Networking is not an activity that is only done from 9 to 5 or in the evenings at networking events. It is done everywhere at all hours and to be successful at it, you must master both life skills, social skills as well as sales skills.
Once you have mastered the the skills, it is important to know the reasons you are networking; to get more prospects, to get more referrals, to get to know people in your industry, to get to know centers of influence, to build relationships, to stay active in your field of expertise, to make it easier to find a job, to make more sales and to be a resource to others.
To be a successful networker, you need a clear concise 30 second introduction, to know how to separate the suspects from the prospects by asking the right questions, to have a plan of who you want to meet and where they are most likely to be and having a follow-up plan.
The best places to network are:
- Chamber of Commerce Business Mixers
- Ribbon cuttings for Chambers of Commerce
- Events held by business networking groups
- Alumni group events
- Meet-up groups that attract like-minded business people.
- Adult classes that are related to your field of business.
- Service organization meetings such as Rotary, Lion’s Club etc.
- Organizations such as Toastmasters or Dale Carnegie
- Trade shows and business expos
- Cultural events which attract people of wealth.
- Volunteer activities in the local community.
- Charity events and parent participation events at local schools.
- Trade and professional association events.
- Country clubs or golf country clubs or yacht clubs
- Speed networking events
- One on one networking over coffee or lunch
- Health Clubs and book stores
- Airline clubs such as the Red Carpet Club
- Airplanes, trains etc.
- Any place where a line of people gathers and there is opportunity to make small talk.
The bottom line is that networking happens anywhere and everywhere. All you need need to do is be prepared, have a plan, dress professionally and ask open ended questions and remember that networking is about building relationships, not making sales. It is not just an opportunity to exchange business cards but an opportunity to be a resource.
Remember, that you are always just two minutes and two people away from your next referral. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet a new person and start a conversation. It does not matter whether or not you intended to do networking, it can happen anywhere or anytime. So forget what your mother told you and talk to strangers and practice the “f” word follow-up and watch your pipeline of prospects fill up.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
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