do what I did and make up your own – I created Fridays at Five a year and a half ago. You can do it too!
3. Always start with “Tell me about your business”….even if they ask you first. Then when they ask you about yours say “No, tell me more about you – how can I help you??”. Only when you’ve exhausted all avenues of potential support do you hand your card. Ask open ended questions which opens up the discussion and shows people that you are interested in them.
4. Have a clear understanding of what you do and what sets you apart. I can’t tell you how many people I run into that are at networking events and cannot articulate what it is they do in such a way that causes me to say “really? Tell me more”. DON’T, however, fall into the cheese trap and say something like “I offer solutions to people who are looking to make all of their dreams come true”. You lost me. Goodbye.
5. When asking for referrals BE SPECIFIC! Don’t tell me “A good referral for me is anyone who would like to save money”. Yawn. We live in Eugene, Oregon so if you’ve been cold calling, say…Rusty Rexius and can’t get a call back – ASK FOR THAT! One of us is going to know him or his neighbor (or his wife’s yoga teacher…or…). I can’t tell you how many times this has worked at Fridays at Five.
6. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
7. Follow up with a personal phone call or a hand-written note to those who may benefit from your product or service. Thank them for taking some time out to speak with you and let them know that it was a joy meeting them. Common courtesy goes a long way in the electronic mail age!
8. Volunteer for the organization. Great way to give back to those groups that have helped you!
9. Help promote the group. It benefits the memebers as well as you! More the merrier! Promote gatherings on Facebook and Twitter.
Which bring s me to online networking, or Social Media Networking. Click here for a previous post on that subject. (more to come!)
Cheers!
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