Networking - The Key to Lifetime Work
…
(and a GREAT reason to join P.A.C.E!)
Networking
is an invaluable tool that anyone in the business world can utilize.
Effective networking can be your best form of marketing, as well as being
extremely affordable.
To give a definition of
networking, networking occurs when there is a planned event or gathering
with the primary goal of connecting with others. The purpose of networking
can vary based on one’s own agenda, yet the primary focus is to meet
people, and have people meet you.
In other words, you
have the opportunity to market yourself and your business in a relaxed,
social situation. This often proves to be a comfortable situation for all
involved.
There are many
opportunities to network in virtually every community on some scale. As you attend the meetings, you will be
recognized by more and more people, as well as getting to know more and
more people, and this facilitates you reaching your goal.
People will know you
and your company, and refer to you, and you will do the same for them to
reciprocate. Personal referrals and “word of mouth” advertising
is invaluable and highly effective.
To make the most of
your networking meeting, here are a few guidelines you should follow:
Arrive early. If you are there before the mass of the group,
you are assured the maximum opportunity to meet everyone.
Arrive with a goal
in mind. Before the meeting, set
a goal for yourself for that day, and then achieve it. Don’t arrive
at the meeting feeling lackadaisical, or unfocused. Take some time for yourself to get yourself focused before the meeting.
Make sure you have
writing materials and plenty of
business cards and/or brochures.
Make sure you have a
purse or briefcase to deposit the
materials and business cards into that you will accumulate.
Make sure to shake
hands when introduced, or when
you introduce yourself.
Don’t huddle
up with co-workers or friends. It
is easier to be approached by others if you don’t appear to be busy
with idle conversation.
Don’t be
afraid to approach people you don’t know and introduce yourself.
Consider wearing a
name tag or business card.
Don’t hard
sell yourself or your company.
Networking meetings are to be social and semi-informal/relaxed.
Do your best to
remember names of individuals you
have met.
Most importantly: be
yourself. If you are comfortable
with your appearance, your confidence will surely be a benefit.
After the meeting, it is important that you follow up with the
people you have met in a timely manner. If someone was interested in your
company, don’t wait two or three weeks to drop them a line; they may
have forgotten you by then. Also, it is very important to follow through on
any promises you may have made.
If you told someone you
would call them with some information, make sure you do it! It is very important
to be credible and reliable in order for your networking efforts to be
truly fruitful.
Networking can prove to
be an invaluable investment in your business’s success.
|
