Serendipity – the idea that “you never know who you might meet”-is a fun, encouraging and motivating philosophy to have in networking. And you’ve got to have an absolute focus on exactly the kind of people and business owners you need to meet. Otherwise, you might have a lot of fun networking, but eventually the lack of results will quench your interest.
Surround networking groups in phoenix yourself with optimistic supportive people. Misery may love company, but this is not the time to commiserate. You need to remain focused, positive, and inspired.
Step 1, Write a full-blown business plan, executive summary, and obtain a private placement memorandum. Why do you really need this? For legal protection, and to show investors that you are really serious. There is nothing worse than a POORLY WRITTEN business plan that shows that the software defined networking entrepreneur is going to run the business inefficiently. I mean think about it, if you are trying to cut corners at step 1, you will cut corners once your business opens.
One of the big mistakes made with networking is missing out on potential opportunities. You’ll be going to networking events to meet new people and to build relationships, so it is important not to go away with a bunch of business cards and then file them in a drawer somewhere. Follow up is key.
Start networking. Networking is still the best way to get a job. Spread the word that you are in job search mode among your friends, family, former co-workers — anyone that you know who could help with your job search. Dig up names from internships or summer jobs and reach out to those people. Join online networking groups (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
You want to educate potential clients on your business and article postings such as this one are a great way to get your name out there. Once your article is written it usually takes another 30 MINUTES to post it if you’re not already registered. Setting up the account, formatting your article properly based on the site’s specifications, and a few last minute spell checks can be pretty time consuming. From now on, write an article in word and email it to your virtual assistant with a list of placed you’d like to have it submitted. Done! Now your article can be uploaded to NUMEROUS websites and you’ve moved on to something else.
Here’s a secret about networking (and about relationships in general) – people are scared. We all want to stay in our comfort zones, and we don’t want to risk rejection. So that great contact you made at the last event who never called you for lunch didn’t necessarily not like you. He or she might simply be a little nervous. You want to get to know them better? Make the call. You won’t always get a yes, but I can guarantee you’ll have more lunch plans and interesting meetings than all those people sitting in their offices waiting for their phones to ring. No one is coming – you gotta go out there and get ’em!