7 Step Plan To Get Going With Networking

Summary:

When used wisely and appropriately, Networking is one of your most profitable business building tools. But don't approach it as a selling method. Networking is the process of building relationships in which you can help others achieve their goals, and they can help you achieve yours.

Article Body:

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, feel like you have the gift of a chat, or just don't know how to speak, network skills are very important to the success of your business. There is a notion in business that I think most of us subscribe to and that says "if everything else is the same, people will do business and refer businesses to those they know, love, and trust." And the key to all of this is obviously being able to develop relationships.

Think of Networking as the culture of beneficial relationships for all. To be a win-win, there must be GIVE and take (note the emphasis on giving). Networking should not be seen as an "event" in which you are going to sell your business. When an effective network is established, the parties involved actively share Marketing Ideas, information, resources, etc.

Ok, so you know you should be online because it is one of the most profitable lead generation activities when used intelligently, appropriately and professionally. But, that may seem easier said than done. Here is a seven-step plan to really start networking for your business.

1. Check with various groups to find the best chemistry and perceived value. Most groups will allow you to visit at least a few times before registering. Go ask to find out why others have joined and what value they derive from their membership.

Resist the urge to join the Chamber of Commerce simply because everyone tells you this is what you should do. If this is not where your target group is, you may be wasting a lot of time (and money).

I'm not telling you not to join the Chamber. Be clear about what you would like to get from this group or from any other group. If it's about finding leads or referrals, you need to establish a network where these resources can be found.

2. When you find a group or two, join and attend as many meetings as you can. Don't go once or twice expecting things to happen, and then if they don't go. Establishing mutually beneficial and win-win relationships will take time.

The contacts you make must constantly see your face and listen to your message. Continuous contact with others over time will open opportunities for you to delve deeper and learn about the thoughts, ideas, and skills of others regarding their respective businesses.

Knowledge, love, and trust generally only occur over time. Being regular and persistent will pay off.

3. Get involved - be visible. Do everything possible to become more visible within the organization. Volunteer to help with meetings, serve on committees, or become a leader or board member.

Getting involved does a few things for you and your business. First, you will have more opportunities to make connections and learn about some of the contacts you have made. Second, the more visibility you have in the group, the less you will have to work to establish new connections. Instead, as new people join the group, they will probably be looking for you because they see you as a leader in the organization.

4. Keep your contact circles informed. Don't assume that meeting someone once a month (or even once a week) will either do business with you or send it to you. You must tell them what happens when you are not in this particular group to inform and educate them.

Send them invitations to your events or open houses. Send them emails or letters to share good news or success stories, especially anything about them or those on your contact networks. If you think you have valuable ideas, information, and resources to share with others, doesn't that make sense?

5. Work to provide references and share valuable information. That's right, you must be ready to give before you arrive. This means that you have to know the other members and what gives them good prospects. What kind of information could you access that might be useful to them?

Initially, you may think that you don't have much value to share with others (apart from your business and what it provides). Part of the key to being good at giving is not making assumptions. For example, don't assume that a basic resource (for example, a website) you know is familiar to someone you could talk to simply because you are "the expert" in that area. Be prepared to ask them if they know the resource and if not they are ready to share.

Do you want to improve to give references? Here's a simple question to ask someone you connect with. "How will I know when I find a very good prospect for you?"

Just because you're ready to explore the gift will increase your knowledge, appreciation, and confidence factor.

6. Focus on quality, not quantity, quantity, quantity. It is not necessarily the quantity of connections that you make, but the quality of which you make. Are these mutually beneficial relationships mutually beneficial?

Quality connections will be identifiable as all parties involved will actively share ideas, information and resources. Yes, it is true that you must spend time and effort getting to know other people and what is important to them. But you must also be clear and actively think about the information or resources you need and need.

Staying in touch and following fewer quality relationships will generally be much more productive than trying to follow up with more superficial contacts.

7. Be persistent, but be patient. The goal of a networking event should not necessarily be to leave with prospects every time you go out, but to come out with excellent relationships. Networking generally takes time to develop and nurture relationships.

Don't approach networking as a scary proposition or a necessary evil to be in business with. Release the pressure and really focus on how you could connect with someone you know. Focus on them first and find ways to help them. As it becomes a connector, you're finally ready to reap what you sow.