How to Network – The Right Way

Online and offline networking are two completely different animals. When you’re on the internet, you can network with anyone you can find no matter where they are in the world. You don’t have to look great, or even feel great, to post messages on forums and blogs.

The offline world, however, is more judgmental. You should always put your best foot forward when attempting to network in public, and since you never know who you may meet, you should be prepared to network every single time you leave the house. You will, of course, need to be social while networking. You can’t run out from place to place, leave your business cards behind, and never look back. You’ll find that offline networking is easier if you actually spend time building relationships with the people you want to work with.

There are dozens of things you can do offline to spread the word about your business. Here are a few of the things that I found worked best for me when I was getting started.

Join a networking group. There are networking groups all over the country. Simply do a quick Google search and you’ll find groups, clubs, and organisations dedicated to bringing business people together in one place. Meetings may be weekly or monthly, but I guarantee you’ll meet at least one or two people who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

Find a local charity or volunteer group and participate. Volunteerism is essential to society, and there are hundreds of organisations begging for more volunteers on a regular basis. Volunteering is a great way to meet people you might not have otherwise come across – and you’ll have a chance to give back to the community at the same time!

Be a loyal customer. You probably go to the same shop at the same time every morning on the way to work for a cup of coffee or tea. Perhaps you regularly visit the same sandwich shop during your break. If you are loyal to business establishments, they will be loyal to you. You’ll get to know the other patrons, the employees, and even the owners. If someone needs your services, they will be more likely to think of you first.

Take a class. It doesn’t matter when or where. If you have a hobby, find a group or class. You’ll get to meet new people and interact with them while relaxing and doing something you really enjoy.

Networking doesn’t mean introducing yourself, handing over a business card, and walking away. Networking means caring not only about what you have to say, but about what others have to say as well. I’ve seen many business cards pitched into trash bins after unsuspecting souls were forced to take them from a forceful new entrepreneur. I can tell you from experience – make friends with your network, and it will work for you!

Happy Networking!

Sean

Sean McPheat

Marketing Consultant - Internet Marketing Consultant - Sales Expert

Where to Network for the Best Results

Once you’ve become familiar with offline networking by attending a few small gatherings, you’ll want to get down to serious business. I already know that you want to become well known, make sales, meet prospects, and build effective business relationships.

In order to network effectively you’ll need to have a few things:

• A prepared statement you can make about what you do and why it would benefit the person you are speaking to; a commercial, of sorts.
• Dedication to yourself and your business.
• A detailed networking plan.

Your plan will, of course, include details as to when and where you want to market your business. I have found that there are hundreds of opportunities to network on a regular basis, but only a few are absolutely guaranteed to produce results each and every time.

Networking clubs and business organisations. There are plenty of clubs and organisations dedicated solely to allowing business owners to mingle with each other. Many of these clubs will only allow one member per profession. This prevents competition amongst members and allows individuals to network with people who have different skills and services to offer.

Chamber of Commerce business events. Your local Chamber of Commerce is likely to host a number of after-hours networking events throughout the year. These events are usually open to the public and allow both members and non-members to mingle and network.

Get a table at a trade show. Find a general or niche specific trade show or convention. Think out of the box. You will want to find trade shows that specifically target your niche group, but you’ll also want to consider trade shows where those from other walks of life may discover they can use your product or services as well.

Network in restaurants. In a previous post I mentioned being a loyal customer. You should also invite your potential clients to restaurants you frequent regularly. If you know someone who could potentially use the services your client has to offer, invite him as well. This will create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels as though he is benefiting from the meeting. As chance has it, one of you will bump into someone else you know, thus extending your networking web even further.

Attend events held by business journals. Business journals love to hold networking events. You may find yourself invited to an exclusive lunch, special happy hour event, or even a seminar. Network not only with other attendees, but with the business journal hosts as well. People who work for business journals have an extensive list of contacts – they have a very broad range of contacts and tend to know everything about everything going on in the marketplace.

My personal experiences have proven these to be some of the most effective networking events you can attend. I do not discount the effectiveness of any other events, but I have found that the above are consistently productive. I’ve made many great business contacts at these events – and a few wonderful friends, too.

Happy Marketing!

Sean

Sean McPheat

Marketing Consultant - Internet Marketing Consultant - Sales Expert

5 Fatal Networking Mistakes

I could share tons of tips and tricks for effective offline networking, but none of them would do you any good if you walked into a networking situation and did something to instantly create a bad impression. Here are five common mistakes I’ve seen new entrepreneurs make time and time again. Don’t let these things prevent you from growing your business.

1. Unprofessional email addresses. The username you created in high school commemorating your best friend or first love may have been cute back then, but it’s incredibly inappropriate now. If you can’t bear to let it go, create a second email account that you can use for networking purposes. I am much more likely to contact someone with a real email address, such as one that uses their name, than I am to contact someone who uses a ridiculous name such as TooCool4MyShirt.

2. Dressing like you’re ready to work in the yard. I don’t care if you are currently unemployed or if you’re self employed and regularly enjoy a casual dress code. When you attend networking events you should be dressed in a business professional manner and act respectfully. You have no way of knowing who you are going to meet, and it would be terrible to meet someone who might really need your services only to have him walk away thinking you are a slob.

3. Forgetting your business cards. I repeat, carry business cards at all times. Why would you waste your time networking with someone, only to find you can’t give them your contact information at the end of your conversation? The only thing you will end up telling your prospective contact is that you are unprepared. I guarantee that if you end up writing your name and email address on the back of a receipt or napkin it will be thrown away – probably on purpose.

4. Not having a real goal or purpose. Do not attend a networking event, or any type of business function, if you have no idea why you are going. You can’t just “meet people.” Are you networking to find a job, a potential joint venture partner, or a mentor? Perhaps you are simply looking to form a network of contacts so that you can refer your clients to others with unique skills. Knowing your own goals will make holding a conversation much easier.

5. Inability to LISTEN. As a new entrepreneur in a networking situation, it would benefit you greatly to listen to the advice of those you meet. More experienced marketers will often share advice, and they’ll remember you if you are receptive and polite. I’ve attempted to help a few new marketers, but those who act like they already know everything don’t impress me at all and I usually toss their business cards in the bin on my way out the door. Those who show genuine interest in what I have to say, and in themselves, are the ones I’m more likely to help.

Networking with others can be a scary experience, especially if it’s not something you’re used to. Relax, breathe, and remember to act professionally and respectfully at all times. The rest will come together by itself.

Happy Networking!

Sean

Sean McPheat

Marketing Consultant - Internet Marketing Consultant - Sales Expert