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Networking |
by:
Brian
K Grinonneau |
Put join a group
on your to do list with a big underline, star and happy face.
You’ll be glad you did for more reasons than you can count. And
the advice is coming from this confirmed non-networker who, in
20 years of business, considered networking a colossal waste of
time. The old dog is here with a new trick.
Business networking groups bring together people who, most times,
are self- employed, successful entrepreneurs or corporate folk
paid truly paid for their efforts. (see commissioned salesperson)
The types of businesses these networkers represent vary, but the
commonality is they meet to share, learn and become better at
their craft.
The networking meetings are held at times that are fairly convenient
even for the most type A business owner. Early morning, mid-day
or evening are the popular meeting times and all involve food
of some type, contests, and sometimes cocktails.
There is a networking etiquette that is a mix of business sense
and remembering what your mother taught you. Be nice. Smile. Be
genuine. Don’t show up looking to dazzle everyone you meet with
your slick sales pitch. To be sure, meet a lot of people, hand
out a lot of cards, but give before taking. Listen more than you
talk. Question more than you answer. Care about someone else and
their plight.
What’s in it for me? That’s the common question in many business
conversations. Here’s what you get by joining a networking group:
New contacts--what business can’t use more contacts? The fellow
businesspersons you meet might be able to use your service. They
also know lots of people and aren’t shy about recommending you.
You look like an expert to your customers. As you meet new professionals,
you won’t hesitate to recommend them to your customers to handle
tasks you don’t. Your stock will rise appreciably with your customer
for being such a willing problem solver.
Education. The meetings always revolve around a guest speaker
who will bring to you valuable information about topics ranging
from accounting to law, sales to hiring an employee and much more.
Friendship. Everyone can use more friends. Imagine playing golf
with those that share your passion.
Advice. Ask around and fellow networkers will be glad to dispense
it for free and many have already faced the same situation you
now have.
Find a local networking group and get involved. It will be one
of the best decisions you ever made. Go ahead. Write it down.
Your to do list is waiting.
About the author:
Brian Grinonneau is the general manager of McMann and Tate Advertising,
an agency working exclusively with small business clients to help
them cut through the clutter and stand out from the crowd.
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