Put join a group on your to do list with a big
underline, star and happy face. You’ll be glad you did for more reasons
than you can count. And the advice is coming from this confirmed
non-networker who, in 20 years of business, considered networking a
colossal waste of time. The old dog is here with a new trick.
Business networking groups bring together people who, most times,
are self- employed, successful entrepreneurs or corporate folk paid
truly paid for their efforts. (see commissioned salesperson) The types
of businesses these networkers represent vary, but the commonality is
they meet to share, learn and become better at their craft.
The networking meetings are held at times that are fairly convenient
even for the most type A business owner. Early morning, mid-day or
evening are the popular meeting times and all involve food of some type,
contests, and sometimes cocktails.
There is a networking etiquette that is a mix of business sense and
remembering what your mother taught you. Be nice. Smile. Be genuine.
Don’t show up looking to dazzle everyone you meet with your slick sales
pitch. To be sure, meet a lot of people, hand out a lot of cards, but
give before taking. Listen more than you talk. Question more than you
answer. Care about someone else and their plight.
What’s in it for me? That’s the common question in many business
conversations. Here’s what you get by joining a networking group:
New contacts--what business can’t use more contacts? The fellow
businesspersons you meet might be able to use your service. They also
know lots of people and aren’t shy about recommending you.
You look like an expert to your customers. As you meet new
professionals, you won’t hesitate to recommend them to your customers to
handle tasks you don’t. Your stock will rise appreciably with your
customer for being such a willing problem solver.
Education. The meetings always revolve around a guest speaker who
will bring to you valuable information about topics ranging from
accounting to law, sales to hiring an employee and much more.
Friendship. Everyone can use more friends. Imagine playing golf with those that share your passion.
Advice. Ask around and fellow networkers will be glad to dispense
it for free and many have already faced the same situation you now have.
Find a local networking group and get involved. It will be one of
the best decisions you ever made. Go ahead. Write it down. Your to do
list is waiting.
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