Networking Isn't Limited to Organized Meetings
You want to meet new people, so you network. But sometimes the meetings seem to get stale, or you already know everyone in your group and you want to expand your reach. Other times you just can fit the regular meetings into your schedule.
I challenge you to rethink what networking really is. Is it going to a meeting once a week or one a month, telling people what you do, listening to what they do, and trying to find business for them while they find referrals for you? Or, is networking really the process of meeting people, building relationships and then once trust and respect is developed, you automatically want to help each other grow your businesses?
If you believe networking is the meeting scenario, I ask you to be creative for a moment. If you agree with this line of thinking, then you're probably already looking outside the networking box and find other places to promote your business.
Civic organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Sertoma are formed for the purpose of serving others. Chambers of commerce usually state their focus is to promote and support the local business community, but don't focus on networking per se. Church groups, community foundations, non-profits and industry associations welcome volunteers. Membership and participation provide opportunities to meet others and develop relationships. Though their focus is not helping you grow your business, the result is you now have a team of people who will get to know you and trust you. Fellow members will introduce you to their connections because of the relationship you've built over time.
An extremely casual way to network is at a party or open house. The key element here is to remember others' purposes for attending the functions ' and doing business is it! Don't enter with business cards in hand and present a sales pitch with each hand shake. Show interest in others, ask what they do and most will also reciprocate with inquiring about your business. Creating a discussion rather than giving your 30-second elevator pitch will allow the conversation to continue, and that conversation just might lead to business. It not, they now are aware of your business, and being at the same function has created a commonality.
One of my best customers was introduced to me at a dinner party. Neither of us went with the sole purpose of finding each other, but conversation led to talking about business, and a month later he was writing us a check!
Are you bored while standing in line at the grocery store, waiting for your flight, pumping gas, and sitting at the doctor's or dentist's office? Take the opportunity to strike up a conversation. Some will let you know you should leave them alone, but often I find they are just as bored as I am. A business associate was at the golden arches, watching his children play. Upon asking another dad about his business, they found a great synergy and are working on projects together on a regular basis.
Look around. There are opportunities every day that present themselves to you. Talk to people. Add some variety to your networking routine. Worst case, you'll fill some time when you'd normally have been bored. Best case, you'll meet someone who will turn into a customer or a business associate. And even better, you just might have made a difference in someone else's life!
About the Author:
Cindy Hartman is President of Hartman Inventory, LLC, a business and home inventory service provider. She and her husband Mike are also owners of Hartman Inventory Systems, LLC, a company that provides assistance to entrepreneurs who want to establish their own home-based inventory business. http://www.HartmanInventory.com