Tuesday 27 July, 2010
People like to do business with people they like and trust
so it is vital to build strong rapport and relationships with those we
hope to do business with.
One effective method of meeting people and building your brand is
networking. You don’t have to go to every networking event in town – it
might not be the best use of your time and money. Initially choose the
appropriate networks where you are likely to meet your target market. Or
if you are new to networking go to an event of like-minded people where
you will feel comfortable.
The most important point about attending networking functions is that you’re there to meet people and make effective contacts. You won’t do that if you spend your time flitting around the room from person to person or spending all your time with people you know. You’re better off meeting three people and having a good quality conversation than trying to get around to thirty people. Go for quality contacts rather than quantity.
A good idea is to set an objective before you head off to an event. Perhaps it is just to meet and make contact with three people, maybe meet the guest speaker who you’ve admired for a while or perhaps talk to that elusive business contact you’ve been playing phone tag with.
Wait until the end of the conversation to exchange business cards and ask the other person for theirs first. You don’t want to make a sales pitch at a networking function and thrust your business card at them like you’re handing out fliers in the main street of town. It can be off putting to other people if you come across as too pushy or needy – after all you are there to build good relationships.
Have good quality business cards made up and make sure you have plenty to hand out if asked, keep them within easy reach. A networking function can be a great profile builder for you and your business if you remember it’s also about the other person. Try and make the other person feel comfortable and enjoy your company by having a quality conversation. And that often means we need to listen twice as much as we talk! Most people will think you’re a brilliant conversationalist if you let them do most of the talking.
You’ll have a lot more fun and enjoy networking if you remember to take an interest in other people, share a quality conversation before you excuse yourself politely and move on to establish another relationship.
When it comes to following up your contact, if you have established some rapport send an email the next day to say hello. Perhaps suggest meeting for a cup of coffee. If appropriate send a short note with your brochure.
You can make some very valuable contacts this way.
The most important point about attending networking functions is that you’re there to meet people and make effective contacts. You won’t do that if you spend your time flitting around the room from person to person or spending all your time with people you know. You’re better off meeting three people and having a good quality conversation than trying to get around to thirty people. Go for quality contacts rather than quantity.
A good idea is to set an objective before you head off to an event. Perhaps it is just to meet and make contact with three people, maybe meet the guest speaker who you’ve admired for a while or perhaps talk to that elusive business contact you’ve been playing phone tag with.
Wait until the end of the conversation to exchange business cards and ask the other person for theirs first. You don’t want to make a sales pitch at a networking function and thrust your business card at them like you’re handing out fliers in the main street of town. It can be off putting to other people if you come across as too pushy or needy – after all you are there to build good relationships.
Have good quality business cards made up and make sure you have plenty to hand out if asked, keep them within easy reach. A networking function can be a great profile builder for you and your business if you remember it’s also about the other person. Try and make the other person feel comfortable and enjoy your company by having a quality conversation. And that often means we need to listen twice as much as we talk! Most people will think you’re a brilliant conversationalist if you let them do most of the talking.
You’ll have a lot more fun and enjoy networking if you remember to take an interest in other people, share a quality conversation before you excuse yourself politely and move on to establish another relationship.
When it comes to following up your contact, if you have established some rapport send an email the next day to say hello. Perhaps suggest meeting for a cup of coffee. If appropriate send a short note with your brochure.
You can make some very valuable contacts this way.
Author Credits
Sue Currie is a business speaker and author of Apprentice to
Business Ace - your inside-out guide to personal branding. Her company
Shine Communications Consultancy is an executive development firm
providing education in personal branding and image communication, media
and PR skills. Sign up for free monthly tips on personal and
professional PR at www.shinecomms.com.au. Sue is available for in-house
training or to speak at your conference or seminar. Please contact +612
9555 6952.
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