So! You already know that the popularity of networking groups has soared beyond imagination, and on line social networking is hugely beneficial . . . but maybe you haven't quite figured out how to monetize this incredible opportunity in your world of business and knowing
HOW and WHERE to start seems overwhelming.
Maybe you have already tried a few endeavors in this exciting entrance to success and you are "stuck" with a high entrance fee to a group that is not working for what you need it to or you simply don't know how to "make it count"!
Don't get frustrated, just get busy and read. I have some tried and true steps that I personally have accomplished to see success in any business you are in, and I want help make it happen for YOU!
1) Make sure BEFORE you get to the networking group that you are prepared with the following;
a) My best advice of all . . . before you do anything . . . PRAY FIRST FOR THE LORD GOD TO LEAD YOU TO A HARVEST THAT IS PLENTIFUL AND TO A GROUP THAT WILL BE HUNGRY FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND OFFERING.
b) A PASSION about what you do - or sell. If you don't believe in it, neither will anyone else. Chances are if you are not thrilled to promote something and shine while you divulge your incredible product or service, than it's time to tweak that product or maybe even find something else that works for you, and better yet, is in high demand!
Be flexible with what you are working with and where you put your energy. Being stuck in the mud could keep you from being the best you can be. Keep your ears open for what works and make a change if you need without becoming a Jack of all Trades, and stay committed to those things that always have worked and are in demand.
c) Do your homework on a group you are considering to visit. Ask around to other people in and out of your industry
where they are gathering for successful results, be willing to venture out and try something new or maybe even a few miles across town, and watch those fees - if they don't allow you one or two times for "free" entrance to be sure it's a good fit for you - then try some place else.
There are plenty of superb groups that don't require a yearly fee, or if so something that is affordable. I have found some of the lower fees on events can mean more people and various groups will attend off and on, meaning fresh new prospects each time you attend.
d) Stay away from "click" communities that "network". Networking is "working through the net of many people" and does not mean to stay within the same ole group that prospers not and costs you valuable time and money spent expanding your territory. Clicks are for kids in high school and will kill a new business venture if you get lasooed into "us four and no more".
2) Once you establish what is a group for you to try, then be prepared with LOTS of business cards and/or brochures. Small samples to hand out, or some sort of a gadget that works to get someone's memory ticking AFTER you part ways, is a sure fire way to keep you in the forefront for attention. Use low cost methods too - Party City has 25 cent items that are great for a give away, Oriental Trading Company has catalogs FILLED with doo dads that will be fun to remember you buy, and the internet has a million ideas out there you can google to help you get off to a roaring start.
3) DRESS UP IN BUSINESS ATTIRE NO MATTER WHAT! I have seen some of the finest in events, with dress that is less suitable than the event should see. Too casual of dress, outdated hair styles, frumpy outfits, may convey the message of just that - that you are too casual, outdated, and frumpy!
Men are best in suits, or at least sport coats and shirts and trousers with nice polished shoes. Women, PLEASE don't show off your parts - PERIOD. Keep short skirts in the closet and wear conservative pretty blouses with flattering trousers or skirts long enough to meet the knee and below. Get our your accessories and compliment a monochromatice dark color of your outfit with the proper bling. No nose, tongue, or eyebrow rings, and keep multiple ear piercings down to a minimum. You want people to take you seriously as a successful serious business woman.
Keep the humor, just lose the trinkets that turn people off to a rebellious look.
And shoes? GREAT shoes always work wonders for a woman's stature and her attitude! No straps up the ankles though - we don't want you to look like a professional "dancer" in a club. Ahem!
4) Bring your calendar and notepad. Trying to remember a phone number or appointment by memory is silly. Get it down on paper and put in on the calendar WHILE you are standing with your prospect. Look busy in your calendar - what would you rather buy from, a car lot with 100 cars or a car lot with 10 cars? Write in your calendar your grocery list if you have too just to keep it looking filled.
5) Speaking of calendars - make sure when you talk with someone about business, that you politely try and "pencil" in a tentative time to actually meet in person at the OTHER person's convenience but not to far away to be forgotten in between times. Get their business cards or write their info in your little book to sure you don't miss out on their contact info. Write a note next to their name that triggers your memory about them: blue blouse, great glasses, funny personality, very interested, knows someone you know . . . etc.
If that doesn't seem to work to pencil in a date to talk, politely EXCHANGE cards and assume they won't call you, assume that you WILL call them, and atleast make a date on the calendar to talk on the phone.
6) When approaching someone, or being approached about business at an event - LET THE OTHER PERSON TALK FIRST. Always lead by question and respond to their business info. ALways off how you may "serve" them with what you have to offer. Listen for hints on what they say by using leading questions, and be careful to listen with sincerity and not rush into the next line you will use on them for a sale.
Have ready a captivating opening line that is short and powerfully to the point and that LEADS THE LISTENER TO ASK MORE QUESTIONS OR ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.
Slow down and be understood, and don't hog the conversation.
Sparkle and smile when you talk! Look like you love what you do!!
People know when you are genuinely interested. So do just that, BE GENUINELY INTERESTED.
7) If that person seems not to be a good candidate for your product or service, always always always ask for a referral. Sometimes they will offer anyway to convey that they are not interested themselves, but often they know someone else who could be.
8) NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, judge a person as to how they talk, dress, or what they do for a business. You never know WHO you are talking to that may be a FABULOUS and a delightful surprise. It could be the a-typical CEO, or even the millionaire investor next door, that could absolutely blast your business to the top with a quick visit and time to get acquainted with them.
I have been dumbfounded plenty of times by someone who simply is the BOMB and often reminded not to assume ANYTHING as to what that person could or could not bring to the table.
Value everyone you meet. 9) You must be willing to do the most important aspect that any one can do with this avenue of sales and marketing . . . and that is to "follow up". What's the point for expending time and money if you can't follow up in a timely manner -
within 24 to 48 hours is the RULE!10) Also, visit and get active in more than one group that is effective. This will help you get into so many new areas for business that it will mean you are up to your ears in business cards and appointments!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever - Whatever thou hast opportunity and ability to do, do it with unwearied diligence, and vigour and expedition. For - Thou canst neither design nor act any thing there tending to thy own comfort or advantage.
For more info or questions: reann@reannring.com, or blog on this post!
I am here to serve!
