I think first you need to have a good relationship ( contact) with people, when they trust you, then they can do business with you, or more importantly they can refer you business
Networking is the opportunity to be at the same place with other businesses, and people who network on behalf of businesses. Businesses are represented by people. When networking is conducted repetitively and consistently with the same business people, several things happen as a result. One thing is relationships form. Trust can be a natural result of these relationships, if only by the consistent dedication to the networking and meeting product, or by a past client experience. In all of this is opportunity and access to both "contact and contracts". The marketing department of Bensalem's auto body store, Autocrafters CARSTAR Collision recommends networking and networking organizations. Get involved. Seek them out. If you are local to Bensalem, let us know. We are happy to talk to you about networking in our area. We have developed many contacts and contracts as a result.
Learning how to make the most of networking and how to pick the right networking groups is important to learn. Once you figure out the right groups your message needs to pop just like when writing a good blog so you are memorable instead of boring. It's an art that you need to learn that will really work if done correctly.
When at an event, we should be looking to build relationships and then all else follows. Many times we put our needs first and it is very apparent to the person we have just meet.Just like when we first meet a Client at the Dealership, we find out their needs before showing a car. The more you help people get what they want, then you will get what you want!
When networking, building connection, providing service (don't just talk about yourself, but ask questions and provide service to the people you are meeting) and building trust through repeated contact and engagement, will provide the best results.
I think I have a slightly different take on your question, too. When we network, it is often for different reasons: to attract clients and also meet referral and possible business collaboration partners. They might be in the same place, but they often aren't so I would suggest thinking about why you are going to an event before you go and set an intention about what you are looking for.
I would still suggest following the building connection and trust and providing a service to whomever you are meeting, for whichever intention, but I suggest know what you are hoping to achieve before you enter in to the discussions so you will get the best results.
Networking events are like speed dating. Everyone there is eager to talk and get to know each other with the ultimate goal of finding ways to help each other. That can be by introducing them to other like-minded people, referring business to another person or finding new business. It is always fun to meet new people!
I find that networking is most effective when I meet others with whom I can connect to my existing network. I'm not thinking about selling my services to the people I meet, I'm thinking of who I can introduce them to that would be a beneficial relationship for both parties.
This approach helps everyone win, including myself, if only for the fact that I have helped someone else, and improved my reputation as a connector - which can result in business for all down the road.
Rather than looking to get either of the above. Look to get a coffee. What I mean by that is, right there and then as you receive the business card. Ask them when would be an appropriate time to meet for a coffee. You agree a time and day and write it down on their business card right in front of their eyes. A contact is one thing, a coffee is another. Coffee leads to a contract.
I think listening first and then speaking is one of the essentials to successful networking. It's not hard to do, simply let the other person speak first. Most people don’t realize this, but the person who talks about herself first is only being half listened to. If your counterpart is preoccupied with what she’s going to say when it’s her turn to speak, she’ll only be partially tuning in to what you’re saying. But by asking the other person questions first, she’ll will be much more relaxed and focused when the conversation turns to you.
Answers (1-10)
I think first you need to have a good relationship ( contact) with people, when they trust you, then they can do business with you, or more importantly they can refer you business
Networking is the opportunity to be at the same place with other businesses, and people who network on behalf of businesses. Businesses are represented by people. When networking is conducted repetitively and consistently with the same business people, several things happen as a result. One thing is relationships form. Trust can be a natural result of these relationships, if only by the consistent dedication to the networking and meeting product, or by a past client experience. In all of this is opportunity and access to both "contact and contracts". The marketing department of Bensalem's auto body store, Autocrafters CARSTAR Collision recommends networking and networking organizations. Get involved. Seek them out. If you are local to Bensalem, let us know. We are happy to talk to you about networking in our area. We have developed many contacts and contracts as a result.
Learning how to make the most of networking and how to pick the right networking groups is important to learn. Once you figure out the right groups your message needs to pop just like when writing a good blog so you are memorable instead of boring. It's an art that you need to learn that will really work if done correctly.
When at an event, we should be looking to build relationships and then all else follows. Many times we put our needs first and it is very apparent to the person we have just meet.Just like when we first meet a Client at the Dealership, we find out their needs before showing a car. The more you help people get what they want, then you will get what you want!
Hi Pamela,
When networking, building connection, providing service (don't just talk about yourself, but ask questions and provide service to the people you are meeting) and building trust through repeated contact and engagement, will provide the best results.
I think I have a slightly different take on your question, too. When we network, it is often for different reasons: to attract clients and also meet referral and possible business collaboration partners. They might be in the same place, but they often aren't so I would suggest thinking about why you are going to an event before you go and set an intention about what you are looking for.
I would still suggest following the building connection and trust and providing a service to whomever you are meeting, for whichever intention, but I suggest know what you are hoping to achieve before you enter in to the discussions so you will get the best results.
Hope that helps!
Sandra
Networking events are like speed dating. Everyone there is eager to talk and get to know each other with the ultimate goal of finding ways to help each other. That can be by introducing them to other like-minded people, referring business to another person or finding new business. It is always fun to meet new people!
This approach helps everyone win, including myself, if only for the fact that I have helped someone else, and improved my reputation as a connector - which can result in business for all down the road.
Rather than looking to get either of the above. Look to get a coffee. What I mean by that is, right there and then as you receive the business card. Ask them when would be an appropriate time to meet for a coffee. You agree a time and day and write it down on their business card right in front of their eyes. A contact is one thing, a coffee is another. Coffee leads to a contract.
Listen First, then Speak
Pamela,
I think listening first and then speaking is one of the essentials to successful networking.
It's not hard to do, simply let the other person speak first. Most people don’t realize this, but the person who talks about herself first is only being half listened to. If your counterpart is preoccupied with what she’s going to say when it’s her turn to speak, she’ll only be partially tuning in to what you’re saying. But by asking the other person questions first, she’ll will be much more relaxed and focused when the conversation turns to you.
All the best,
Yolanda
I look for contacts and end with getting them to write an offer on a home that meets their wants and needs. Working for the Success of others!