So that would seem a pretty fool-proof and economical way to grow your business; to make money.
Yes, but it doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time and effort – by you!
Effective and successful networking isn’t just about “the money”.
It’s about learning from your peers, sharing experiences and support, which in turn all add to your well-being and that of your business!
If you are going to be successful in business, face-to-face networking is an essential part of your business’s marketing strategy.
So here are 10 Relationship Building Rules (RBR) to make networking work for you:-
Regular Attendance
Networking is about developing trust and relationships over time – so you need to attend regularly
Give and Help Others
Be prepared to give and help others – what you give will come back three-fold – see where you can make connections for others
- Genuine Interest and Listen
Show a genuine interest in people and really listen – you never know who they know! Follow up
Always follow up contacts, by phone or email
1:1s
Arrange 1:1s – to find out more about each other and business opportunities – so always take your diary, whether paper or electronic, with you
Invitations
Invite business contacts to experience a networking meeting – spreading the word extends opportunities for everyone
- Circulate
Circulate – don’t stay in your comfort zone Preparation
Be prepared
– have plenty of business cards, perhaps an A5 flyer, and certainly have a 1 minute talk prepared – you can “wing-it” much later on! (let me know if you’d like a copy of the 1230 TWC 1 Minute guide) Remember “Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievement” anon
Information Networking
Never go anywhere without your business cards; that includes supermarket, hairdressers, dentist, school gates, etc…. These are your informal networking opportunities.
Gold
Treat your network, your relationships, like gold – don’t abuse your contacts
Networking is not about selling, it’s about building the relationship.
Follow the above RBRs consistently and it will work for you.
Jackie would love to hear from you about your networking experiences and please share your own networking tips
