Professionals net-work all the time getting to know one another and thus creating trust. I regularly receive referrals from my friends and acquaintances in all my social networks. That happens because they know what I do and they know me. And likewise, I know them and what they do so I can easily make excellent referrals.
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.
Email is another relationship building platform. Many gurus have beautifully branded emails. Others are just plain good reading without any branding logo. Yet, both have a feel and look to them. And, their personality shows through their branding efforts and communications to you. They are using marketing and networking tips to get a job that they found successful. Check these out and learn.
Do you need to know what you are doing? No. If that were true, most businesses would never get off the ground. There is tremendous support both from other businesses to government sponsored development corporations to point you in the right direction. Many small business networking groups generate workshops on management topics, not to mention the glut of information on the internet. Line up a group of trusted advisors and take their advice.
Blogging is one of the most effective ways on how to earn unlimitedly online. All you got to do is to focus on a niche your expertise or a software defined networking specific subject famous in the online world’s search engines.
Surround 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.
As you network, be authentic. No one likes a know-it-all any more than a wallflower. Be yourself and be real. Above all else, remember your manners. Thank those who help you.