Networking How-Tos
 


Use these networking tips
to help your business flourish!
 
 
 

What is the difference between a leads group and a networking group:


A networking group such as WN is a gathering of business people and other professionals who meet on a regular basis to socialize, make formal presentations on various topics of interest, or chat with one another about their livelihoods.

Women Networking Networking groups discuss everything from sales leads to marketing and public relations strategies. For the small business owner, the more informal elements of a networking group---the give-and-take of information and guidance among members—can serve as powerful business tools.

A leads group traditionally meets at the same time and place on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly basis, to encourage relationship-building. Many groups are comprised of one business professional from a chosen field, eliminating the competition for specific business leads. Restrictions are placed on group membership to ensure it is composed of business professionals who are looking for the same thing and playing by the same rules. (Author: David Sherman) 

Increasing your business...

Means getting to know clients and ultimately establishing a relationship built on trust. Women's Network (and other organizations) provide you with the opportunity to meet new people - many of whom will become your clients or know somebody who may need your services. You just have to let them know what you do!
  • Carry your business cards at all times and hand them out freely.
  • Don't be afraid to initiate the contact with someone you don't know. Most people are feeling the same insecurity as you. It will make you both feel more involved if you strike up a conversation.
  • Get out of your comfort zone at each meeting. Say something different - sit somewhere different.
  • Do keep expanding your network. At the end of a conversation ask, "Do you know anyone else I might talk to about this?"
  • Share the fact that you are in a network. Your clients will appreciate your extended contacts.
  • Do offer your help generously. Remember, "What goes around, comes around."
  • Do take others up on their offer to help....
 

5 Tips on Business Cards

  1. Never leave home (or office) without a stack of business cards in your wallet, purse, briefcase, and in your car. Running out happens to the best of us, so remember to restock your supply after each networking event, meeting, or business trip.
  2. Create a system for receiving and giving out business cards. The simple two-pocket method is fail-safe: put others' business contacts in your left pocket, handing out your own cards from your right pocket.
  3. Write down the date on the front of a card as soon as you receive it. When it's time to purge your card collection, the date on the front will help you decide whether to keep or discard the contact information.
  4. Write down where you met the individual on the back of the card. When handling a lot of cards, only Einstein could remember everyone from their names. Add any other information that will help you remember the individual, as well as items to follow up on - like a product or event she mentioned.
  5. Following up is crucial.  Once you've got your contact, follow up as soon as possible (less than one week).
  6. Meeting someone and getting her business card is not enough. It's your responsibility to put those names in your database, set up a date to call them, and then make that call!

    by Evelyn Gray, a Productivity Expert & Certified Action Coach in southern California.