Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould
Most often in this article we discuss success strategies for membership in your local chamber of commerce. Today we'll learn "how to" by examining what not to do!
It's just sad. As an insider at the chamber of commerce I have the opportunity to help people move their business forward. I have a front row seat as well meaning members provide new comers with leads and referrals. And I get to see first hand when people actually get business as a result of their networking efforts. So what could be so sad?
Far too often I watch excited new members come to an event for the first time and do the one thing that will assure their failure in networking (and life). They fail to follow up.
It would seem quite simple. You pay good money for access to an organization. You then further invest with your time by attending events. You become known, liked, and trusted. You receive a lead or referral. And then you fail to follow up? What's going on here?
While I have found no hard evidence to reference, I believe more than eighty-percent of the referrals that are given are never contacted. Frankly I suspect it is quite a bit more than eighty-percent. The fact is that at least eight out of ten of the leads and referrals I share never get a follow up phone call.
Regardless of the lead or referral, you should follow up on all leads or referrals within twenty-four hours. That means that if you can't fit follow up into your schedule, perhaps you shouldn't attend an event that will result in leads and referrals.
We have all heard that we only have one chance to make a good first impression. While this holds true for a one on one meeting, it is amplified when you are a part of a group. Your failure to follow up will spread throughout the group faster and your chances will diminish quickly. You'll soon be thought of as unreliable. That is a reputation we should all endeavor to avoid.
There is some good news however. If you follow up and let people know you appreciate their referrals and leads, you will get more. And getting more means you'll be getting more business. So if you've neglected your referrals and leads, begin giving each one your full attention and you'll build a reputation of being reliable. That's a reputation we all need.
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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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