How Can I Break Into Cliques?

Have you ever gone to a networking function and seen THE person who you feel could help you most there, except that person is surrounded by people ALL the time? Have you ever tried to enter into a conversation with that circle of people, only to have gotten the feeling you were intruding? How do you get an audience with a person who is constantly surrounded by "gatekeepers"? This happens often at gatherings that do not have a structured agenda- in other words in places where open networking is promoted. Here's an effective approach to meeting the person you want to meet.

Watching the people that surround your prospect will tell you a lot about each person's connection to the prospect. There will be people who are there as casual acquaintances, and others who have strong ties to your prospect. The ones with the stronger ties are usually the most helpful in accomplishing your goal of meeting this person. They have already built a relationship with your prospect and can now help you begin to build one as well.

Sooner or later, one of the people who has a strong tie with your prospect, will leave that group. They will head for food, drinks, or a restroom. This is your opportunity to speak with this person away from the group. Once separated from the group, these people are usually very friendly and helpful, even though they were very protective of their "space" when in the group.

Be prepared with a casual non-threatening comment about the weather, the food, the attendance, or anything else that is appropriate for that gathering. You will usually get a positive response to comments of this general variety. Also, be prepared to request an introduction to the person you wish to meet. Something like, "I see you know Mr. Magoo. I wonder if you would mind introducing me to him? I would be interested in finding out more about what he does. I might be able to refer some work his way in the future". Notice that this request is to meet Mr. Magoo so that you might refer him some business and not the other way around. You must really want to help Mr. Magoo, too, or you won't sound sincere.

You have just told this person that you want to help their friend, Mr. Magoo. You haven't said that you want Mr. Magoo's help. Until you build a relationship with Mr. Magoo, you probably won't get his help. The first step to building that relationship, is getting that introduction. Mr. Magoo's friend has an opportunity to bring you and Mr. Magoo together, and Mr. Magoo could benefit. This is a win- win situation. This is the beginning of building a relationship that will be mutually beneficial. Giving before receiving- it works every time.

Ok, you've gotten introduced. What do you say to start building a strong business relationship? Next week's column will address what to say next.

Nancy Roebke, is the Executive Director of Profnet Inc, a professional business leads generation corporation. We bring business professionals together in a non-competitive environment to help each other make more money.

mailto:execdirector@profnet.org http://www.profnet.org

Copyright c Nancy Roebke

---

Will Googles Gmail spell trouble for Email Marketing.

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

The Truth About The Fallacy Of 7

Ted Nicholas is a marketer with a proven track record.... Read More

Eight No Cost Ways to Market Your Business

Are you trying to promote your business with a tiny... Read More

Your Marketing Message

Your message is first among your weapons in the battle... Read More

Everybody Loves Raymond....You Should Too!

Popular TV Series Provides a Powerful Marketing LessonSmall Business owners... Read More

Network Marketing Is Definitely A Relationship Business

Heavily branded websites like amazon.com are household names and carry... Read More

Discover 7 Hidden Profit Producing Secrets

Would you like to learn the lessons of the businesses... Read More

Ditch Coupons Before Customers Ditch You

Everyone wants to feel like they're getting a good deal.... Read More

Uncover Your Hidden Markets

Want a simple, low-cost way to boost your sales? Just... Read More

Direct Mail Still Works!

Direct Mail CampaignsDespite the proliferation of communication facilitators--mobile phones, faxes,... Read More

The 5 Musts of Marketing

For most of the small business owners I work with,... Read More

The Real Marketing Genius

I spend a lot of my time reading books and... Read More

How to Write Fundraising Letters That Motivate Donors To Make Donations to Your Non-Profit

Motivating strangers to give their money away is one of... Read More

Radio Advertising Works With These Tips!

Advertising on the radio can be an effective lead generation... Read More

Mortgage Marketing - How to Find Your Niche

Ann Landers, Dr. Phil and Roger Ebert take pleasure in... Read More

How To Successfully Launch A New Business Activity

I often talk with business owners who tell me how... Read More

The Future of Marketing Part 1

It used to be if you were a small business,... Read More

Nurture Sales Leads with Direct Mail Marketing

Direct mail is a cost-effective way to make sales and... Read More

Trigger Button Marketing

Sometimes, experiencing bleak sales is a matter of failing to... Read More

Dont Let Your Business Cards End Up in the Trash

Business cards are such wonderfully creative little marketing products. Most... Read More

Make Your E-Mail Signature File WORK for You!

You're probably familiar with e-mail signature (or "sig") files -... Read More

Developing A Focused Marketing Strategy

You want all of your marketing messages to have a... Read More

Build Relationships

Personal marketing makes it easier to sell, by building relationships... Read More

Knock, knock. Whos There? Your Target Market, Are You Listening?

Have you ever had a conversation with a person who... Read More

3 Ways to Gain and KEEP Customers Using Postcards

In today's competitive (sometimes cutthroat) marketplace, savvy business owners need... Read More

Marketing Strategies: What Choices Do You Have?

Most business people want to see improvements in sales and... Read More

The Money Making Secret of The Toll Booth Position

I'm a marketing consultant and at one of my client-companies,... Read More

Successful Surveys: 10 Tips for Better Results

Why would you use an email or online survey when... Read More

The Beginners Mail Order Opportunity Guide

The "Mail Order" business is not a business of itself,... Read More

Money-Makers Secrets to Renting Profitable Mailing Lists

As an entrepreneur involved in selling and/or promotion... Read More

5 Steps To Help Fail-Proof Your Growing Service Business

Business startup and failure rates are scary...In The USA...- Every... Read More

SWOT Analysis -- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

When conducting strategic planning for any company -- online and/or... Read More

Large One?

Here's a proven, and truly easy way to start increasing... Read More