Basic Networking Tips

Networking

WHEN YOU’RE OUTING & ABOUTING …

I’m busy preparing for a couple of speeches on networking at present and have been reminded of a few of the basics that I thought you might appreciate too…

I think networking’s one of the wisest things we can do both as individuals or business owners! and the thing is, it’s not hard. Some of the basics ….

Think about whether you’re easy to talk to and whether you’re a good listener. Make sure you’re not doing a "me, me, me" exercise in futility; remember to ask lots of questions and genuinely be interested. If you’re not – move on politely;

Keep your business cards handy (I so hate that women’s clothes aren’t made with many pockets!) but ensure that you also ask for the other person’s card because you’re going to be the one who is more likely to follow up.

Really, really important ...
Follow up within 24 hours! The next step could be a meeting to further discuss how you can help each other or your clients. Remember to think laterally and to have some fun.

Be sure that you’re nice to be near – remember some perfumes can be absolute killers (as can the after shave guys, so go lightly!) and check the breath’s fresh and you look professional. Remember SMILE: SMILE: SMILE and let me know how these tips impact on your next networking event.

Like most things sucess comes with practice.

Get out there and :"Just Do It".

Tell me how you get on.

Gaylene  



To succeed... You have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes reality - Anita Roddick

Business Tips - Networking

I’ve thought long and hard about how to start this blog, then as the name of my company goes, I thought “Just Do It!” … get the show on the road. There is no set way … no right way.

The purpose of this blog is to:
a) encourage questions around any area of business that is impacting on you;
b) to brainstorm issues and challenges that we may be having;
c) to share our knowledge;
d) to network with others; and
e) to have some fun :)
Each time I blog, ideally I can share a business tip or 2 or 3 & I’d love you to share yours!

Because I’ve recently come back from Australia with an awesome award in my suitcase (that of ActionCOACH network coach – voted on by my peers)
You can see my picture:

Perhaps the ideal place to start is with networking and the importance of this in your business. It amazing the number of business owners I meet who do not network regularly and do not like to make that first contact with someone. So some:

Networking Tips …
* To make the most of a networking event, spend 75% of your time with people you don’t know;
* Think before hand about how you want to introduce yourself (write it down & practice it!)
* Have a great attitude … & remember to smile!
* Have a plan of where & when … & remember to go where your customers/prospects go; and last but certainly not least …
* Networking works well when you employ the 2-word secret: SHOW UP!

I’d love to hear your positive networking stories and/or your concerns and also what’s impacting on you in this tricky economic environment. Talk to you soon…




To succeed... You have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes reality - Anita Roddick