Tips for The Networking Lady
It's no secret that networking is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to the success of your business. Here are some tips and thoughts to ponder - networking can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Just remember you are always networking, many times without even realizing it! Keep these things in mind:
- Make sure your networking circle is diverse, keep in mind that business just like yours will end up being competition! Include networking partners you might not think will benefit you, there is always a chance they know someone they will refer to you. Many times unrelated businesses are the best networking partners!
- When handing out business cards, always hand over three. One for the recipient to keep and two for them to hopefully give away to others. ALWAYS have your business cards available - a stash in your purse or diaper bag is a great idea!
- Take advantage of expo and home show events for networking. Whether you are a vendor or simply a visitor, get around to all the booths and chat a bit. Take business cards and leave business cards. Approach the event as a great opportunity to meet new networking partners and produce leads for sales and recruiting.
- Never be brash or pushy when first introducing yourself. Be sure to have your two minute "elevator" speech polished and ready to go at any time. Simply offer basic information about yourself and your business. If this produces more interest, go from there. If not, let it go. Simply leave a business card with the person and thank them for their time.
- Follow up a new networking lead with a nice e mail or better yet a handwritten card. Let this new networking prospect now you enjoyed meeting them and look forward to talking with them further. Offer a lunch meeting or other time to meet and talk more in depth. Be short, kind and to the point.
- Be sure you are returning the favor of listening to the details of your networking partner's business details and networking needs. This is not only a point of courtesy but also a good way to know whether or not the partnership will benefit you.
- Be sure you are offering opening body language. Handshakes, big smiles and eye contact are key. Even if you are not receiving the same in return be sure you are putting forth the effort. You never know who is observing you from afar!
- Never dismiss any event, meeting or encounter as too small or insignificant. You never know what kind of lead you will get from any contact you have with others. Bigger is not always better. It is the quality of the contact. 10,000 people could walk past your booth at an event and you no leads. 10 people could walk past your booth and you may get a business owner who wants to put your items in their store, you may get your best customer or your best recruit. You never know - don't assume!
- Always remember you get out of it what you put into it! Your contribution to your business will reflect your success. You can not expect others to build your business for you. You can expect others to help you build your business, however when you do the same for them in return.
- Networking does not need to be expensive, it does not
need to be tedious time consuming work and it does not need to be
dreaded! Networking Connecting. Yes, it is a necessity to a successful business but it
can be low cost (or no cost), quick and fun! Use your creativity
to come up with ways networking can be fun and productive.
- You are always setting the image for your business. People observe more of how you act and what you say then they do anything else. Remember especially when networking with other women that things can get out of control fast. Gossip and plain old cattiness can sneak in without much warning. Keep your nose clean! You are judged more by what you say about others than what others say about you. Keep what comes out of your mouth positive and you will not lend yourself to a bad image. It is not only bad for your image and the image of your business but also non-productive and a waste of precious time!
**We suggest your read the following article - it says so much of what we believe in here at Women's Source and what we are trying to promote about business networking.
