How many times have you heard your friends boast of their HP MFP for their small businesses? Were these the reasons behind why you also want to invest on one for your own office? Well, before you even buy your all-in-one printer from the manufacturer, it pays to look at some pros and cons of these products.
When I talk about networking, it is more than just going to networking groups. It is about sharing your message with people you know and scheduling individual meetings too.
Plan a telephone conference call with each potential member at a time that is convenient for everyone. On this call, people can tentatively introduce themselves to each other and discuss the best times and places to meet each week.
How does a professional speaker develop a speech? They have three basic parts that they work on in a prepared presentation: structure, content and delivery. Think about these questions before your next business to business networking event and you’ll never be at a loss for what to say (and how to say it). Here are three sets of networking used in a sentence based on this presentation format. Next time you are wondering how to network, start with this basic set up and have answers ready to these questions.
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.
Get yourself a business card, or “career card.” You’re a professional with some skills, education and a bit of experience, right? So what if no one has hired you to put all of that awesomeness to work yet? You still need to come across professionally to all that you meet. Without it, how do you anticipate giving out your contact info? On the back of a bank deposit slip? Shoving one of your resumes into software defined networking their suit pocket? Maybe even add a phrase about what you do or want to do.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. If you want help or to build connections, you have to be able to explain what you’re looking for.
Whittle down to your favorite(s). You can stick to one group, three groups, or all groups you attended–but make sure to remember that what you get out of each group is what you give to it. Invest your valuable time in a valuable group, and you will see great results for you and your business. And you’ll make some good friends along the way, too.