Business networking and communication are vital and also the most effective as well as least expensive of all marketing techniques. When done properly, it can help develop your practice or business within a local area setting. However, many practitioners and business owners do not prefer to network or derive effective results from it. This is probably because they are unaware of the correct execution process or have unrealistic expectations concerning result timing. But following certain guidelines will allow you to benefit from it immensely.
Tips to Ensure Business Networking Success
1. Develop a relationship:
You need to understand that business networking does not mean selling but trying to create relationships. This, in turn, can help result in referrals or sales. You need to connect with a lot of people and know them better. They should know you. The network is often approached with an expectation to get clients or making sales. This is immediately after visiting a particular group. It is a wrong notion. The fact is that people prefer to deal with those they trust and know well. Hence, earning trust and building that knowledge will take time.
Hence, network events are best approached without having any prior expectations to get new business. Rather, the purpose should be to meet new people or get more attention from those you already know. This automatically develops Customer Relationships.
2. Right venue:
You need to understand that not every person or group can be your target audience. Hence, classify your segment and choose groups where you can find people sharing your interests. Special interest groups, network groups, women/men’s organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, etc. are potential choices.
3. Be prepared:
Carry lots of business cards wherever you go. But share it with those you feel have a genuine interest in your business. Printed postcards or brochures are effective. Select Project Management wisely.
4. Dress professionally and appropriately:
It is vital to establish yourself in your business. But there is no need to invest in expensive clothes. Rather, it should be something comfortable and make you appear professional.
5. Sit with strangers:
Some events hold walk-around network Project Management followed by sit-down meetings. Take the opportunity to mingle with both people you know and strangers. This can help enhance your network as well as meet potential customers.
6. Ask relevant questions:
Get to know about others, their professions/business, interests, etc. Also, listen to their answers carefully. Identify common points that can be used later to strike conversations and develop trust.
7. Move on politely:
Spend quality time with a good number of people during the event and not just a single person. Try to gather essential information. If appropriate, exchange business cards and then simply move on. It fosters Business communication and helps develop new clients.
8. Talk to those standing alone:
Many people tend to attend network events with the purpose to meet others. In case you find someone standing alone, then try to talk with them. Strike casual conversations.
9. Distribute to get:
Find out how you can benefit others and not the other way around. Maybe you have some contacts who might want to avail of your prospect’s services. Make referrals to increase Customer Relationships.
10. Follow-up:
Connect with people during the event and send a note later describing in short your enjoyment derived through this meeting. If appropriate, you may send some information or an article that they could find useful. Take their permission to include them in your mailing list.
Network effectively
Remember business networking is not actually a single event, but a complete process. You need to take out ample time to develop new relationships. Do be proactive to invite people to one-to-one meetings, thus knowing them better.
