News
7 Steps to Sharper
Networking
---Renea Myers, president of Renea
Myers Marketing
Networking isn’t as easy as just showing up to an
event and handing out business cards. Networking is
an art. Here are seven ideas to get you started on a
master plan.
1. Wait for the right window of opportunity to
share your information.
Show an interest in others first and then when the
focus turns to you, share your business card and
business goals. When someone walks in handing out
business cards indiscriminately, it’s tantamount to
“network spamming.”
2. Networking is about looking for opportunities
to give.
Anyone is capable of great networking through good
listening and caring about others’ success.
Furthermore, everyone has a wealth of resources to
offer. If your first goal is to be a valuable
resource to others, the networking karma will be
returned many times over.
3. Become adept at gathering information.
After you have built relationships with your
contacts, it’s time to share your business needs. Be
as specific as possible when asking for leads,
referrals or information. Specific requests glean
the best results. It’s also helpful to provide
examples of how you have helped a client. Always
acknowledge any kind of help you receive and ask how
you can return the favor.
4. Find your comfort zone.
If you’re uncomfortable in a new group situation,
it’s helpful to have a job. Volunteer to work
registration or serve as a greeter. You will meet
the attendees, but you’ll also be positioning
yourself as one of the “inner circle.” You can also
mitigate the fear of rejection by getting into the
habit of talking about your business goals in a
conversational manner, avoiding “yes or no”
questions. You can also ask for “advice” instead of
business leads. People like to be asked for their
opinion.
5. Identify your sphere of influence.
Make a list of people you know who are considered
“connectors” to your customers, prospects, or
industry. Identify which ones are in your sphere of
influence. These are people who consider you
visible, credible, resourceful and knowledgeable.
Look for opportunities to build relationships with
connectors and grow that sphere.
6. Strategic organizational involvement.
Consider getting involved in select organizations
such as your industry group or your best customer’s
trade association. Be willing to take on a
leadership role, but if you’re not willing to commit
the necessary time, don’t add your name to the list.
Additionally, finding creative ways to contribute
will differentiate you within the organization.
Remember, having your picture taken is a good thing,
so don’t get shy!
7. Develop some stealth marketing strategies.
• Be willing to give away something to build
visibility
• Attend industry trade shows to evaluate the
competition
• Teach a class
• Write an article or a column
• “Own” a restaurant or coffee shop. If the
owners/servers know you, they will readily honor
special requests and your guests will feel more
comfortable
• Prepare for networking events as if it were a
sales call
---Source: Renea Myers is the
President of Renea Myers Marketing. Visit her web
site at
www.rmyersmarketing.com
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