Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Effective Networking Tips

By Lori Buenavista


Networking is definitely an excellent way to have new business. It's an affordable strategy to gain new customers, make new pals and stay up-to-date on business occurrences. While networking can be both fun and productive, there's a basic social grace. Here are a few effective networking guidelines to help you make the most of your time and energy.

Enroll in a Networking Group (or two). The Chamber of Commerce is usually the place to start when networking. There's a fee to join, but you'll often get some free advertising in their publication, a list in their directory and the chance to attend networking events all the time. You may as well join an industry-specific networking group, or form a team with buddies and business colleagues.

Show up at Events Regularly. When you get occupied, it can be luring to stop networking luncheons and after-work mingles. Make sure to attend, even while you're busy-you have to be looking for new opportunities.

Come Prepared. Attend networking events armed with a lot of business cards and a pen. Use technology just like your smart phone to keep track of new acquaintances, your appointment calendar and notes.

Shut Down the Phone. While we're talking about your mobile phone, while it's a great organizational tool, you shouldn't be chatting and sending texts on it while attending events. It's rude behavior. Focus instead on meeting and speaking to people... in person. Focus on Others, Not Yourself. When interacting with a new networking associate, behave as if you're on a first date. Ask questions, be interested in understanding your partner and focus on them, not yourself. Take into account the ways that your contacts might help the person instead of discovering how he can benefit you.

Do Your Part. To be an associate of a networking group, you have a responsibility to offer referrals to others. It's a symbiotic relationship; members of the team help you improve your company, and you contribute your knowledge and connections to help them grow theirs. If you're the person who just takes, takes, takes, you'll easily discover that the recommendations from others stop.

Don't Markdown the effectiveness of Social Networking. With the proliferation of social media marketing contributors, there are many chances for networking on the net. LinkedIn is great tool designed specifically for business use, but other web-sites such as Facebook and Google+ may also be used to network with other individuals.

You'll also find a vast number of networking teams on line. Join a few and make sure to stay associated by using the forum and commenting on blog posts. Networking is Old-School... But It's Back. Networking might sound old-fashioned, but it's getting new recognition. Consumers are growing fed up with patronizing huge, faceless firms and progressively seeking to do business with companies that have some link to them. A recommendation from a friend is just the drive for people to form new connections with you and become life-long clients.




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