Everyday Networking
Time for a reality check! Now that you're a business owner (or at least serious about promoting yourself as a business person) EVERY DAY is a networking opportunity.
Every day, everything you do, every place you go and every word that comes out of your mouth or zaps over the Internet is a potential opportunity to succeed...or blow it!
Sound scary? A little intimidating?
Don't worry. Chances are you're already doing a lot of beneficial things to promote yourself and your business, and once you've given it some thought, interacting professionally with the rest of the world will become second nature.
There are three principles to keep in mind when setting off on this journey:
1. Never Discount Anyone
2. Always Behave Professionally
3. Give Before You Take
Never Discount Anyone
Your hairdresser, the babysitter, the cashier at the grocery store, your cousin Lenny...on the surface, these people may seem completely irrelevant to your business growth. Similarly, you may meet other businesspeople at an Official Networking Function and quickly excuse yourself from the conversation, figuring they have nothing to do with what you offer.
WRONG! Always operate on the "you never know" theory, because you really never know! Your hairdresser may have a sister-in-law who's looking for someone exactly like you - and might be the biggest sale you've made all year! Your business may have nothing to do with fitness, but if you meet the owner of a fitness center, get ready to schmooze anyway; chances are he knows a LOT of other people, too.
And even if your interactions with these "irrelevant" people don't pan out to increasing your bottom line, they're still valuable because they are PRACTICE. The more you deal with people, the better you'll be at dealing with people! Which leads me to the next principle:
Always Behave Professionally
A few years ago, a friend of mine took a job as editor of a local magazine and in a conversation she mentioned that she could no longer afford to leave the house "unmade". No more trips to the grocery store in ratty sweats and a baseball cap to hide morning bed-head - she had to shower first and put on nice clothes. And maybe a little makeup too. I rolled my eyes at the time, thinking this was just a bit too much, but she's right! My friend had become a big name in her small town, and an unkempt appearance would discredit not just my friend, but her publication too.
Does that mean you have to put on a suit and tie every time you leave the house? Of course not. Just toss those t-shirts with the stains and holey armpits in the garbage, okay? Even if you're headed to the gym for a workout, you never know who might see you. (remember principle #1 above?)
It's not just about dress. It's about behavior, too. Be polite. Be nice to waitresses, cashiers, parking attendants, your kid's teacher, and no matter how mad you are that the drive-thru messed up your order for the tenth time in a row, don't cause a scene. Also, behave ethically in everything you do, both in and away from your business.
Give Before You Take
Networking does not work if you just announce who you are, what you do, and what you need. That's part of it, sure, but by itself that information will elicit a bored "that's nice."
When you attend a networking event, don't think about what the other attendees can do for you. Think about what you can do for them - giving referrals and other assistance. That's standard advice.
It also works in "everyday" situations. Let's use the hairdresser example again. Next time you go for a trim, don't just chat about your kids and the weather. Ask her how business is going. Get her talking about who her ideal clients might be - maybe she's hoping to appeal to a younger clientele or wants to promote her bridal services Ask if she has business cards for you to pass out to your friends. Give her yours, too.
What happens next? Maybe she'll have a client in her chair next week bemoaning how hard it is to find a good supplier for whatever it is YOU do! Will she remember you? Chances are in your favor.
You never know!
About the author: Find out how to get THOUSANDS of sizzling-hot leads that turn into BUYERS...without spending a dime! http://networkingbuzz.daisygate.com