Top Tips for Networking for Success by Ben Bonetti
- Be in the moment when you network - if you suffer from
premature exasperation by interrupting, talking too much or being
impatient, people will stop listening before you finish speaking.
- Don’t give an elevator seminar on what you do – if you can’t say it in 15 words they won’t remember it.
- Ask
colleagues, associates or event organisers to specifically make a
personal introduction to you to those you want to meet. Keep them in
the loop of how things are developing and thank them by returning with
something of value for them
- Don’t be reluctant to ask your networks if they know others who may benefit from your products or services.
- Provide first hand evidence of what you do so they can talk from experience and value.
- Take
along several blank business cards for those who “don’t have any with
them….” or have forgotten them. When you leave, write three things on
all cards about each person that was meaningful to them so you can
follow up accurately.
- Make contact soon after meeting
prospects - don’t believe email is good enough. It’s just one of the
same - not something different. Send a relevant article, have something
delivered, and shows them you have their best interests in mind by
referring someone other than yourself that can add value in a different
way. Be generous before you ask for favours, introductions, or sales.
- Give
back, not up! If you don’t get to second base immediately. Remember NO
is only the first of maybe 7 steps you may need to get to YES!
- Masterful
networking builds business. The stronger your relationships the less
likely you will get resistance. If that’s important to you for 2009,
convert casual contacts into business contracts by creating a strategic
approach to networking and business connections that both you and your
business partners will reap the rewards.
- Remember, fantastic offers exclusively to Worthing Chamber Members
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