After Networking for 5yrs now, it seems like I'm just now learning the process of Networking. I started networking after I moved back to my Hometown and I started working for Vector Marketing (Cutco) and Thirty-One Gifts. When I moved back I realized that I didn't have a network of friends/people because I graduated high school before I moved away. Now, I needed to created that network of people to introduce my products to so that I could sell and make a paycheck.
During the last 5 years, I have learned a lot about networking and here I am going to share what I have learned. It's not perfect and it might not be for everyone. Hopefully you can get a few gold nuggets either way.
Here are a few steps to Networking:
1. Reasons for Networking
Before you start, you need to figure out why you are networking and what you want to get out of networking part of this is that you need to know your target audience. Once you figure out what you what results you are looking for and who you want to meet, next is to figure out where your target audiance will most likely be mingling at. For example, if they are Stay-at-Home Mothers, then they will probably not going to be hanging out a bar at 10p with their girlfriends. So next...
2. Finding a Event!
After figuring out who you want to meet up with and where will be a good place to find them, go to different websites to find the groups/events to be a part of.
Remember, there are ways to "Network" without being part of a Network event. These Non-Networking events are fun in their own ways. A group with a common interest can expand your network without the pressure of the title. Don't let anyone fool you into thinking all your networking must have a strict business theme.
Where to Start:
Facebook.com Groups/Pages/Events
There are other groups that you can join:
BNI groups
Local Chamber
Rotary Club
3. Have a Plan when you go to an Event!!
When you go to a Networking Event, have a plan before showing up. The reason for this will help you to make the most out of the event. Remember, not everyone you meet at the event will be your target customer.
Also, you need to know what you are going to say when someone ask you "What do you do?" When you meet someone, get to know them. This is one question that people ask to help break that ice. (Another question is "How did you find out about this group/event?")
Remember, wherever you go, just be social and have fun. Also, have something to give them to take away to help remember you by and easy to have your contact information at their finger tips.
4. At The Event
It's always good to mingle as much as possible with as many as possible. But don't be like one of those people that is on a mission to just give your business cards with everyone one in the group. Networking Events is an "introduction" meeting with people that you meet with at the event.
Make sure you are connecting with the people you are meeting. It's good to have a goal to how many people you want to introduce yourself with while you are there. Also, while you are there, make an effort to set a certain number of one-on-one meetings with those that you truly connected with and want to continue the conversation with. This your homework. In those next one-on-one meetings is where the magic starts and you are building that relationship with.
This is the step where a lot of people stop at and don't do the next step...
5. The Follow-Up After The Event!!!!
After you have attend an event, follow up with those that you spoke to. The goal is to be able to meet-up with them so you can build that relationship so that you can refer them to someone and hopefully do business with each other. Regardless, the goal is go get business. If they can't actually give you business themselves, they might know someone or two that is looking for what you have to offer.
The Follow-Up is huge. This is the key that will set you apart from the rest. I have so many business cards from when I first started networking and when I didn't learn the follow-up step yet, I started to go through them and throwing so many away because neither one of us followed up with each other and I never saw them at another event. How can someone trust you to do business with or refer you to a friend if you are not willing to take the time to create a relationship with them.
So create a plan to help you keep in touch with those that you meet.
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