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Perhaps you love networking. Or not. Either way, it’s a simple and highly effective way to create more profits in your business. Listen in as my friend Devora Zack, author of “Networking for People Who Hate Networking” and a veteran consultant shares her best networking tips. (She’s been in business for 15 years and is 100% referral based!) Click on the play button above to listen in.
Take Away Tips:
- Networking is a necessary activity to be successful as a small business owner.
- The REAL definition of networking is building meaningful connections one person at a time. It’s about developing mutually beneficial relationships.
- Less is more. Don’t try to hit every event you come across. Decide if the opportunity will present opportunities to creating meaningful connections with the people you want to meet.
- To prepare well, learn as much as you can about the event and who’s going to be there. Do some research. Prepare a few questions.
- Be sure to arrive at the event early! A lot of the best networking takes place right at the beginning. It’s easier to start conversations in the beginning.
- You might considering volunteering to help at the event. That will give you a purpose and an opportunity to talk to people without feeling opportunity.
- Set specific goals for the event. Go for quality, not quanity.
- You don’t have to have an “elevator pitch”. Focus on the other person. Ask a few interesting questions. People typically like talking abou themselves.
- Write down something about the person on their business card so you remember the conversation.
- The real networking happens in the follow-up. Be sure to follow-up within 48 hours tops!
- Personalize your follow-up and offer something of value.
- continue the relationship and maintain the connection. Be tenacious in a polite way.
Be sure to check out Devora’s book, “Networking For People Who Hate Networking”
About Devora Zack
Devora Zack is author of the award-winning Networking for People Who Hate Networking and president of Only Connect Consulting, Inc. She is also an executive coach and strategy consultant. Her company has grown annually for 15 years as a 100% referral-based business with 75+ private and public sector clients.
Ms. Zack’s book has been featured in dozens of major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox News, British Airways, Forbes, CEO, and globally in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
