Whether you are self-employed or working for a company, networking is one of the critical skills you need in the work environment. Your network can help you quickly respond to work changes (e.g. downsizing, client loss) by putting you in touch with new contacts and opportunities. Here are 10 networking tips to keep in mind.
Now there are certain things that you shouldn’t outsource when it comes to social networking sites and we’ll talk more about that in my next article “How To Outsource Your Social Networking…The RIGHT Way” For now, just keep in mind that anything that involves talking to people in your network needs to be done by you and you only. You could be missing a ton of new business opportunities if you’re not connecting with the people in your social networking groups on some level. A virtual assistant is great for setting up your account profile, adding photos, articles, and status updates too. They’ll do an excellent job of keeping your account “active” but it’s still up to you to be sociable.
FOLLOW-UP! This is very, very, very important. Write reminders on the back of the business cards you’ve collected (ex. great smile, knows Prospect Z). Send out follow-up notes the next day. Be the one to make the calls for those lunches you promised to do. Make things happen. This is where the champions come through.
What do people say about you, how do they perceive you? Pay attention to how others describe you when they introduce you and how they treat you. Are you described as fun loving, compassionate, professional or creative? Do these descriptions align with your values and what you stand for?
What sets you apart from the crowd, what is your unique “shining” point? What achievements and accomplishments, dreams or desires reveal the emotional, inner side of you and how do you promote that side of you. Customers and clients want to feel they know and trust you enough to do business with you.
To me, being efficient means working smarter. Here are Five software defined networking protocols that will increase your brand exposure and overall business health immediately.
If you plan on getting into the software defined networking business, shyness is going to really hobble your efforts. Networking by its very nature involves getting to know people, and if you can’t take the initial step to introduce yourself, you will be hiding inside the bathroom for an hour before anyone notices you’ve gone!
CONTACTING ALL THOSE YOU KNOW – The probably most obvious form of networking is done by going through your entire address book and business card collection. Setting up an organized routine of systematically working through your list; communicating with friends, family, coworkers, colleagues, and acquaintances keeps you on track. Make sure to also include association members, church friends, people you volunteer with, and your children’s friends’ parents, coaches, and teachers on your contact list. Stay aware for opportune moments to mention you are looking for work, start with those in similar industry or field so they can keep their ears open and maybe make a few calls to others who can make a few calls to others – and so on – and so on – and so on…
Check through this list and see how easy it is to combine Offline Marketing with Online Marketing. It really works…so use these resources to grow your business now!