Networking Tips To Grow Your Business
Networking is one of the key ingredients to growing any business, and most simply don’t get it. Many go to networking events and become an obnoxious used car salesman type simply jamming their products and services down the throats of everyone that crosses their paths. These “Pukers” are out for themselves; they don’t care about anyone or anything at networking events.
Don’t Be A Puker!
Sike yourself up before entering a Networking Event and tell yourself that you are going to meet some amazing people today and the sky is the limit on the amount of future business will be generated from today’s activities. Yes, FUTURE business, you cannot go into a networking event and expect to write orders on the spot. You are there to build relationships, listen and help others achieve what they are seeking. Do this and the orders, referrals and reorders will flow in hand over fist.
You must be enthusiastic at events of this nature; people are drawn to positive optimistic people. If you are confronted with a “Debbie Downer” person at the Networking Event – do your best to put a positive spin on any negativity you are presented with. Give the person a encouraging message and move on to continue your networking efforts.
Be A Business Card Collector
Do not jam your business card into anyone’s hand unless they ask for it. But be sure to grab a business card from every single person you talk to. You can even go as far as asking for two cards and say I may know someone that may be in need of your product or services. Being a good listener is key at this point too – after the conversation jot down a few notes on the back of the person business card. Mentioning these notes at future meetings or in correspondence via Greeting Card will blow them away.
Really want to be a Networking Master? Get referrals for everyone you meet, if you sent them business they will be forever in your debt and return the favor over and over again.
Tim Somers
Send Out Cards
Sounds like smart advice, though I confess I don’t get the “Puker” reference – does that stand for something?
Hi Marquita, “The Puker” is just someone that spews (or pukes) out all about themselves and their product or service – instead of getting to know the people they are networking with first, and building a relationship with people. Thanks for stopping by.
I really like the idea of asking two business cards from your contact when possible, and commit to look for an opportunity to refer them. It feels so good to refer someone you like and trust and people appreciate that.
It works like a charm Alicia, and they will work really hard to send referrals your way.
I like the tip to ask for the card and maybe asking for another, especially if you believe the person might have a product or service that would fit with another that you know. I am usually asked for my business card and forget to ask for one except when I am at WordPress conferences at the genius table. I find I like to visit the person’s website and leave a comment.
Nile – that is great, I too have started visiting the sites of those who’s cards I collect and I also connect with them on the various social media outlets.
Hello Tim
Get referrals for everyone you meet at a newtwork marketing event is golden nugget. Bob Burg the author of a book called “Endless Referrals” shares a question that he says will separate the Pros from the Amateurs. The power of this question is it is the first indication that you are someone special. You may be the only person who asked this question during your first conversation.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Tim,
Some good tips about networking. When I first came to Florida, I attended some networking groups and found people shoving their business cards and their businesses, many that I had no current use for, in my face. So I retreated and spent a lot of time seeing my private clients and building connections online. For the past year, I have attended some local networking events that are as supportive and uplifting as many of my online connections. It is a joy to attend the Womens Prosperity Network mastermind breakfasts or the local LinkedIn breakfast or evening networking events. The goal is to meet and communicate, share and support each other. I have a renewed appreciation for the value and potential of networking.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica, it’s great to hear that you have found a group of like minded professionals that “get it”. Networking is definitely a great tool to growing any business if done right.