Always Be Ready
To Network
Take The Next Step
Make The Occasional Personal
Gesture
Its A Two Way Street
Don’t Do All The Talking
Don’t Forget To Say
Thanks
Sometimes You Just Have To
Ask
Grow A Thick Skin
Extend Yourself
Networking is a marketing mainstay for businesses of all sizes and especially essential
for the success of any home business. So what is networking and how do you go about
networking to promote your home business? Networking in a formal sense is the connection
of people for the purpose of exploring mutually beneficial business opportunities.
You might be thinking that this definition is rather obvious it is; however exactly
how to go about creating those opportunities is less than obvious. opportunities
is less than obvious.
Always Be Ready To Network
Opportunities can present themselves anytime, anywhere. Always be prepared to get
your business face on and think networking. Networking is a two way street so always
keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities for others. Passing on an opportunity
to someone else is a great way to cement a relationship.
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Take The Next Step
Always follow up first meetings with a friendly email or phone call. Many networking
opportunities start with a very subtle invitation. Another business person might
mention they are interested in seeing more of your work or learning more about what
you have to offer. While comments like this aren’t an instant invitation to do business
they can be the start to great relationship. So be sure to request a business card
or contact details and make contact the next day.
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Make The Occasional Personal Gesture
Technology has made communication, especially in business, easy. It has also made
communication less personal in this environment personal gestures go a long way,
much further than they did 20 years ago.
A personal gesture is any communication that is not business related, but just as
useful and constructive. As an example, last year at a new year’s party I got chatting
with a graphic designer I know, I mentioned I was web designer and he mentioned
his company might need a website in the future. The next week I made contact with
a simple email to say hello but also included a link to an article on branding I
thought he might be interested in reading. Sending the link was the personal gesture,
they go a long way towards founding great relationships.
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Its A Two Way Street
Too often people ruin networking opportunities by talking about themselves too much.
Nothing is worse than meeting someone for the first time, only to be subjected to
a monologue about themselves and their work. Use concise sentences when talking
about yourself and try not to repeat yourself. Asking interesting questions is the
best way to create constructive two way conversation. Remember, don’t do all the
talking.
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Don’t Do All The Talking
Too often people ruin networking opportunities by talking about themselves too much.
Nothing is worse than meeting someone for the first time, only to be subjected to
a monologue about themselves and their work. Use concise sentences when talking
about yourself and try not to repeat yourself. Asking interesting questions is the
best way to create constructive two way conversation. Remember, don’t do all the
talking.
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Don’t Forget To Say Thanks
Being part of a great business network means you will get passed opportunities from
time to time. Irregardless of their outcome, don’t forget to sincerely thank the
person who passed the opportunity along.
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Sometimes You Just Have To Ask
Many business people don’t operate with networking in mind. Sometimes you have to
ask to create opportunities. If you’ve been chatting with someone about business
opportunities ask them if you can follow the conversation up with a call. If a client
is particularly happy with the work you have done, ask them if they know anyone
else who might need your services. Sometimes these things just don’t occur to people
unless you ask.
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Grow A Thick Skin
The previous point can be a very scary proposition for some. The sooner you can
shake your fear of rejection, the better. The worst reply you can ever get for asking
is no. Don’t take rejection personally and get over it as quickly as possible. Rejection
is part of doing business, the better you become at dealing with it the more chances
you have of being successful.
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Extend Yourself
Success is never easily achieved. Chances are most networking opportunities will
be outside of your comfort zone. Extend yourself - join clubs and organizations,
go places you normally wouldn’t and speak to different people. The more you break
out of your comfort zone the easier it will become and the more networking opportunities
you will be exposed to.
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