Networking Effectively Makes Quality Connections
Some business people are master networkers and are naturally good at meeting a lot of people. They go to events constantly and meet tons of business people, but are they really being productive? Networking only works if you connect and establish great relationships with quality people. You should always make connections in your business life that lead to growth. Connect with people that truly can help.
Top Ten Tips for Networking
1. Focus on building quality relationships FIRST. When making Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter connections and immediately send out emails pitching your business. I hate it when people do that to me on Facebook! First, I get more than 50 emails a day on Facebook. Second, these people don’t even introduce themselves and find out about me and what I do. People know when you are not sincere and you are just trying to sell em’ fast. Just like if you are looking for a mate, you don’t meet for a first date and have the wedding planner sitting at dinner making plans for the church and honeymoon. You focus on building a quality relationship first.
2. Connect with people outside your industry that offer complimentary services to what you do. This way you pass referrals to each other without competition. For instance, an insurance company can team up with a wealth management firm to get leads or form a join venture deal.
3. Attend the right networking events. Some networking events are more targeted and charge money, but you get good contacts. Don’t worry about the amount of people attending, it is the quality of people. Example: You are in B2B sales and need to reach C level executives but you attend an event where entry level sales people are attending. That was a big waste of time.
4. Not all free networking events are good. There are some events that charge a fee and connect you with quality contacts. In Atlanta, Susan Knox puts on Corporate Connections.
5. Go to tradeshows to meet people, consider getting a booth to showcase your services.
6. Go to business award events to meet key people.
7. Join a group through Facebook. Linkedin, Twitter, Meetup or Ning. They have hundreds of groups to select.
8. If you volunteer for a charity approach businesses about joining your cause. You are helping your charity and getting the business to know more about your company. My favorite charity is Cancer Warriors.
9. If you own a small company network with a bigger company to get projects. It may even lead to a long-term consulting gig.
10. Join organizations catering to entrepreneurs which include ALL of the following: networking, learning new information, marketing opportunities for your business, and coaching. All of these components are essential. CEO Space is a great example.
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