Less than three months after I was hired to man a cubicle for the first time in my life, I heard people throughout the office weeping openly. I’m in my mid 40s, so the fact that this was my first grunt job is a bit strange. The truth is, I have been self employed most of my life, and I was ill prepared for the “The Office.” Not the kind like those funny guys on TV, but the usual, cubicle-laden type office.
Instead of keeping viewers, this form of advertising only made TV seem less relevant and accentuated the importance of the Internet. Smart TV companies are making TV only part of the story. I’ve done this for years in my radio show. I have a website and during my show I will discuss ten networking humor with an expert on the subject and cover around 5. Instead of rushing to cover all ten I encourage the audience to visit my website for the rest of the list. While they are there, they are still seeing the advertisers of all my media. Smart TV shows will do more of this and less giving away their audience to their biggest competitor — the Internet.
People like freebies and tips. Offer your best tips on working from home on software defined networking direct sales web designing and marketing and even Twitter tips. There are tips for everything so find something in your niche that you think would be valuable information. Throw in a few freebies as everyone loves something for free.
A key step to overcoming shyness is preparation and practice. Write down in advance some questions you think will stimulate and sustain a conversation. If you find yourself somewhat nervous when meeting someone new, try practicing what you are going to say with another person or even to yourself in the mirror. Then practice in an environment where you won’t feel intimidated. Role-play with someone you feel comfortable with. This way, when you feel unsure of yourself, you will still have an idea of what you want to say and how you are going to say it. You may even want to write out some questions on 3×5 cards and read them before you attend the meeting or event.
Decide what your signature talk is and then find places to present it. The more groups you can speak to, the more you are seen as an expert in your field. Many of the networking groups, associations and clubs that you visit are looking for speakers. So, while you may visit at first to meet people, your second objective is to ask if they are looking for speakers.
An automobile is another place where you can advertise your website by placing a detachable magnetic sign on the doors. In traffic or just parked, your business name and web address will be seen by more people.
Sort the list to look for qualities they all have in common (or that most of them have). Any characteristics that a majority of your best customers have? Write those all down and you’ll see a description of your best customer. Most of your networking activities now need to be focused on meeting, serving and building mutually beneficial relationships with more people like them. See my article “How to Use Networking to Find More of Your Ideal Customers and Clients” for networking tips.