NETWORKING
The
other day I was giving a short talk on networking and how important it is
if you are a business owner. Networking events are great for making new
contacts and building relationships. However, I must admit I've been to
a few networking events in the past, whereby you tend to notice that
people aren't really interested in you, only What's In It For Them! If
we're honest that's probably true for all of us to an extent.
I
now go to events with a completely different mindset, I concentrate on
what they do, so I am sincerely interested in what they tell me and I've
noticed
a)
it's much less boring
b)
one tends to discover some surprising information that can either benefit
oneself or someone you know. (It isn't always about business
either!)
Today I
thought I'd do some tips on networking with a twist!
The
following are tips on good networking - if you are in business or belong to a
professional business network club, then you can use the tips as they
stand. If you are not in business and you don't feel it would in any way
benefit the company you work for, then use these tips for yourself, your
personal tips. Get creative and see how you can adapt them to new
situations, social or otherwise.
- So
when you first meet a person and after intro's and having gained some
rapport with them, you could ask:
- What
a great venue for this party/function/dinner isn't it? etc.
(Remember you have in common that you're both at the same venue!)
- Can
you tell me a little bit about the organisation?
- Is
this your first time here?
- Can
I introduce you to...?
- How
did you get into your business?
- What
do you do differently from others in your line of work?
- What
trends do you see in your business?
- What
have you found to be the most effective way to promote your business.
- Really
listen and ask the five top questions: What, Where, Why,
Who and When.
- Network
like a host. Know in advance how many people
you want to meet at that function and spend an allotted time with each maybe
5 or 10 minutes unless you are very interested by their business or them!!
- If
you meet any one of interest make sure you get their card and, before you
leave, put a reminder on the back of what exactly it is
that interests you about this person/buisiness.
- Follow
up. It's no good going to
networking events then never making a phone or email. Also do it the
next day or asap so they don't forget who you are. It can just be a
brief call saying that it was nice meeting them and that you hope you'll be
able to do business some time in the future, or if you are really interested
arrange something there and then on the phone!
If
anyone is interested in professional networking then email me as I can give you
information on the various organisations I know.
Until next week Onwards and Upwards and network
like a host!
2004 Denise Bosque All Rights Reserved
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