Guidelines for Effective business Networking
Do you often struggle networking for your business?
Read this article to become a super-skilled networker and take your business to new heights.
Everyone’s talking about networking these days. Connections, contacts, links – you know; building that business pool to draw from. Well, no doubt, networking is one of the BEST ways to promote your business. A recent survey showed that 78% of startups believe networking is vital to their entrepreneurial success, even if it has changed slightly since COVID. In and around the Fraser Valley is no different, we assure you. And, who can question that? Since networking really does spread the word about your product, which ultimately leads to more clients, more business and more sales for you. Unfortunately, the problem is: Not everyone is good at networking, as it is often a seed that needs time to grow, and we deal in a world of immediate gratification.
But, if you are among those still willing to try it and see its massive value, this article is a must-read for you. Read the six Oi Marketing-friendly tips on networking below, and become the networking pro you were meant to be.
1) Have A defined Goal.
First, create a plan!
You know, most entrepreneurs who fail at networking is due to a lack of clearly defined goals. They don’t know who to talk to and what to look for when networking. And, people sense this lack of purpose almost instantaneously. They know whether a person is talking real business or just hot air.
So, frame a clear plan and be focused on that when you go for networking.
2) Attend Business Seminars.
Business meetings and seminars are the best platforms to connect with big parties. For example, your city’s chamber of commerce or BIA might hold annual business meet-ups for entrepreneurs, and it’s worth turning up at such events. You never know who you might bump into.
So, you must attend such networking events regularly and nurture connections with everyone.
3) Focus on Giving Rather than Taking.
Don’t be selfish while networking.
Put your plan on the back burner and look for ways to help OTHERS. Because if there’s one thing that can foil your networking efforts, it’s being selfish and thinking, ‘what’s in it for me?’ Such an attitude puts everybody off.
Real networking is based on trust and value-offering. Forget about yourself and focus on giving others some value. That’s a sure-shot way to secure long-term paying relationships at networking.
4) Work on Your Communication Skills.
Your success in networking depends a lot on how well you communicate. But, don’t fret. Communication is not some genie you’ve got to trap in a bottle. It’s easier than you think. The key to mastering communication is being open-minded, acting natural and warm right from the start of your conversations. Drop all pretence and be yourself. To hone your communication, you could take some courses or read a good book on some skills that will aid you in networking situations.
To get you started, here’s a solid recommendation: How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie.
5) Be Active on Social Media.
Social media is now a perpetual reality; the sooner you accept it, the better. Possibly no entrepreneur can today survive (or thrive at least) without having any social media presence.
So, make up some attractive SM pages for your business and interact with your fans and clients. Or even better, get an SM expert to act as your VA and do the internet marketing for you.
6) Always follow up!
Last but not least, always follow up on your networking engagements. Everyone gets annoyed with people who never follow up on their agreements and disappear without a trace as if nothing ever happened.
So, are you ready to jump up, hit that question mark box and chase down a green mushroom? It’s time to level up your networking game.
