Women's Business Coach: TIP OF THE WEEK: Networking Dos
Posted by Vicki Donlan on Sun, May 16, 2010 @ 05:35 AM
Social media is all the rage for small business owners and entrepreneurs but all the tweeting and posting on Facebook can never take the place of good old-fashion networking. People continue to do business with people they know, like and trust and the best way to get to know someone is to do the tried and true meet and greet. Fortunately, sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook have made it easier to find out what your connection might be to the someone you want to meet. Some call it the six degrees of separation, yet, I find that I am able to connect with just about anyone within three connections. Knowing how your connections get you to that important someone is critical to your success at networking. Even with all the extra assistance on the internet for networking, you won't have an advantage if you don't know the basic networking principles.
First, make listening your top priority when you meet someone new. Unless you know what they do, need and want you won't know how you can assist them or do business with them. Listening also allows you to ask the right questions .... open-ended questions only ... that will lead to, at best, future business opportunities or, at least, a stronger friendship for making second connections.
Second, remember every one you meet is a potential client or referral to one. There are no unimportant people! You can learn something from everyone you meet and unless you are open to the opportunity you may miss the chance for future business or another connection.
Third, carry plenty of business cards with you wherever you go and exchange them with everyone you meet. Don't hoard your business cards for only those people you meet at networking events and believe will do business with you. Your goal is to let every person you run into know how to reach you at a moment's notice. You just never know where that business card will land. I have often passed along someone's business card to someone who needs that type of work just because it was in my bag. The reason you have business cards is to allow people to contact with you easily. So hand them out with enthusiasm.
Finally,wear a smile! People are attracted to friendly people.The old song "when your smiling the whole world smiles with you" is important to embrace. A smile is contagious and gives the impression that you are open and ready for conversation. Conversation is what great networking is all about.
Every woman in business must make networking her top priority. Your network can and will help develop the"new girls network" the next generation of women need to succeed.
HIRE VICKI TO SPEAK AT YOUR NEXT EVENT!