5 networking tips for the 'notworker'
28/05/2010 send to a friend
At an otherwise enjoyable business breakfast meeting this morning, I had a one-to-one with the one person you dread to meet - the 'notworker'! Before we'd even sat down, he told me that he knew who we were and didn't need to know what we did, and then proceeded to spend the entire 10 minutes telling me how great his company was and how we needed his services.
I'm not claiming to be a networking expert at all, but I can say that the key to networking is relationship building.
For those who are new to it, here are a few of my tips. They might not work for everyone, but they've served me well over the past few years:
- Show an interest in other people. At least ask their name and what they do! Start by asking questions on non-business related matters - it shows you're there to get to know people, not just to hunt for business.
- Be friendly and positive. It doesn't give a great impression if the first thing you say to someone is that the coffee isn't very nice, or that you didn't enjoy the breakfast or that you just don't like networking.
- Come up with an interesting 60 seconds. At the meeting today, there were over 50 people in the room. Solicitors, web developers and financial advisers were very well represented! You need to stand out from the crowd - and telling everyone that your business has been around for over 20 years and that you have 4 branches in 4 counties isn't very interesting!
- Don't feel bad if you spend time talking to the people you already know. While it's important to meet new people, consistently spending time with people and getting to know them is going to build your relationship so they can begin to like and trust you, and this will lead to referrals.
- Follow up with people. It's all very well having a great one-to-one with someone but if you don't follow up, they'll forget you. Invite them out for a coffee and chat more to find out about them. It all helps build relationships.
I'm no networking guru, but I've done quite well at networking over the years. I think that's due to making friends and having fun at networking - and not by pinning people into a corner and telling them why they should buy from me!
Laraine Wyn-Jones is a paraplanner and works in business development for Hetheringtons Wealth Management
Photo credit: eyedropper.co.uk
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Comments
Author: Sarah Bradley
Date: 28/05/2010
Comment: Totally agree!
Forcefeeding someone your business card and your business proposition (in quick succession) is a complete no-no.
There's a great saying: You wouldn't ask a complete stranger to marry you on the first date (although I'd make an exception with Brad Pitt LOL!). The same is true for doing business.
That's why I like the www.4Networking.biz approach to business networking. They totally 'get' the fact that to do business with someone you need to meet - like - know and above all, trust them, beforehand. 50% social 50% business.
Not everyone will be in your target market but you don't know who they know or might be able to connect you with so don't discount anyone.
Being forced to make referrals is a bad thing too. I want someone to refer me because they think I'll do a good job, not because they need to fill their referral quota.
Good post Laraine, thank you.
Website: www.helpahoy.com
Author: Nicky Kriel
Date: 28/05/2010
Comment: Great article, I have been spoken at quite often. As soon as people go into sales pitch mode, I find myself switching off! I was a great 4N meeting this morning.
Website: www.nickykriel.com
Author: Sarah Bradley
Date: 29/05/2010
Comment: Totally agree!
Forcefeeding someone your business card and your business proposition (in quick succession) is a complete no-no.
There's a great saying: You wouldn't ask a complete stranger to marry you on the first date (although I'd make an exception with Brad Pitt LOL!). The same is true for doing business.
That's why I like the www.4Networking.biz approach to business networking. They totally 'get' the fact that to do business with someone you need to meet - like - know and above all, trust them, beforehand. 50% social 50% business.
Not everyone will be in your target market but you don't know who they know or might be able to connect you with so don't discount anyone.
Being forced to make referrals is a bad thing too. I want someone to refer me because they think I'll do a good job, not because they need to fill their referral quota.
Good post Laraine, thank you.
Website: www.helpahoy.com
Author: Roland Millward
Date: 30/05/2010
Comment: Networking is a brilliant way to grow a business and build a valuable relationships with people. You can not only find new customers but also very good suppliers and advisors.
These tips do work well and the secret to successful networking is not to go for the hard sell. Simply get to know people and build trust.
Be patient as this can sometimes take many months before you see results depending on the products or services that you supply. Generally the supply of low value items may not require as much trust and high value ones.
Website: http://rolandmillward.com