Successful Marketing Part IV – Networking to Build Your Business

“Do you know a good…?”  That simple question is the beginning of networking!  How often do we look to others for a solid resource that will improve our lives?  This is at least a weekly if not a daily occurrence.  “Do you know a good Vegan restaurant… a good hairstylist… a good mystery novel… a good dentist?  The list is infinite!  Either we ourselves or someone we know is looking for a reputable something or someone. Think about it, if that recommendation is followed through, someone just gained a new client. When situation is appropriate, that someone could be you!

When you add value to the lives of the people that you know, you are networking.  Let me give you a short definition of networking in action. Networking is sharing what you know and whom you know with people that need to know.  As outlined above, a simple networking conversation starts with the question, “Do you know a good…someone or something.  The sharing of that resource is what we know as networking.

Networking Tips

So, how do you network naturally and effectively?  You simply need to be resourceful to other people.  Are you known as the go to person when a service or product is needed by one of your associates?  If not, you can start being that resource by simply keeping track of your recommendations. Additionally, you want to keep in touch with the people to whom you offer recommendations.  This is networking at its finest.

If you were to ask me if I knew of a Virtual Assistant who is proficient in setting up shopping carts, there are a few people to whom I could introduce you. See how easily that works?  When you educate people in your network about the target market that you serve and the problems that you solve for them, you will be a Virtual Assistant that is easily referable.  I’m sure the same is true when people ask you for a much needed resource.

Now, when you think of the many people in your network, that certainly expands the possibilities of resources for you.  There is a wealth of knowledge within the network that you possess.  One of the beautiful qualities of humans is that we like to share.  What is more, we wish the best for others to feel good and do well in life.  This is why networking is such a natural habit for us.  To be most effective, you simply need to provide the right resources for the right people.  Simple!

Formal Networking

When you attend a formal networking event it is good to apply the same principal that you use when doing so informally.  Simply give of yourself. Seek to add value to the people that you meet.  Formal networking events are designed to bring like-minded people together.  For instance, your local Chamber of Commerce probably holds monthly networking events.  That is a formal setting, but when you meet new people the principal is the same. Share what you know and whom you know with those that need to know. Below are a few things to keep in mind so that you will have successful ‘formal networking’ experiences.

• Take the initiative – Go up to people and make new friend.  If you take the initiative, if will help others to relax. We all like to have attention.  Become the attention-giver!
• Ask questions – The best way to get to know people is to ask them questions.  Ask about their business and what brought them to the event.  Allow your conversations to be open and friendly.  Besides, the more you learn about your new friends, it will increase the likelihood of you providing any assistance that they may need from your network.
• Keep in touch – After ending conversations with your new friends, offer to keep in touch.  Make sure you keep your word.  Your new friends can become long-term advocates if you simply keep it touch.

Networking is a no cost to low cost strategy for marketing your business.  This should be one of the foremost strategies that you implement.  There is no activity that can take the place of getting out of your home office and meeting people face to face.

If you have questions or comments about networking, please post them below. We would love to hear from you. We also encourage you to join our LinkedIn forum where you will find resources that will help you to boost your business.