Networking Tips

1)CREATE OPPORTUNITY!

I know it sounds elementary, however it always happens...don't forget to carry your business cards at all times! Take it one step further and practice striking up a conversation with people who you don't already know. Hand out your card at least 3 times a day...remember, no one can sell you better than you!

2) GIVE!!

The rule of reciprocity...people will want to reciprocate for a nicety bestowed unto them. Don't sit around and wait to receive, take initiative, create a list of people you know and ask them questions such as are you happy with your accountant/travel agent/realtor? ? It is an easy conversation to have with people you know, and who already trust you. If the answer is "no", invite them to a meeting with you there. Can you imagine a stronger referral? With that type of effort, your piers will strive to do the same for you!

3) Tout & Shout!

Do you have valuable shelf space in your workplace? If you have a counter, why not utilize it as a resource section for local professionals who you consider to give excellent service? Simply collect cards/brochures from the members of your chapter, let them know that you're going to display them in a highly visible place and ask if they can do the same for you.

4) LISTEN!!!

In order to refer anyone to your clients, friends, neighbors, co-workers and family...you must trust them! Get to know the people in your group, and I don't mean just their names! You should listen closely to the weekly presenter, ask questions and even take notes. If you don't know why people should do business with them, how can you possibly convey that message to others? Also, the reciprocity factor applies here as well, if you ask people about what they do, they will want to learn about you as well. Then they too can be ready to refer the most valuable people in their lives to you!

5) Free Samples!

(Last time I checked, Baskin & Robbins is still in business)! No one works for free, that is not what we are suggesting here. However, small gestures go a long, long way. Offer up a discount/sample/coupon/special offer/incentive for you team. Let them try your product/services and watch the referrals flow! After all, the best way to describe anything is only after experiencing it yourself )

6) Bring your"A" game!

Keep in mind that every single time you get in front of people, you're making an impression. In networking groups, you are trying to achieve the highest level of trust and respect, with the ultimate goal of growing your business through referrals from your members. Punctuality, dressing for success and good grooming may seem like small things...they're not! These "minor" details can be difference makers in your piers' minds. If a person is chronically late, one may think they will be late or unreliable on a regular basis. If one shows up appearing as if they rolled out of bed and couldn't afford the time to iron a shirt, it may create the impression that they are disorganized or a procrastinator. We all know no one is perfect, however, we can always strive for it!

7) Write it Down!

It never fails. I'm on my way to a store and have 3 things I absolutely need to get...you know the rest of this story! When you are in a meeting, even if it's a social one, and you realize you know someone who can benefit from this person's services, or perhaps they are looking for employment and this person just told you they need help! I promise, even with the best of intentions we all forget or get distracted and don't remember in a timely fashion. Write it down, it doesn't matter if it's a notebook, your pda, iphone or cocktail napkin...as long as it's retrievable (and legible)!

8) HW! Do your homework!

I was one of those kids in high school who would rather do anything, even work, as opposed to do my homework! There was no internet back then, and who knows, perhaps that would've made the difference. It certainly makes it inexcusable today. Anyone can type in a name and find out some basic info on just about everyone. It is much more impressive to your prospects/existing clients if you show an interest in them. If they were featured in a newspaper, mention it. If they are on facebook and list their interest in golf, why not use it as a talking topic? All human beings like to feel that they are interesting. Remember that famous quote..."They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - John C. Maxwell

9) Positive Attitude!

Are you the type of person who others want to do business with? Are you a positive person? Do you try to help others and look to be a problem solver, not problem pointer outer? Catch yourself! If you're tempted to complain, whether it's the weather, the economy, the Mets/Jets/Nets or whatever...notice that a positive person talks of hope, optimism and potential with the same exact topics!

10) Follow up!

There is no substitute for follow up...NONE! Lack of doing so is the fastest way to lose a customer, lose a referral partner and lose your professional reputation :( Remember, if you receive a referral it's because they trust you, but trust is sensitive and needs constant support. Be a follow up guru who if you're guilty of anything...it's over follow up! (And Yes... I know that's not grammatically correct, but it's the point that matters)!