I recently got a call from a reader who admitted to being very introverted, but still wanted to improve her networking results. I thought other introverts might benefit from what I shared, so here’s the essence of that conversation:
Networking Strategies
Embrace Permission Marketing
Ever meet someone at a networking event who turned you off quickly with a negative first impression? Or, who really annoyed you with ineffective follow up? I have – lots of times. I call them ‘Networking Slugs’. They earn that designation for different reasons, but mostly because they don’t practice the simple art of Permission Marketing. Here’s what Networking Pros do to avoid that title when networking or building relationships:
Taking it to the Top
A new client recently engaged Effective Training & Communication to thoroughly enhance his client communication strategies and tactics. A part of that process is to take his typical Elevator Speech up several notches. What follows is a summary of the exercise I created for him. Follow the steps, fill in your particular details and really take your elevator speech to the top.
Networking with Class & Style
Professional association events can really fill up your days and nights with networking opportunities this time of year. You could easily attend several breakfast, lunch, dinner or happy hour events every week, gain 100 pounds and pick up lots of business cards.
What To Do AFTER Your Elevator Speech
As wannabe Power Networkers, many of you polish your finely-crafted Elevator Speeches or 30-second commercials and deliver them with passion and purpose every chance you get. Great. So let’s assume you’ve just done that at a professional group meeting or networking event … now what do you do?
Network With A Strategic Plan
With most businesses, failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s the same simple paradigm for networking like a pro instead of an amateur. And it all starts with the reason(s) why you’re networking. Whether you want to learn things to help you do your job better, look for a better job or grow your business, network with a Strategic Plan. Here’s how:
Work the Room Like a Pro
So you’ve decided to attend a professional group event to do some networking. Good for you … but you’ll need to work the room like a pro – with focus, finesse and flexibility. Here are 10 simple Best Practices to increase your skills and confidence … and results.
Your Name Tag Says ‘Look Here … !’
One of the simplest tools in your Power Networking Tool Kit is the name tag you wear at networking events. Everyone uses them, but few people do so strategically to add to a positive first impression and enhance your networking process. Really … I’m not making this up.
Network with a Focused Script
The goal of your first brief networking interaction with a stranger is to begin to answer the question “Is this someone I want to get to know better; someone who can help me … or who I can help?” To do that, you need information.
How Many is Too Many?
Many entrepreneurs strategically use professional, industry and business group involvement to market their services, network and communicate their brand. Such groups offer varying amounts of opportunities for learning, professional development, networking, volunteering and … even socializing.