Business and Social Networking – Are You Ahead or Behind the Curve?

When it comes to networking, a few thoughts come to mind: breakfast meetings, cocktail hours, handing out business cards, listening to strangers meander on about how their company can help you…for many, it’s enough to make them hideout by the bar, or sneak out early. Well my guest, Bob Madonna, explained some tips to turnaround the act of networking. And why you should “get over it” and include it in your daily regime.
Why do we need to network? Networking can help bring in business. We all have a “network” of contacts and should work daily on the practice of staying in touch, whether or not we are in sales. You never know when you might be looking for a new position, so it’s a good idea to maintain this practice regularly.
Keys to Success: Ask others how you can help them, instead of the reverse. It will turn your mindset around if you approach networking in this way. Think about ‘paying it forward.” Stay in touch with people, maintain your database of contacts. If there’s people who no longer fit in your criteria, it’s ok to remove them from your list. LinkedIn is a great way to stay in touch with business contacts. If you see that someone got a promotion, send them an email to congratulate them.
Change your expectations – don’t think: “I’m going to this event tonight to get a new client.” That’s not likely to happen – make a plan to get to know a few people and find out how you can help someone else or connect with someone new.
Good Places to Network: Business clubs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, associations. But there’s nothing wrong with weddings and social events – get to know other people wherever you are! LinkedIn is a great way to keep in touch online.
Don’t Do This: Don’t get overexposed – you don’t have to go to every event that sends you an invitation. Be careful of the photos you post online – make sure they are appropriate to the setting. Don’t include too much social into your business networking – while it’s good to get to know someone, you don’t need to share too much!
Getting Started: If you’ve been slacking in this area, now’s the time to start! Just like any other business agenda, you should build a plan. Set goals – how many people should you meet each week, each month? (Bob recommends 2 a day). Then track your results, review who you’ve met and see what events, activities are beneficial to you. Remember, networking takes time. It also can be fun.
Differentiate Yourself: Figure out what makes you or your company unique. Talk about benefits, not products. You may sell alarm systems, but what you are selling the customer is “peace of mind.” Which sounds more appealing?
Here’s some references that Bob recommends on the topic of networking:
• Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi
• Smart Networking – Liz Lynch
• Master of Networking – Ivan Misner &  DonMorgan
• Conversation on Networking – Kay Keenan & Steve Smolinsky
• Business Relationships that Last – Ed Wallace
• Fares to Friends – Ed Wallace
• The Old Girls Network – Whiteley/Elliot/Duckworth
• Network Your Way To Success – Ken Erdman & Tom Sullivan
To listen to this segment in it’s entirety, Marketing Chat with Nancy Sipera 1/23/13
Source: McCoy Enterprises