Five Business Networking Strategies
I’ve spent some time spouting about common business mistakes–and trust me, I’ll get back to that later. You cannot fix something unless you know it is broke…
However, how can you be a successful mountain business?
Here are five networking tips to get you started.
Make & Keep Lists
Most people forget to take advantage of those they know. Yes, yes–even I make that mistake. (I was just pondering some interview prospects and did a big forehead slap–”duh,” I know a lot of famous people who could share things people would be interested in hearing.)
So, figure out what type of networking you can do. List friends, business, and professional contacts. Don’t forget to start getting information from your current clients or customers.
Start a database with a record of their names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails. Then schedule time about once a week to randomly select one and contact the person by phone–or get together for coffee or a snack. Doors will open!
Don’t Procrastinate
Start now and develop a daily habit of networking and building your network. Explore how you might be able to work together for dual benefits. A little step each day does wonders in the long run…and it isn’t so overwhelming.
Maintain Contact Relationships
I just finished working with an awesome crew. When payment was received, I took the time to send the corporate office a Thank You note expressing how great the team was–and naming them. At the same time I offered to help them find future resources AND offered my services for future work–enclosing my card.
Usually I try to do something unique to anchor my brand and services in my contact’s brain. Not many people would send Thank You notes–that is why it works for me.
Today you can use the internet to help you keep this strategy from becoming too overwhelming but that is for another post.
Provide Resources
You’ll be warmly remembered if you provide resources or are helpful to prospects, customers, or competitors. This generates goodwill and buzz which results in increased visibility. You may find that people will come to you for suggestions, ideas, and will reciprocate with referrals or favors.
Mind Map or Set Goals
Set networking goals for yourself and map out just how to accomplish those goals. Take a moment to stretch at business functions or even by introducing yourself to a new business owner. Date the goals and make them concrete–maybe you want to meet one new person outside of your business a week or perhaps you want to find out more in depth information about a neighbor or customer.
Decide what will work for you and take action. If you have any other tips, just click the icon to your upper right and leave them.
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Comments
Step 6.
Use http://www.referralkey.com/ to help manage and grow the initial relationships you have started. Generate referrals from the relationships and create promotional campaigns.
@ Business Networking and Lisa Katz:
Thanks for your input. The sad thing in this area is that they dynamics in the mountain community are a bit different. A large majority of businesses do not use the Internet for marketing and really push the face-to-face interactions. However your suggestions are great for my Internet associates! Appreciate the leads.
Great tips. Also, follow through is key. If you tell someone you are going to help, then make sure that you follow through. Also, always offer to help before you ask for help. This will go along way because people will see you as a resource. Doors will open up if you take this approach.
Thanks for dropping by Jason. Good point, the other point I didn’t make is to not just jump into the networking bandwagon with your own agenda.
Recently, at a chamber mixer, a business owner was tossing cards at everyone and showed no interest in any of the other businesses or how she could network with them. Her card? Tossed.
If she is only interested in her own agenda I don’t want to work with her or send my clients to someone who has a “me” focus. Focusing on building long term relationships builds trust and is a natural way to discover how you can help each other and the clients you serve.
Here’s an additional one, use online tools to reach out. Sites like Linkedin, Schmoozii, and Xing can expand your reach. After you meet online, arrange face to face meetings with contacts in your area.