If its one thing I learned early on when I started my business, it was to always carry myself in a pleasant manner and smile often when communicating with others. You see to me, I always thought to myself that anyone I come into contact with is a potential client. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that everyone I come into contact with, I'm trying to turn them into a potential client. But what I'm saying is that you never know if a business relationship could be established through a mere casual encounter. Now if you apply what I just stated above, to these Top 5 Ways to Market Your Business, you're on your way to networking success.
Attend Events - Not Only Networking Events: Often times the first thing people think about is attending networking events. If you're in business, almost every event you attend should be considered to be a networking opportunity. Even at casual affairs, having casual conversation with someone could strike up an opportunity to talk about what you do and may even open the opportunity for a chance to hand that person a business card. I have personally developed many client relationships this way. Especially because that person considered me to be part of the 'in-crowd' for that affair because I was a guest like them.
That brings me to Tip #2 - Always walk with your business cards: If you are in business, having your business cards should be like your American Express Card... don't leave home without them. Building networking opportunities is a numbers game. The more cards you hand out, the more exposure to your business. Many years ago while I was at my hair salon appointment, I was chatting with someone sitting next to me while waiting to be serviced. Our conversation provided an opportunity for me to hand out my card. I didn't think she was interested because I didn't hear from her. Nine months later she called, used my service, referred me to a few of her contacts and became a repeat customer two years later.
Educate Yourself on the Art of Networking: You must understand the difference between networking and sales. Networking involves getting to know other people and having people getting to know you. Sales is about closing deals. Even though they can often co-exist, networking and selling don't mix and you must never come across as soliciting when you're trying to network. If funds permit, it wouldn't hurt to take a skill building program with organizations like contactscount.com which is based on the best-selling book "Make Your Contacts Count".
Be Interested in Other People and their Business: When someone talks, listen. When you're networking, you should be interested in hearing more about the person you're talking to. The more you know, the better you will be able to assess their needs and whether or not you have something of value to offer them, even if it is to refer them to someone who can help them. If its a good referral, they will remember you. In return, by you showing interest in them, they will show interest in you.
Don't Just Join Some of the Popular Social Networks of Today become involved in your Social Networks. Join groups and participate in discussions. Request to become 'friends' with people you don't know and explain in your friend request that you're looking to network with people who ___________ (fill in the blank).
Sometimes you can even try networking with famous people. A good source online - contactanycelebrity.com.
-- A mother of two, tax specialist, entrepreneur, motivator, small
business consultant, and business plan writer, Ktasha N. Hardge is
President & CEO of Hardge Connections, LLC. She has been helping
people for 20 years, keep more of what they make. Visit hardgeconnections.com for more info.
