If you find yourself somewhat at a loss when it comes to small talk or conversing at networking events, borrow a lesson from professional speakers. They prepare their speeches, research their audiences and practice in advance so that every presentation is interesting, compelling and helps them fulfill their mission and grow their businesses.
It would be unwise on your part to expect that your business will survive even if you compromise with the quality of your training and marketing. Hence, in order to avoid this situation, make sure to arrange for a monthly estimate or budget. Immediately after you earn a certain sum of money, keep aside a portion as your savings. You can re-invest this money later for taking your business to a further level.
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 fundamentals that they found successful. Check these out and learn.
If you plan on getting into the networking business, shyness is going to really hobble your efforts. software defined 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!
Many local Coffee Shops and Laundromats have bulletin boards where you can put your business cards or flyers. Many people look for something to read or do when in these locations.
Your key to success is to be able to sell yourself in a positive way and let’s face it, selling doesn’t come naturally to everybody (me included), so it’s important to take time and consider how you can develop that certain je ne sais quoi that make you stand out from the crowd.
While the risks are many the reward in many cases will outweigh the risk. You should choose to jump in if this is the case. But you should do so after careful examination of all the factors that will impact your success. The most successful launches of new groups always begin by identifying a core group of key participants that will bring excitement to the group. These participants should be people you know well but don’t network with as often as you would like. Once you’ve identified a core group, choose a day of the week and time that works for everyone and stick to it. Have an initial meeting to get the group going and to determine the other business categories you wish to fill. Then plan a launch party with at least four weeks notice.
For more info: Check back regularly for the NY Women’s Business Examiner’s tips on the best business resources, networking groups and business development. Visit Global Visionary Startup Services for additional business plan options.
Social Networks like Facebook and Twitter are two examples. Spend a little time looking around these sites to see how things work, then jump in! Being on these networks will keep your business in front of people that may be interested in getting some work done. Post useful information, answer questions, look professional but don’t be pushy. This works. Social networking is the fastest growing segment online (my mom is on Facebook), make use of this growing market now.
Apply these business networking techniques and you stand a real chance of developing your business in a way that you feel comfortable; in fact, you might even start to enjoy it!