There are thousands of conferences every year, and thousands of opportunities for attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and conference planners to benefit from these events.
You don’t want to waste your time networking and not take action. Let’s talk about getting the most out of live events.
Successful Entrepreneurs know that the lifeblood of their business is found in making the right connections.
Whether it is for potential business alliances, sales, marketing, supply chain management or just to escape the loneliness of being a solo entrepreneur. Making connections is vital for business growth.
For those of us that are extroverts, this may come easily.
For many, it may not be so easy. Our intention today is to help you make networking an rewarding part of what you do to strengthen you business.
All good businesses start with a plan so why wouldn’t the area of networking get the same attention as other parts of your business planning?
Often this area is left to chance or happenstance. You must not do this!
Instead ask yourself these the following questions:
Write down your answers and then prioritize what your networking activities with be in the course of a day, week and month. Incorporate your activities into your calendar and commit to a plan with a timeline.
First, identify the ideal person (customer) you would want to do business with from a character, philosophical and principled perspective.
Second, become that person. We attract who we become.
To have an ideal network, first become your ideal self. Work harder on yourself than your job. Life is never about what we get; it’s about who we become.
When networking, don’t ask yourself, What am I getting? Keep in mind on who you’re becoming instead.
Third, connect to people with similar interests using all mediums. The best thing you can do is grow your social media network while working hard on becoming the ideal person who you want to attract.
As you become more attuned and grow your online audience, you’ll attract incredible people who are ideal for your long-term business relationships. When it does, you’ll be the right person in the right place with the right network.
For Nicky, wearing a nametag and chitchatting at networking events feels like the dreaded public speaking class in high school. It fills me with dread, and often makes me feel like a sleazy car salesman.
If you’re not the networking, nametag-wearing type, then use the back-door method. Everybody knows somebody, and it’s great fun to give back to your community.
Get involved.
Don’t just donate money or attend a stuffy fundraiser dinner. Roll up your sleeves and serve. Word-of-mouth spreads.
Community involvement for a Business can be a situation in which everyone wins.
Your entire world will change when you learn that networking is not about building your database but about it being the gateway to another great relationship.
So every time you meet someone new, you should ask yourself: Whom can I introduce this person to that could change their life?
This goes so much beyond having a scorecard for business or personal favors; it instantly deepens the personal relationship, which is the foundation of an awesome network.
As a business owner, time is the most important commodity that you have so be judicious of where you spend your time. Look for events that feed your business and mind.
Utilize social networking strategically. As social media grows, so does the spam and self-promotion attempts. Be strategic in your outreach and target your efforts towards connections that will help your business grow.
So you are finally at an event and are armed with your elevator speech and a pocketful of business cards. Your name tag is on the upper right-hand side of your suit or dress. It’s time to do a quick sweep of the room and see who you want to meet.
This is where the “hostess principle” comes in…
Walk up to the person or small group and gracefully stick out your hand to introduce yourself. The key is to act as if you are the convener of the event and it is your job to make everyone comfortable.
If you approach it with this mindset, you will be amazed at how comfortable you will become and how comfortable others will be. The same principle holds true for connections made via phone, linked in, email or other ways.
A hostess puts others first and generously gives to make others feel comfortable.
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by taking strangers out to coffee, or lunch. This strategy can be employed by anyone even if you have almost nothing to spend.
We have also found that you can get to know people much better this way than any other networking format. Plus, it’s super affordable.
The goal is not to get as many business cards as you can, but to make quality connections. It is important to be genuine and honest. The fallacy of much of social media these days is that it keeps us all connected.
A connection is not bad but it is not a relationship. It is a relationship that sustains a business for the long term.
To develop a personal relationship it takes face to face communication, nurturing, and time.
As only talking business when networking can make you come off as overallyperfessional and very sterile which makes it harder for people to bond with you.
If we get a client from a networking event, one that has never read our blog posts has never received my newsletter, it’s because we’ve established this special bond during our first meeting.
We might have shared our story, discovered a common hobby/ interest or felt like we were a good fit based on our conversation that wasn’t strictly business related.
We try to provide as much value as possible to people in my network without asking for anything in return.
In the beginning of a new relationship, you have to earn the right to have a genuine relationship. The only way you can do that is by giving an insane amount of value.
Pay it forward by helping others to achieve success
You will only be as successful as you help others to be successful. Help others to achieve. This might seem like an old-fashioned notion but this really works to create better relationships and loyalty with your network.
You can do this by introducing them to potential clients, recommend them, offer help and suggestions, and send business their way.
It is most important to do this when you are not looking for something from them. Be sincere and care about their well-being. This is what will set you apart.
Networking is not about you! Yes, in the end the main goal is to get new business. But business is based on trust. So if you go to these events and all you do is talk about yourself and how great you are, no one will be interested.
We all love to be listened to, it’s part of being human.
Rudolf Klaus, the king of Effective Networking has said you don’t have to be a small talk guru. You just need to be a good listener.
When we found out this we were so relieved. Try it out! It’s liberating.
Make it a habit to follow up with people you meet offline and connect with them by phone, on LinkedIn or through messenger.
You can send them a resource, follow up on a discussion you had or introduce them to one of your connections that you think might be a good fit.
Be helpful, not salesy!
It is so easy these days to build contacts and connections with Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. LinkedIn has become the sophisticated rolodex for business professionals. Use it often to update, share, congratulate and connect.
No fairy godmother will wave her wand and give you quality, reliable contacts in a short time. You can get rich quick (winning the lotto), but nobody gets wealthy quick.
Having a great network is wealth. Creating an extensive valuable network will not happen overnight or even quickly. You can speed things up attending the right kind of events.
Just attending an event will not create a network.
You must still do the work: Reach out, be social and have sales skills. The right event can exponentially enlarge your network quickly and solidify your contacts by following up frequently and staying in touch.
Networking is marketing. And you need to market your business all the time, even when things are going well.
Think about it…What if you loose that one big client?
So book your networking events into your schedule and make a commitment, just like you commit to publish x number of blog posts per month, etc.
This is an essential tool that can be the difference between a broke business owner, and a 6-Figure Pro.
Aren’t you ready to GO PRO?!
It’s time to secure and deploy the secret weapon of every 6-figure business owner.
14. You Need to be ConsistentNetworking is marketing. And you need to market your business all the time, even when things are going well.
Think about it…What if you loose that one big client?
So book your networking events into your schedule and make a commitment, just like you commit to publish x number of blog posts per month, etc.
The networking gives you many rewards. Master this important skill set and new business doors will fly open for you. You will be enriched by the relationships you make as you help others to achieve their goals while meeting your own objectives.
Networking is essential. Get out there and build your network.
Remember that your net worth is only as good as your network.
We are here to help. If you want any help, just Messenger us (Private Message Us) at our Facebook Messenger link – m.me/EasyOnlineBizSolutions
Talk Soon,
Nicky and Dave
After attending my third networking event of the week (last week), I realised that networking is one of the most valuable uses of my time in terms of return—and not just in monetary terms.
Networking is free, most of the time. It’s rooms full of like-minded individuals, and if you go to the right events they are people that you can work with or learn from in some way.
Of course, you do get the odd event where people just end up trying to sell something. But I’m very glad that I’m coming across this less and less.
Most of us recognise that networking is beneficial to our businesses and careers.
Yet for some reason, we only think of its benefits in the short term – when job or consultant hunting. However, connecting with other professionals can help with every aspect of career or business development.
So invest in these relationships – don’t just reach out to other professionals in times of crisis.
What many professionals fail to understand is that the fight for visibility and standing apart from competition does not end once you get the job. In fact, making yourself more visible in the workplace is not only harder, but it also requires a lot more skill.
One of the advantages of networking is that it helps you become more visible because you become that one person that knows everyone and can be asked to make introductions or provide insight on prospects, associates etc.
Related Article:
11 Benefits That Community Can Have On Your Business
Precisely because networking makes you more visible, it also opens new doors.
From getting approached by recruiters about job opportunities to getting noticed by people who would like to work with or for you on a freelance basis. You never know when an opportunity that can advance your career will present itself.
It’s important to understand that opportunities not only present themselves in the form of new jobs, but can mean meeting important people in your industry that can change the course of your career, or be given the chance to start your own business.
One of the most important benefits of networking that people tend to overlook is that it allows you to help other people.
Granted, our motives in the professional world are rarely altruistic, but helping someone else with their career goals can be truly rewarding.
What’s more, helping out a professional connection means that they’ll owe you one, which essentially means that by making introductions and helping other people connect, you are basically paving the path for your professional success.
Most of us try to stay up to date with changes in our fields either through continuing our education or via reading up on industry news. But there’s a wealth of knowledge out there which you can gain access to by simply talking to other professionals in your industry.
The power of Masterminding in Entrepreneurial Networks is critical to staying in touch and being progressive.
WATCH VIDEO Where Mark from Lean Engineering explains how key it is to attend regular Meetups with other Entrepreneurs. He explains how it helps to keep him sharp and in touch with trends and business strategies.
So why not Join a Meetup Group in your area!
For those in the Gold Coast & Brisbane Area you can Join any of our Work from Home Entrepreneur Meetup Groups:
Brisbane, Australia – http://bit.ly/OurBrisbaneMeetup
Gold Coast, Australia – http://bit.ly/OurGoldCoastMeetup
F
OLLOW US ON:
▶︎ Facebook
▶︎ Instagram
▶︎ Twitter
▶︎ Google+
▶︎ Sign-up for our Entrepreneurs Newsletter
We are here to help. If you want any help, just Messenger us (Private Message Us) at our Facebook Messenger link – m.me/EasyOnlineBizSolutions
Let Us Answer Your Biggest Questions About Businesses Online AND Show You Easy Online Solutions!
A professional network is there to share opinions about the industry and exchange information. You can discuss industry related matters that you have been thinking about and ask for advice whenever you reach an impasse.
Having this kind of support system is one of the many advantages of networking and it’s why people are encouraged to take an active role in building their network.
Be careful not to overshare and keep getting constructive feedback.
Another benefit is that it helps you build a support network that can assist you at every stage of your career.
Let’s say that you are interviewing with a company; in an open network there will be someone who’s gone through the same process in the past which means that they can give you advice and tips on how to conduct yourself and what to expect.
The is true when you are trying to approach a new prospect. An open network can mean getting tips on what the prospect likes and what the best tactic to approach is.
According to many studies, having an open network is a predictor of success and it ensures promotions and salary increases. Remember that connecting with other professionals gives you insight and makes you more visible, attributes that any boss values and looks to reward.
The key is to use your contacts wisely and to be smart about how you carry yourself in the workplace.
Remember that if you’ve been contacted by a recruiter about a new position you can use the offer to leverage your current position. The chances are that your boss will learn to appreciate you more once they know that you are in demand.
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about networking benefits, but the boost to your self-esteem is something to consider.
By getting to know people and being asked about your opinions/ideas and being asked to introduce people can be quite the social thrill. It’s exactly what you need especially if you are an introvert who’s looking to advance themselves in a cut-throat business environment.
There are many methods and techniques to get over your initial shyness and actually start talking to people, but the important thing to remember is that it can be done on your own terms.
Networking is something anyone can achieve as long as they set their mind to it.
You probably have tonnes of questions about your industry that not even Google can help you with. Talking to other professionals (and this includes colleagues) can help you resolve these questions.
Your professional network essentially functions as your resource because as the old adage goes two minds are better than one. Having these connections means that you can tap into their knowledge whenever you need to and they will feel inclined to give you access.
10. Influence Things PositivelySometimes all our careers need is an influencer who can help things go our way and that’s what a professional network does a lot of the time.
It puts in a good word and applies pressure whenever it’s necessary. It’s an aid in helping you achieve your goals, and this is precisely why taking active steps towards building and maintaining a network is essential.
A professional network can help your career in many ways including getting a job, promotion and even leveraging a raise. However, to achieve all of that you need to step outside your comfort zone and start connecting with other people in your field.
Remember that you can’t just build the relationships, you need to maintain them by following up and keep up with all of your connections.
Kathryn Minshew (CEO and co-founder of The Muse) wrote: “Networks are powerful, and when done right leave you surrounded by a core of individuals who are all rooting for your success and happy to help you.” So true.
Networking is essential. Get out there and build your network.
Remember that your net worth is only as good as your network.
What is your chosen method of networking?
Let us know in the comment section below.
Talk Soon,
Dave
Savvy Businesses realize that the best thing they can do is to serve their community, irrespective of whether or not someone is in a buying cycle.
One of the most important tools that you can use is community.
It’s important that Entrepreneurs to be where their prospects — and their prospects’ friends — hang out.
“We seek areas where our clients have questions, and we strive to provide the single-best resource available to address their inquiry. Our clients don’t have questions limited to investing. They have questions about life.” – Barry Glassman, Glassman Wealth Founder.
If done right, Community involvement for a Business can be a situation in which everyone wins. Read more
In Internet marketing, like anything else, there are going to be winners and losers. Often, the difference between success and failure doesn’t depend on outside influences, but on your attitude.Successful Internet marketers share a unique set of qualities known as the “killer instinct.” Train yourself to use these qualities every day and you can increase your chances of becoming successful.
With Internet marketing, you can choose ahead of time how successful you are going to be. By making the conscious choice to adopt the attitude you need to win, you can be the successful online marketer you always dreamed of being. Read more
