Making Networking Work

Several years ago, "networking" was the hot buzzword. Everyone was talking about building their network, because this was the secret to becoming incredibly successful. Well, yes, networking is a great way to build a business, but not necessarily the way a lot of people went about it.

Networking is still one of the best ways to get new customers, and maintain relationships with existing customers. But you have to do it effectively.

Going to every meeting you can find, and thrusting your business cards into the hands of every person you can corner isn't networking. To do it right, you have to be with the right groups, and make connections with the right individuals. Networking doesn't mean having fleeting contact with as many people as you can, it means building relationships with the right people.

Who should be in your network? Customers, potential customers, entrepreneurs in other fields who serve the same types of customers you do, people who can mentor you, people you can mentor, people with information you need, and maybe even your competitors.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Choose a networking group based on the type of people you want to meet. Who are your best prospects--business owners, HR professionals, writers, nurses, lawyers? Participate in groups catering to them.

Don't overlook your "competition," but don't expect to build your business there. Many of us join groups with others who do what we do. That's great for getting information about the industry and making connections within it, but you probably won't find customers there. Don't focus all your attention on your industry group.

Choose a few groups and attend regularly, rather than attending one meeting each of dozens of groups. Just as with other marketing methods, people need to see you or hear of you several times before they feel comfortable enough to do business with you. Plus, most people won't remember you all that well if they've only met you once. See the same people many times, and you will become familiar.

Look for relationships where you can contribute, as well as benefit. Networking is a two-way street. If you are doing all the receiving (or all the giving) it won't last long.

Practice your 10-Second Brag(tm). You need to be able to get your message across quickly and effectively, so know how to say what you do in a short, benefit-oriented statement.

Offer to speak to groups which include the people you want to reach. It's a great way of making yourself visible and sticking in the minds of your prospects.

Take on responsibilities. Become an officer. Write a column for the newsletter. Join a committee. Truly become a part of the group.

And don't just focus on formal networking "groups." You can build connections any time you meet someone who is a good fit for your network. Next time you're standing in line at the office supply store or post office, strike up a conversation. Pick up the phone and call someone you've only met once (or perhaps never met), someone you think you could help and could help you. Get to know people online--they can be important members of your network.

Your network can be a source of business, of friendship, of support, of information, of the things you need to build your business and lead a satisfying life. Something that important shouldn't be done scattershot. Put thought and effort into surrounding yourself with the right people, and being an important part of their networks as well.

Copyright Cathy Stucker. As the Idea Lady, Cathy Stucker can help you attract customers and make yourself famous with inexpensive and free marketing ideas. Get free tips, articles and more at http://www.IdeaLady.com/.

---

Logo Facts

What makes one logo better than another?Simplicity.A good logo works... Read More

Stretch Your Marketing Reach

One of the most cost effective marketing strategies you can... Read More

Stop Searching - Joint Ventures are the Solution to Doubling Your Business

First, define the end user (or ideal client) of your... Read More

A Successful Solution: 10 Things to Consider

A provocation for the coming year, decade, century or millennium.By... Read More

The Power of Thank You

Sometimes we loose site of the small things in life... Read More

7 Great Ways to Market Yourself and Your Business to Help Increase Sales

Do you own a business and need ideas on how... Read More

Ten Deadly Proposal Preparation Pitfalls

Let's face it, the name "proposal" is a great misnomer,... Read More

Five Steps to a Web Site That Sells

I'm always amazed that people would spend months to develop... Read More

Direct Mail Response Rates Mislead if You are Careless

I could tell you that the average temperature in the... Read More

Misrepresentation - Through Silence!

We're back to the subject of ethics, more specifically, business... Read More

Take It To The Customer

In the past, purchasing ad space was the solution to... Read More

Discount Promotional Items ? How to Save Money

It takes money to make money is an adage we... Read More

Developing a Contact List- Part Two

In a previous installment, we spoke about how to come... Read More

Small Business Pricing Strategies

Think the best way to get more customers is to... Read More

Dont Advertise Your Business - Market It!

Too many business owners believe that marketing their business means... Read More

Postcards Work

What's the fastest, simplest and cheapest way to promote just... Read More

Business Card Design - How to Stand out and Get Noticed

One of the most powerful, yet over looked weapons in... Read More

How to Turn More Referrals Into Paying Clients

60% of all small business owners, sales and solo-professionals claim... Read More

A Look at Color Brochure Printing

Brochures have become vital in today's workplace, serving a wide... Read More

Top Five Tips For Designing Marketing Strategies That Get Results

"But this won't work" said Steve. "I've tried it in... Read More

Marketing Success - Marketing Strategy - Brand Identity Guru

Marketing message x Credibility x Visibility = Marketing SuccessThese three... Read More

Marketing Person You Think You Arent

Have you thought about starting your own business? Have you... Read More

6 Article Marketing Smarts: How To Get More Reprints And Exposure

Article marketing is the latest buzzword for marketers... Read More

Will Googles Gmail spell trouble for Email Marketing.

We wait with baited breath for the anticipated launch of... Read More

Utilizing Your Best Hidden Asset To Increase Sales

You probably already have in your possession one of the... Read More

Prepare Your Communications For Growth

As the American economy emerges from recession, many businesses are... Read More

Build Your Business Through Networking

Here's one of the most important success principles you'll ever... Read More

10 Ways to Get Your Flyers Noticed

An inexpensive way to promote your services is to createvarious... Read More

Consider Consumer Psychology

In your marketing efforts, be they on or offline, it's... Read More

2 Little Words That Work Marketing Magic

In his classic best-seller, "How To Win Friends And Influence... Read More

Are You Playing Checkers or Chess?

When you think about how to attract more clients for... Read More

Did Jesus Get Killed for Practicing Interruption Marketing?

I'm reading Seth Godin's Permission Marketing and he brings up... Read More

The Beginners Mail Order Business Guide

No claim is made that the steps outlined would be... Read More