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Effective Networking Tips
From my friend Steve Rennie at Hammerhouse LLC:
A well-known quote that can help you be more successful is, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” With that said, how can you take your business to the next level by meeting the right people? The answer — networking. By honing your networking skills, you’ll become better at making contacts, gleaning relevant information and using connections to achieve both business and personal goals. After all, when your contacts know, like and trust you, you’ll have the edge in initiating new opportunities.
Learning to network effectively is not new. In fact, one of the definitive guides on the subject dates to 1936 with Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” which offers simple and timeless advice for getting ahead.
So how can you become a networking superstar?
Embrace the basics — Make a point to smile, listen and actively engage potential contacts in conversation. Sounds obvious, but it works.
Be the expert — People want to do business with the best in business. Do your research, know your market and have answers and options at the ready.
Make effective use of time — Skip the small talk, be direct and specific, and ask questions. You won’t learn if you don’t ask.
Join social networking groups — Interactive networking groups based on occupation, common interest, goals, location, etc., may be joined via chambers of commerce, executive roundtables, industry-specific councils and BIN (Business Networking International), among others.
Go online — Online resources (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Ecademy and Focus, etc.) are ideal because participants already have “opted in” to the process and, like you, are actively seeking contacts.
Think outside the box — You never know where your next lead (and profitable opportunity) may come from. Don’t rule out referrals from outside your area of expertise. In fact, seeking them out can put you ahead of your competitors.
Take an honest look at your networking efforts — Are they bearing fruit? Have you generated leads that resulted in new business? Are you doing all you can to secure new contacts and improve existing relationships? If the answer to these questions is no, then it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
Let me know how this topic IMPACTs your business. Hammerhouse will continue to strive to create value by reporting on the trends and best business practices in our industry. If you want to find out more, give us a call.
Steve Rennie
Hammerhouse LLC
Strategic Growth Partners
Integrity – Value – Results
O: 949.525.9407 | C: 949.466.8623
steve.rennie@teamhammerhouse.net
www.teamhammerhouse.net
