The Value of Networking
It is a universal truth that networking the right way can earn you money. More often than not, though, it can feel like you are attending an endless string of networking events and seeing no monetary return for your efforts. That really shouldn’t be the case and won’t be provided you follow some basic rules…
The Dont’s
Let’s have a look at the DON’TS of networking first.
Don’t:
- Overextend yourself by attending a plethora of meetings on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Don’t necessarily give your business card to everyone you meet.
- Don’t necessarily take a business card from everyone you meet.
- This is an obvious one but if there are drinks being served at your networking event, don’t have too many. Chances are, if it’s an evening event, you haven’t eaten since lunch so having one too many mightn’t be the best idea.
- Lastly, don’t spend loads of time talking to someone who doesn’t ask about your business and what it does.
The Dos
- Believe it or not, it is OK to excuse yourself and either talk to someone else or take a quick restroom break if you are finding a conversation is extremely one sided.
- Shake hands like you mean it – no wishy washy handshakes!
- Try to keep your business cards in one pocket and the business cards you receive in another. For the ladies out there, try to keep the cards you receive in one section of your purse and the cards you are giving out in a separate section of your purse or handbag. You want to be able to efficiently hand out your own cards as opposed to accidentally handing out someone else’s business card.
- Go with the aim of making 2 to 3 great connections.
- Choose 2-3 networking events that you can go consistently and get to know the people who attend.
- Make sure you approach people and begin your conversation with open ended questions like ‘What do you do etc…’ And then LISTEN to what they say in response as you could refer them to someone based on the information they render.
- Having someone with you means you can run a ‘tag team networking’ system as it’s generally easier to talk about someone else than it is to talk about yourself.
- Finally ask people if you can follow up with them and what their preferred method of contact would be – social media, text, email or even better, a good old face to face meeting over coffee.
Networking really is a great way of creating brand awareness for your company as well as increasing your credibility. A lot of times, networking allows for the creation of relationships with people who have the potential to send business your way, become your clients and even long lasting friends. So put on your best smile and have some fun mastering the art of networking!
We want to help you better network with your clients by making sure you never miss another sales call from a potential or existing client. To find out more about our professional, nationwide call answering service, call us on 1890 511 400 or send an email to lucia@www.callpal.ie.
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